/r/dcl

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A subreddit for those who love sailing the seven seas with Mickey Mouse and friends. Share stories, pictures, personal navigators and tips for those new to the Disney Cruise Line.

Welcome to /r/dcl ! Home to Reddit fans of Disney Cruise Line!

If you have ever dreamed of what it would be like to sail aboard a Disney cruise ship, or wonder what new upgrades are available on each ship, then this is the subreddit for you! Share your stories from aboard the Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream, or Fantasy here.


Our wiki is always a work in progress, but is a good starting point for learning about Cruising with Mickey and Friends!


Disclaimer:

/r/dcl is not authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of their affiliates. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are proprietary to Disney Enterprises, Inc., its subsidiary, affiliated and related companies, as the case may be. For official Disney information, visit http://www.disney.com


Other Disney Parks and Destinations:

r/DisneyWorld

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r/Epcot

r/DisneyAnimalKingdom

r/DisneyHS

r/DisneySprings

r/Disneyland

r/disneylandparis

r/TokyoDisneySea

r/HongKongDisneyland

r/ShanghaiDisneyland

/r/dcl

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0

r/dcl's Weekly Trip Planning Thread

Welcome to r/dcl!

We’re here to help you plan your cruise and give you as much advice as possible, straight from the reddit community here on this subreddit.

We know you've probably got a million questions for us, so we'd like to take a moment to remind you to check out the FAQ, where you can find many pages about various topics here to help you with your trip from start to finish!

0 Comments
2024/11/04
05:02 UTC

0

Disney Wonder 2 night cruise tips please

First time cruiser here and have booked a 2-night cruise on the Wonder for me and my almost-3yo daughter. It's sort of a girls' birthday trip and I'm the solo adult accompanying her. I'd be keen for any tips you have to make the most of our time and also for meals.

We are booked into the late dinner as she can go to bed late (sometimes with a nap during the day).

I'm realistic on what we can achieve given the short time (and we are not keen on super long lines or pushing through crowds if possible), but would welcome any tips.

TIA!

4 Comments
2024/11/03
23:39 UTC

2

Hotel and transportation suggestions - Galveston

Booking a February cruise on the Magic out of Galveston. Will fly in the day before and probably fly back the day after disembarking (this is up in the air).

Haven’t looked into flights yet, but Hobby and IAH are both possible. Hobby is most likely because I prefer Delta and Southwest.

Just me and the wife so I would consider Disney transport to the ship but open to most anything.

Been to Houston several times so I would prefer getting to see Galveston. Any and all suggestions, welcome.

8 Comments
2024/11/03
23:39 UTC

0

1 bedroom suite - room service options on the Dream?

Do the 1-bedroom suites on the Dream have an upgraded room service menu? (I know on the Wish that is true.) If we wanted to order dinner from the main dining room to our room, are we able to order at any time during dinner service hours?

1 Comment
2024/11/03
17:26 UTC

13

Imagine an auction of items from the Magic and Wonder when they are decommissioned...

I was reading this article https://www.afar.com/magazine/historic-cruise-ships-are-at-risk-peter-knego-saves-them and couldn't help but wonder if Disney is considering selling/auctioning parts of these ships when they get decommissioned. (I'll assume for the sake of imagination that Disney will not sell the ships to another company).

And I will assume the artwork such as the Chihuly would be preserved - but maybe by auction ?

So rather than just beach them and be done with it, I would really like to see if they intend to auction some of the items. An example is something I would want - the umbrella/coat rack from the Crown and Fin on the Wonder.

So if you had the money, space and so on, is there anything there you would want?

12 Comments
2024/11/03
13:54 UTC

3

Diaper bags

We are first timers traveling with three kids, including a 2 year old still in diapers.

Flying from the northeast into FFL on Friday.

For those with littles, do you end up carrying your diaper bag all around the ship with you for any potential blow outs on the fly?

8 Comments
2024/11/03
12:28 UTC

3

First time with Kids

Hello everyone! We are cruising on the Fantasy next week. Super excited, itinerary is castaway, lookout, Nassau, castaway with only one day at sea.

My wife and I have cruised with Disney twice in the past but that was a lifetime ago before the kids. We have triplet 8 year olds. Any tips on cruising with kids? What to expect? Any trip saving advice?

We are hoping they love the kids club. sounds like the best thing to do is bring them there as soon as possible for the open house part and get them acclimated.

With two stops at Castaway, anything we should make sure to do first or make sure to wait on the second stop?

Also, any tips on how to get a Paolo brunch for 2? I guess since there’s only one day at sea the reservations filled up before our status was allowed to try to make a reservation.

