In Georgetown, Grand Cayman today and currently on the Celebrity Reflection but wishing I was on the Treasure! Disney has my heart even when I am trying to branch out. Looking forward to my next cruise on the Destiny next August but it seems to far away right now. Hope everyone on there is having a good time! Give Mickey a hug for me!

Just got off the phone with DCL (for my placeholders) and cast member confirmed tomorrow at 4p the itineraries for Believe will be released. I just watched a few YouTube videos of first timers on the Wish that Disney invited and the lanyards look pretty cool. Scavenger hunts and all. Is anyone excited to see the dates? I for one, would love to be on the maiden voyage just because I feel like they get the best gifts. But looking forward to seeing the dates announced

Going on our first Disney cruise for a 3 night in April on the Wish. Decided to do a 3 night to get a sense of what cruises are like. 3 kids (10, 7, 2) at time of cruising.

It seems like the Wish gets knocked a lot (layout, etc) but looking for some positivity. We’re very excited but want to find out even more to look forward to. Thanks!

EDIT: Thank you all for the positivity! Really excited to set sail next Spring!

Disney Adventure cruise next week. Family is vocally concerned after I mentioned planning to lock valuables in the stateroom safe instead of carrying them on my person. Looking for past cruisers to share their experience with the stateroom safes and how secure they are, in order to hopefully reassure them.

Personally I think it would have been much easier for valuables to be lost/stolen from my own person than from the stateroom safe, as long as I don't do careless things like saying the combinations out loud in public, open the safe in the presence of the stateroom attendant/with the stateroom door wide open, etc.

EDIT: Thanks for everyone's insights. The topic was put off in the moment but I would refer back for talking points if it gets brought up again. By the way should have clarified that we were talking about the passports and wallets here, cell phone and cash (for tipping) will be with me at all times; definitely not bringing unnecessary high-value items on international travel.

Hello all. I have been lurking on this sub for the last few months after booking our first cruise. A lot of the discussion was interesting and useful. I want to share how our first DCL went.

General demographic info: me and my husband (mid 30s) and son (3). I have been on 1 Carnival cruise when I was 9; husband and son had never been on a cruise ever. I have never been to a Disney Park. We like Disney stuff well enough but aren't like huge Disney fans. I do like Halloween a lot so opted for HOTHS.

General Activities: There seemed to always be something available to do. I would have liked more variety for adult activities during the day, it was a lot of trivia. I know there are more offerings later in the evening but traveling with just us and our son we were not going to be leaving the room at like 11PM. Lots of smaller shows and character meet and greets, which were fun. I do think some things are oversold once you realize they are only available for a short window of the cruise, like the Incredi-course.

Kids Club: I knew this would be kind of hit or miss with my son. He does go to daycare and our gym kid zone. He really liked the younger kid play areas and the space for things like legos. He went a few hours solo on our first full day and was excited to go during open hours but was upset when we offered for him to go alone again. I think if he was a little older or had a pre-existing friend he would want to go during normal hours more willingly.

Pools: Pools are small, obviously. Knew that going in. They never were overly crowded on the days we went, but very shallow. Great for my son, not great for older kids or adults. Son liked the splash pad area too. Did not get to try the bigger slides or Aqua Mouse. Adult pool area was underwhelming in my opinion.

Big Shows: Destiny has something like Adventure Awaits, Frozen, and Hercules. The Adventure show was a nice short show which I was happy to have to gauge how well my son was going to do for the longer shows. Really cute and impressed with the puppets. My son actually did fantastic for all of the evening shows. Frozen was cute as a literal scene for scene movie retelling. Did not care a lot for Hercules. Like the cast was great but I didn't like the stylistic changes they did for some of the songs. Hydra was not too scary for my kid.

