Just to give you an idea from us (I do have a trip report somewhere in there with pics and everything if interested), we are a big WDW family (as in our 4 year old has been like 6 times). We booked a 4 night cruise because it was cheaper than a 4 night WDW vacation, and went in knowing nothing. So, having done this just a few months ago (and going again soon), I'll take a stab at some of this to help you.
What do I need to know?
A few things that helped us.
- This is like what I always think Disney used to be. Service is the best. You get free soda, free food (you can up-pay if you want to go really fancy), and the kids club is free. There are tons of activities each day, and we legit had trouble getting our child to leave the kids club. Kids club is also available on Castaway Cay when you go there if you want to go to the adult only area at any time (and I would DEFINITELY do that).
- Verandah room size includes the verandah, so keep in mind the actual size of the living space in the room can be a bit smaller. Also, Deluxe Ocean view gives you a HUGE port window (one you can sit in). We had the port window last time and loved it, but went verandah this time.
- The Disney Cruise App is KEY for your phone. So if you sign up once you get on, you get some free data, but even after your data is gone, the app still works. And the app tells you what is going on, and allows you to "Text" each other through the app (including other rooms). It was a great day to tell my father that we were off to eat lunch for example when he was having a drink somewhere while we were at the pool.
- People will decorate their doors (doors are metal, so magnets work). Helps the kids some in finding the room and kind of fun.
- I wouldn't worry as much about adjoining rooms. We liked being a few rooms down from each other when we went. You can get on the same deck, and close by, and that way whoever you go with can pick the type of room they prefer (some people love the inside rooms for example just for the animated port hole, others want the ocean view for the more livable space).
- Splurge on your food. People order multiple entrees/desserts ALL THE TIME. Don't worry about it. If the steak and the fish look good, get both and just eat parts of both.
- If you are beer drinkers, there is a mug club deal where you get 22 ounces for the price of 16. Works out to you needing to drink around 7 drinks on your trip, but you can keep the mug, and it is a nice glass mug (nothing like what you get in Epcot)
Is there a thread somewhere that walks you through the process of boarding and what you need to do/bring?
I'm sure there is, but if you use a
travel agent, they can help you with all of that as well. Basically bring with you anything you think you may need for the first few hours on the ship (your bags won't arrive until that night), so that would include sunscreen, bathing suits, phones, medicine.
We just ordered passports this week and were told we'd get them in 6 weeks, do I need to have the passport before I book?
Nope, you are good, you can put that in later.
Who's the best to book through?
Any travel agent who offers you the onboard credit deal. We used
Dreams Unlimited (who sponsor the boards and the Dis), but take your pick, there are multiple reputable agents. I never would have used one if not for the onboard credit, but that in itself is worth it.
What do I need to know for the kids activities beforehand?
It is amazing. They have all sorts of activities from science to cooking to video games. There are many different areas from a replica Millenium Falcon, to Andy's Room, to Pixie Hollow (let me state here we were on the Dream). They also have all the Disney Infinity stuff. If your child doesn't like sitting for dinner with you, they offer meals there as well. Also, as I mentioned before, it is also on Castaway Cay which is really cool.
One other amazing thing is it felt very secure. You can give rights to other rooms (for example, your MIL and FIL) to check the kids in and out. But, to get kids out, they have to scan your card, and your picture pops up on the screen, along with the picture of your child. They can then tell you which room your child is in through the band they have to wear. You then need to scan again on the way out, and you have to give the secret code you had set up in pre-booking. Really was a great system, with a LOT of cast members there taking care of everyone.
Will we be disappointed since we're so use to the Park atmosphere
So this is an interesting question. We honestly didn't at all. We are going again, and are adding just 2 days at WDW to get a chance to see Pandora. But our child likes the smaller rides, and she loves the characters. There are more characters on board then you will know what to do with, and the Aqua Duck was a favorite for a bit (bit) of a thrill. Also, you get Disney movies all over, and the attention to detail/service is a cut above what you see at WDW. Honestly, when we got off, our only regret was we wish we had a longer cruise.