8 Comments
2024/11/02
22:35 UTC

2

Chase Discount Onboard Credit

Hi everyone! I’m heading out on the Wish next weekend and am looking at buying the Sam’s Club deal on gift cards.

My question is, if I add onboard credit to my account though the gifts website, will I still be eligible for the Spa and Merch chase discount?

22 Comments
2024/11/02
16:07 UTC

0

First time going in Jan out of Galveston

first time cruisers was wondering about Galveston is even have any good tips we live in Amarillo so we're thinking about driving. Is it really worth a plane ticket?

15 Comments
2024/11/02
03:33 UTC

3

San Juan Airport Departure Time Advice?

Disney recommends earliest departure out of San Juan airport after debarkation to be 11:15am. I have a possible flight option for 10:45am which will get us home 4-5 hours before the next available flight. What is everyone's thoughts on making a 10:45am flight if we do express walk off with our luggage and sign up for Disney transport (which is currently not booking but will be available soon according to DCL cast member I spoke with today)? If it matters, we all have TSA PreCheck.

16 Comments
2024/11/02
01:38 UTC

5

More Disney fans on DCL or at Disney’s Aulani?

I am at Aulani Resort in Hawaii and there doesn’t seem to be the same amount of t-shirts, swimwear, accessories, being worn by guests as on DCL cruises. Got the wife and I wondering, which has a higher percentage of Disney fans and why do you think?

8 Comments
2024/11/02
00:20 UTC

4

Hotels near Fort Lauderdale Port

I’m sailing on the Dream end of January out of Fort Lauderdale- what are the best hotels close to port that you’ve stayed at? Just myself and a friend one night before the cruise. We’d like a nice place close to good restaurants:)

11 Comments
2024/11/01
22:04 UTC

1

Gift Idea Help!

Hey all, I need help brainstorming some ideas for gifts for a family group cruise.

We are taking my son for his first Disney cruise in March. My parents (have cruised), my husband’s parents (DCL newbies), and my aunt and uncle (have cruised) are all going with us!

I would like to get them Christmas gifts to get ready for the trip. I’m not thrilled with the idea of Disney gift cards, and I’m having a hard time thinking of unique ideas or interesting things they may not already have or have thought of. Im looking at door decorations to coordinate all together as our room will be in a row, but beyond that I’m a little stuck.

5 Comments
2024/11/01
21:10 UTC

7

If you have been to BOTH Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and you could PICK which island was on your next cruise, which would you pick?

The title says it all! Which would you pick and why?

View Poll

9 Comments
2024/11/01
15:43 UTC

8

Unable to purchase Luxury at Sea for Two Romance Package

Anyone else having issues purchasing the Luxury at Sea Package? It's the package with the Robes, Chocolates, and Champagne. Every time I try to add to my shopping bag, those darn dwarves show up saying there's a problem. I thought at first it was because the cruise wasn't paid off yet, but now it's fully paid and I still can't purchase. My cruise is in March, booking window is December 5th, but I didn't think I needed to wait for in room gifts? I thought only reservation type purchases like Special Dining and Excursions needed to wait till booking date. Any insight is appreciated. I know I can call, but I don't want to wait on the phone if you all have experience and know the answer. TIA. :-)

Edit to add: I’m GTY, so maybe that’s why?

22 Comments
2024/11/01
15:08 UTC

1

Price fluctuation?

Is anyone familiar with whether a cruise price generally goes up or down after the final payment due date passes? I am looking at a cruise for March 2025 that requires final payment due in November 2024. Trying to determine whether I should pull the trigger now, or after that final payment due date with hopes that the price goes down slightly.

37 Comments
2024/10/31
22:44 UTC

13

Is the Treasure on its transit from Europe to the US?

I was looking at https://www.cruisemapper.com/ and it looks like the Treasure is headed across the Atlantic. There were also a few videos and pictures uploaded to the usual social media sites from people with luggage boarding the Treasure.

I assume that since it is only a few weeks away from its inaugural sailing that its cross Atlantic transit has started. The documentary on the Wish had a similar set of people on board as they worked their way across the Atlantic before their first cruise. But I figured I would ask that question here to see if anyone could confirm. Anyone have any insight here?

And a second question, how can I get on one of these "pre-cruises :)" ? That would be a D23 contest I would certainly enter.

14 Comments
2024/10/31
18:24 UTC

3

Lighthouse Point Snorkeling

Hi there! We were just allowed to book activities for our January cruise. What is the difference between just the regular snorkeling at the beach and the 100ish dollar snorkeling add on for the Lighthouse Point. Has anyone done it yet? Thank you!

6 Comments
2024/10/31
17:36 UTC

7

Marvel characters on the Wonder?