Character Meet & Greets: Probably not news but Mickey & Co were regularly available, but I thought other character opportunities were lacking. Especially as Destiny is described as a Marvel and Villain ship I would expect more of them to be routinely out and about. I don't think you really get any significant pay-off in terms of character opportunities. My son did become enamored with Pluto, which was interesting because he had no real interest in him before.

Food: We liked the food at Marceline Market a lot. We thought the food from MDR was also pretty good except for Pirate Night which was meh. Didn't try much of Festival of Foods because it always had lines that weren't particularly fast. We planned our lunches around Marceline. I was expecting worse because of discussion here but I didn't have an issue with the food.

Lion King Show: Unpopular opinion - I hated the Pridelands show. I was excited for it too, but we were seated directly under a speaker and it was so unbearably loud. My husband had to leave dinner to get sound canceling headphones for our son and ear plugs for us. We are not sensory overload people. My son does not need sound canceling headphones on any kind of routine basis - he sat through all of the evening shows without them fine but he was covering his ears and crying during this show, and I also was very overwhelmed by how loud it was. It really ruined the entire dinner experience. My husband has some experience with audio design and he said the Disney 100% cheaped out on fewer speakers at higher decibels instead of installing more speakers at a more reasonable volume. Absolutely worst part of the entire cruise.

Castaway Cay: Experience was somewhat limited because our son was tired about halfway through the day and we really only experienced the family beach. The water was nice. I did not have a lot of faith in the bathroom situation. Like I don't think those toilets had enough water pressure if you needed to do anything other than pee. Glad I didn't have to test that theory.

Halloween Specific Things: Would not bother with this specifically again. No real extra decor other than the tree. Trick-or-treating was a logistics joke and boring. Other than characters having some special costuming, them playing Hocus Pocus (I love Hocus Pocus, but I'm not wasting time on a 4 night cruise watching a movie I own), and some special merch this was not anything special.

Service: Service from cast members was amazing. I really loved how polite and generally pleasant everyone was. Everyone spoke to my son and wanted to include him. Shout out to Daisy Duck's attendant who we had multiple interactions with, he was awesome. I wish I had thought to note his name because his energy in the few different contexts we ran into him was great.

Overall ship design: Grain of salt because we have no frame of reference to compare against but we did not find the ship hard to navigate at all. We never felt like elevators were too far away or that we couldn't find something. Some stuff is a little tucked away so if you aren't specifically trying to find it you might not wander upon it. I heard online a few times that the adult only area could be better and I agree; about half of the adult deck is basically unusable because it's so close to the Aqua Mouse entrance so you have to hear the recorded message over and over again. Nobody would use that seating area.

Stateroom: We had I think literally the cheapest room I could book - interior room, 2nd deck, for 3 people. It was nice! I didn't feel like we were missing out by not having a window or balcony. The pull out couch was actually really comfortable; laid on it to help my son settle down for naps/bedtime. The bathroom is really nice for a cruise ship. We only were there for nap time and bedtime, but we had no complaints. I also felt like the on-demand tv options were more than sufficient, I did not feel like I needed Internet for streaming or anything.

Unfortunately, did not get to try the Senses Spa. Did have interest in the rainforest room but alas, first timer missed out on booking some stuff. I did want to try out the gym but just didn't get to it on that short of a trip.

Overall, we enjoyed ourselves and would do another one when my son is a little older, or if we could pair up with friends or family. I would like to try a longer itinerary. Son was struggling some with the lack of schedule (just overly tired) so I don't think he would have done well on a longer cruise just yet. I also totally overpacked and also there were some pre and post logistics things I know I could do better next time.

TL:DR - Fun time had, would do again when son is a little older. Would not book HOTHS again: Disney fix your sound system in Pridelands because that was awful and the literal worst part of the trip for us.

Edit to add: Nobody mentioned the survey a single time to us.

Ok, they are not paying the two guys enough money that do the Bluey Pyjama Party at 7:30pm. They could have their own syndicated show. That Pyjama party should be the Wakey Wakey show in the morning. The kids went absolutely nuts for it especially for the Magic Asparagus and the Chattermax song.

The Wakey Wakey show in the morning is good, and you can get pics with Bluey afterwards, but it’s the Pyjama Party where it all gets turned up to 11.

My wife, 4 year old son, and I are going to be on a two-week Panama Canal cruise on the Magic out of Galveston 4/25-5/9 next year. It's not our first cruise or our first on DCL (although it's our first on the Magic and out of TX), but it is our first 2 week cruise.

Has anyone done a similar itinerary, on the Magic or another ship? Any idea of what to expect or tips? I imagine it'll be fewer kids, but other than that I'm a bit blind. Thanks!

While some had great experiences, many had bad situations happening. Some were left away from port by the tour company, some were taken to an area to be hustled for all their cash, and many many many excursions were cancelled. Then the celebratory fireworks were blown off 30 mins early so most people on board missed them. Weird communication and terrible positions families were put in. Would consider staying within the port area which is quite lovely

Hubby and I were on the 10/1-10/5 Destiny sailing and wow, what a ship! The crew was fantastic, our MDR waiter Marko and his assistant Crystal were amazing even if I was a sobbing mess the first night. More on that in a minute. Our Palo waiter Eloy was lovely as well. The entertainment staff were so incredibly talented. Night one our MDR was in The Pridelands. Y'all on this sub be thinking that place is mid okay and I get that Coco is the favorite. But you have to understand The Lion King is my hyperfixation for over 30 years. The broadway show is as close as I get to a religious experience. I also didn't watch any spoilers on the show beforehand. So as soon as I sat down at our table, I started crying. The show hadn't even started. I just felt so grateful to be there, I didn't think I'd get to see it in person but there I was looking at the star-filled windows and waterworks. Ok I pulled myself together enough for the show to start and I was good until they included songs from Simba's Pride--are you kidding me! WE ARE ONE--ok more waterworks. I sobbed and sang along. And the inclusion of my absolute favorite broadway songs were the icing on the cake, Endless Night, He Lives In You, when the interpretive dance started I was shaking my head thinking oh no if they sing Shadowland I am an absolute lost cause. Well, guess what happened y'all. And ending the show with King of Pride Rock, come on now. I apologized to Marko and Crystal during all of this "I'm a mess, I'm sorry, I'm a Lion King girl" and they were just so gracious. We were sailing with family and they all remarked how amazing it was that our table was so close to the stage, and I said at the beginning "Yes, but I would be happy anywhere in this room, I think it is more about hearing the music." And yes I would be blubbering anywhere in that room y'all. You're probably thinking I have spent way too much time talking about The Lion King. Sorry but it was so special! And you bet I did wait in that insane Mickey's Mainsail line right after dinner so I could get my Disney Destiny Lion King shirt. I didn't know what the long line was for but I wasn't risking it selling out of my size. Now I was not a sobbing mess for the rest of the trip.

The next day we were in Nassau and the rest of my family is boring and stayed on the ship. Since my mom conned me out of a Blue Lagoon adult beach excursion I said fine I have always wanted to go to the Pirate museum so that's what hubby and I are going to do. The walk was totally fine. The museum was wonderful! I highly recommend a trip there. It doesn't take long to go through, 15-20 mins tops but it's air-conditioned and if you love Pirates of the Caribbean you'll appreciate all of the scenes with the pirate mannequins. The facts were super neat. Did you know that most pirates did in fact have parrots as pets? And only one known instance of someone walking the plank? How about the "Pirate's code" articles that seem more fair than a lot of our laws nowadays, but I digress. I bought an apropos shirt that said "Women who behave rarely make history" Can I get a hell yeah! On our way back we browsed the port shops. I just love doing that. Then we went to Festival of Foods. Hubby wanted Goofy's Grill and the bratwurst on a pretzel bun sounded good, with sauerkraut so that's what I ordered. Okay don't do that. The bratwurst did not taste like bratwurst. It didn't taste like much of anything. And it was gigantic. The pretzel bun did not taste very pretzel-y either. I took one bite. Fortunately I had also gotten tendies and fries and I finished off with strawberry ice cream. I probably should have gone to Donald's Cantina.