Does anyone know which Marvel characters usually show up at the oceaneers club, or other places, on the Wonder? The website just says Captain America, but I'm guessing there's more?

10 Comments
2024/10/31
04:59 UTC

3

Online check in

Do I have to upload everything before it will let me select a boarding time? It says temporarily locked still. Thank you.

2 Comments
2024/10/31
04:19 UTC

0

Park to Port - Cheapest options and availability

Hi,

For people going from Parks to Port and back, I am considering Uber or Lyft to save some money.

DCL transport becomes pretty expensive for a family of 5 and other private transportation do not save us enough money compared to the convenience of DCL.

I never do long Uber rides like that, so I have 3 questions:

  1. Since it’s quite a long ride, how easy is it to get a UberXL to accept the ride from the Park? Did you have a long wait?

  2. When getting out in Port Canaveral, are there a lot of Ubers accepting rides to Orlando?

  3. In the places I’ve used Uber, planning ahead made the price jumped by 50-75%, making it much less interesting. What’s your experience in Orlando/Port Canaveral?

I’d like to save money, but not at the expense of wasting an hour waiting for a ride.

6 Comments
2024/10/31
00:55 UTC

0

Let’s talk about coffee

I found that DCL has the worst coffee of all lines. The free option that they have comes from a bag. It is taste like trash. All I want is a decent brew in the morning. I know cove cafe has some great coffee, but 8-10$ for a cup is just too much for me.

48 Comments
2024/10/30
21:55 UTC

4

Can I bring 4 packs of 16oz beers onboard?

Like the title says. I'm trying to see if anyone has experience doing this. Most of the beers I drink come in 4 pack 16 Oz cans. Is this allowed? Or should I try and find 6 pack 12 Oz cans of something else. Advice appreciated.

20 Comments
2024/10/30
20:31 UTC

5

How much to tip????

Going on a discounted fare, which included prepaid gratuities. It’s my second DCL experience, so I know the level of service to expect, but I just don’t know how much extra I should tip! I’m not trying to get into a debate about if tipping extra is required/expected/ethical/outdated. But I know I’m getting a good deal on a service that I loved last time, and I just want to pay it forward in a reasonable way. I’m not a rich person (notice, we waited for the discounted fares). But $14.50/night (prepaid) seems low? Do people do an extra $5? Or $10? I’m sure big spenders do $100s, so maybe this is an impossible question. Just looking for some advice, please :)

17 Comments
2024/10/30
18:47 UTC

14

Are paid automatic gratuities just used to offset salaries like with other cruise lines?

I came across this post where paid tips are just used to subsidize the salary that Royal Carribean pays out to its workers. Is this the same on Disney? Ie. if we remove gratuities, the workers still get a guaranteed salary no matter what?

https://www.reddit.com/r/royalcaribbean/comments/1gfnqgg/automatic_gratuities_offsets_rcis_payroll_costs/

EDIT: I didn’t want to be subsidizing a huge multi billion dollar company and instead ensure the tip money goes to crew.

50 Comments
2024/10/30
18:01 UTC

7

Cruising with 1 year old, I have questions :)

Kiddo will be 14 months during this cruise, and currently still breastfeeds especially to fall asleep for naps/bedtime (although she can feed before and then be rocked to sleep). We aren’t relying too heavily on the nursery but I did book for a couple of days just so we can see the adults only area/one of the shows. Can I quickly check her out to feed and check back in within our booked time?

Can we get away with leaving our stroller at home and just bringing our carrier? Also curious how dinner works at this age—she doesn’t do purées, but does usually eat off our plates or has a smaller portion of our meal.

Any other tips/advice from fellow parents appreciated. :)

14 Comments
2024/10/30
16:49 UTC

0

Wine rules

is there an alcohol percentage limit on the wines? will they take the bottles out and inspect them / check alcohol percent? trying to bring whatever is the highest allowed without it being confiscated…

15 Comments
2024/10/30
02:31 UTC

10

Are cabin balconies on Disney magic toddler safe?

Some of the pictures I've seen there is a plastic screen between the balcony rails, is that the case? I don't want a little person falling overboard!

14 Comments
2024/10/29
22:20 UTC

9

Family Reunion Potential?

Hi Experienced DCL Cruisers,

I’ve never been on a DCL cruise, but I’m thinking about planning a cruise for my family’s reunion next year (2025.) DCL seems like a great option for the adults and kids, entertainment-wise. It’s just a little pricey for some members of our family.

Is anyone aware of a travel agency that may be able to provide discounts or offers for a large group? There would likely be about 25-28 of us sailing.

Thank you for your insight on large group sailing! The merits and drawback of a disney cruise for this type of trip would also be welcome!

8 Comments
2024/10/29
18:55 UTC

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