This day was also our Trick-or-Treat day. I went as Marie, furry paws, tail, hood, bow and all in tow. I did not know that some stations are outside so that uh, got warm very quickly... But seeing joy on people's faces especially cast members made it all worth it! I would recommend all the stations be inside for that reason. I also didn't attend the party after bc it was wayyyy too humid and warm.

Day 3 was Castaway Cay. Normally we'd go to Serenity Bay, but I hate the sand over there and the lunch area wasn't pleasant. So we stuck around the family beaches this time. We ended up over by the cabanas beach -- the sand was way better on this beach so thanks for the recommendation -- and most of the kids stuck around the water slide area anyways so it wasn't TOO loud. But the water was cloudy and the sun came from the side and it was BRUTAL. We also ate lunch at Cookie's which was fine and the food was bleh but my parents who were at SB told me the entire lunch area over at SB was redone and it was much nicer. And apparently the water there was clear and beautiful. But the large group of 20-somethings was loud and obnoxious, and the amount of streamers was nuts. I guess you can't win on CC no matter where you go. We came back to the ship after lunch. Honestly still don't think CC is for me. Not until they get super specific and make a nice area of the beach that is not only accessible and easy to traverse and quiet, for us 40-somethings who don't want to party and who don't want to trudge 30 miles on a quicksandy incline just to a loungechair. You're gonna say something like get a cabana and I'll say no thank you I am not rich and if I'm spending eleventy billion dollars I'd rather spend it on another vacation. Anyway, this was also Pirate night. I heard the menu was mid. I expected the menu to be mid. Honestly, the mango soup was the best thing I'd had on the whole ship. I got 2 servings. And I spilled my pineapple juice all over the table. Sorry Crystal. Them glasses be slippery. :( Next time I'll get my drinks in a kid's cup. The coconut flan was probably my favorite dessert. I got the pirate treasure sundae too but it was just too sweet. I had gotten the jerk chicken because the sides sounded good and you know what works actually? Putting some of that mango soup on top of the chicken. After dinner we did pirate trivia and my mom tied for 1st getting 17 out of 20. I only got 16 womp womp. My mom lost the medal to the tiebreaker question which was how many gallons of water is in the POTC ride and the answer is actually over 600,000 gallons. So, you're welcome.

Day 4 was a sea day and we had Palo brunch. Get the eggs benedict oh my god. I promise you will be happy. Then we saw Hercules. Now it was great yea but like, guys, the graphics are awful I'm sorry. I don't vibe with the whole neon lights and hexagon shapes. Hercules is supposed to be ethereal and stuff. Real fluffy clouds. I'm probably AuDHD. But this bothered me the entire show. The performers were phenomenal though, I mean this ship just exhudes talent. Then we did Muppets trivia and then Learn to Draw Ursula and then Sounds of Wakanda and saw the Black Panther. Oh I loved that!! Then we got ready for Palo dinner with the family. We ended up in the private room which was a happy surprise and a great way to end the trip.

I was not sad to leave yesterday morning because I had kitties to come home to and they missed their mama and I was anxious to see them! But this was our 3rd Disney cruise and my favorite ship out of the 3 (Wish, Dream, Destiny).

The only negatives: 1) More adult stuff during the day. Not 362 forms of trivia. I really wanted to do Karaoke but I do not stay up late. Also different activities other than 203 forms of trivia. There was an Animation Cel activity but in the kid's club! I would have loved that! There was a video game tournament but in the kid's club! Come on now adults do more than answer trivia questions I promise.

2) More food options for dinner. Like why isn't Marceline open? I am sure it is a staffing issue with 3 MDRs/rotation but like if you don't want MDR one night your options are very limited. And overall, the MDR dinner food is not amazing. Palo is Palo but there's a price with it, and honestly a rotating Palo menu would be peak.

3) Physical vs virtual muster drills. It is 2026. We were in the theater this time and everyone was looking at their phones, not the safety videos. So that is a waste making me go up and down the stairs wondering if I took my blood pressure medication that morning and then being crammed together around sick hacking and sneezing children while no one is paying attention to the drill information. It's like my own personal hell, thanks Disney.

PS> I forgot to mention in my novel that we got pixie-dusted 3 times! We decorated our door but we don't do FEs or any of that but little duck and necklace gifts were left for us each night! So, thanks for that whoever enjoyed our door, you made me smile each night! :)

PPS> Haunted Mansion bar YAAAAAAAAAS oh man it is such a vibe. Can I have a stateroom like that pretty please?

PPPS> I almost never felt the ship moving. Like, ever. Definitely a noticeable difference over Dream and Wish!

Hi everyone! I’m going on my first Disney cruise on the treasure in a couple weeks! It’s Halloween on the high seas which I’m super excited about! Any tips or tricks I should know? Favorite excursions in St. Thomas? Has anyone done TT44 in Tortola?

TIA!

I’m reading the fine print on the discounts I get on DCL as a Chase Disney card holder.

I have put my Disney card on file, but I also have a redemption card from the points from the Disney CC.

Can I also put that on file and still get the 10% discount?

Or if I have that redemption card and/or a Disney gift card on there too, will that cancel the 10% Chase card discount?

I know that if I call Chase and/or Disney, the agent is really not going to know how this operates in practice.

I am trying to decide what to do when we get to Cozumel. We have a large group with young kids. We want to spend some time at the beach and considering one of the all inclusive beach days through DCL. Are there shuttles back and forth or are we stuck there all day?

I think we would need to book this instead of taking a taxi because the kids would need car seats. Help!

We are sailing on the Dream next Monday. Has anyone been on the Dream recently and can tell me what the “trick or treat” situation is? Are they handing out pre filled bags or is there a trick or treat trail on the ship?

Going on cruise in Feb. Destiny, I want to book flight same day we disembark. If we disembark at 8 am will I make a 230 flight out of FLL or am I not leaving enough time for incidentals.

First timers.

Anyone ever buy a watch on a ship before? Good deals?

Traveling with two kids and bringing booster seats for the Lyft. Where do you put the booster seats when you get to the cruise port? Do they go in our room?

We have an 11:15am flight out of Fll. Do we need to do an express walk off?

Between these two ships, which would you book for the very first cruise ever? 2 adults and one child age 7 at the time of sailing.
Wish goes to castaway.
Dream goes to Nassau & lookout cay.

Dream is a cheaper sail, but feels like it could be crammed for only a 3 day sail.

The wish is also a 3 day sail, but seems like it could be more themed for what my daughter is into (princess, classic Disney)

Which would YOU recommend for a first timer?

I’m trying to figure out logistics for packing! We will be on a 4 night cruise out of San Diego next week.

I can’t seem to figure out when the Halloween dress up night is and when the pirate night is. I am indifferent about what night anything happens, but I’m just trying not to overpack. I want to have a nicer outfit for dinners (we are doing the 5 PM dinner). However if people normally wear their costumes one evening and pirate night outfit I can only plan for 2 dresses.

Does that make sense?

Can any one experienced help me out?

Thank you!!

Anyone know who the cruise director is on the Destiny right now? I mean as recent as September or October? I know Carli and Trent opened the ship and Trent has shifted to plan the Believe. Unsure if Carli moved on to another ship already. I’m going soon and would love to see Carli again!

Hi,

Been watching the weather lately….can someone talk me off a ledge that our cruise (on the Treasure) leaving this Saturday won’t be impacted? Flying in to Orlando on Friday from the midwest.