https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 25 Apr 2026 03:15:06 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2797081 Mon, 15 Jan 2018 12:53:00 +0000 FaithFertility 2797081@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bumping any castaway cay tips </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2722325 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 11:16:43 +0000 catlady 2722325@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: Not sure how much of a tip this is, but you can book timeslots for the nursery ahead of time if you plan to use it (a good idea during busy times because they can fill up). Also, the kids clubs usually don't allow kids under age 3 in there, but they will have some times for "open houses" and you will be able to bring your 18 month old in there during those times (you just have to stay there with them). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2722251 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 10:09:09 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2722251@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: our ship had something called "toddler time" every day and it was great for my 13 month old. There was a section in one of the lounges that could be completely closed off and they brought out lots of age appropriate toys for them. It was the hour before dinner so DH and I took turns taking DD to play while the other got to have a little break and get dressed in peace. I would look out for that for your younger one. </p> <p>If you want to go swimming you and your DH might have to split up. Your older one will be too old for the baby splash pad area and your younger won't be allowed in the pool. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2722218 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 09:37:32 +0000 ShootingStar 2722218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bumping this - we booked a Disney cruise for next February and we're super excited. Anyone have any more tips? We'll have a 4 year old and an 18m old. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2720462 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 15:11:08 +0000 lawbee11 2720462@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlebug: You aren't locked into the later show, so you could always skip dinner and see the early show. The only issue I see that could come up is you won't know the show schedule until you're on board, but you'll likely want to make your Palo/Remy reservations as far out as you can. So it's sort of a gamble as to which show will be that night. Though you may be able to change your reservation once you're on board...will just depend on availability. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2720459 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 14:57:21 +0000 littlebug 2720459@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: 2 bottles/adult is more than enough. Between the 4 of us, that's 8 bottles for a 4-night cruise! Plus we will definitely want to sample some of the yummy options on board, I'm sure. I'm a sucker for a chocolate martini! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2720457 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 14:50:28 +0000 littlebug 2720457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Got it, thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2720456 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 14:48:11 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2720456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlebug: No, you aren't "locked" into either show time. However, I have heard some theaters do get crowded at times. If you are coming straight from early dinner (like everyone else) it can be a scramble to get a good seat. Note you probably will get a seat, it just may be harder to find or not in an ideal location. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2720451 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 14:35:15 +0000 littlebug 2720451@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So it sounds like we may switch our dinner seating to early based on your recommendations. But does that then lock us into the late show? Or could we skip the sit-down dinner one night, take the kids to the early show, and then, say, have my parent watch the kids while me, my husband, my sister, and BIL have dinner at Palo or Remy? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2720067 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 15:25:32 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2720067@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlebug: I have heard getting early dinner is hard. So I wonder if the reservation guy just told you that because its easier to get late dining. </p> <p>The food on cruises is the best so you dont want to miss the main dinner! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2720056 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 15:16:16 +0000 yoursilverlining 2720056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlebug: FYI, Disney changed their booze rules a bit - you can only bring a max of 2 bottles of wine (or 6 beers) max per adult and NO hard liquor at all. Of course, there is plenty on board - their chocolate martinis are ah-mazing! </p> <p>My LO is pretty sensitive to loud noises so (they scare her too) we were not sure how she would do with the fireworks but she loved them - I think the whole celebratory mood and being on vacation helped a lot; but headphones can't hurt! ! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2720045 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 15:02:01 +0000 Mrs. Yoyo 2720045@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlebug: From what I remember the fireworks were slated for pretty late in the evening, FYI. 10ish or something? Whatever it was I remember being bummed because it was way too late for the kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2720040 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 14:56:37 +0000 littlebug 2720040@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hmmm...good points about the dinners. I didn't realize we'd be limited to just quick-service meals if we ate a la carte like that. I don't think that was really explained to my mom when she booked it. That option was suggested to her by the guy in reservations or customer service when she was booking the cruise. I certainly want to be able to eat the actual meals, because I've definitely heard the food is incredible! </p> <p>I think we'll have adjoining cabins with my sister and her family, so we could probably do a babysitting swap with them one night. And we can hang out on our verandah with them after the kids are down, too - I'm quite certain we'll bring plenty of booze on board! </p> <p>@yoursilverlining: Thanks for the tip about the beach bus stops. I'll be sure to file that one away. And the fish extender thing sounds like fun - D will love that! I'm hoping we can do the fireworks with the kids. D has been afraid of them (too loud) so I'm worried we'll be stuck below deck, but we'll bring along his noise-cancelling headphones and hope for the best! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2719849 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 10:06:02 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2719849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with everyone above about food. I would go with the early dinner. The dining experience on a Disney cruise is amazing. There will characters, entertainment, and you'll rotate through different restaurants. I think it's easier to get little ones to sit through a show after bedtime than dinner. What we did was go to dinner, then go bathe DD and get her in her pajamas before going to the show. If she fell asleep we could put her down and if not then she was ready to go to bed afterwards. </p> <p>I was on a 7 night cruise. There was 3 big musical shows. The other nights were a comedian, a variety show (we skipped those) and a movie premier. I don't think you can get babysitters in your room. We did do a babysitting swap with the friends we were traveling with I sat with their DD while she was sleeping one night and my friend did the same for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2719845 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 10:01:00 +0000 lawbee11 2719845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did the the early seating. I guess it depends on your kids but I think it would have been meltdown city with ours if we did the later seating. And I wouldn't skip the dinners and just do buffet or quick service because the dinners are amazing and one of the best parts of the cruise! We chose a couple of shows to take LO to after dinner (the Frozen show and the Golden Mickeys, I think). We didn't do a show every night because one night was a magician and I think another night was a standup comedian, so I figured LO wouldn't really be into those. I don't think they have babysitters that will go to your cabin, but could you get family to watch them one night after they're asleep? You're going to have a blast!! Castaway Cay was my favorite stop...it's so gorgeous. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2719836 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 09:51:19 +0000 Mrs. Yoyo 2719836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ditto to what everyone said about dinner not working like that. I might pick one show you really want to see with the kids, but the dinners are kind of the best part of the cruise and you would be stuck with the poolside food if you skipped, I think? The food and service is awesome, and I say that as a not-Disney person. We did the early seatings and then got the kids to bed. </p> <p>I went with a toddler and 4 yo and only got to see one show, unfortunately, due to bedtimes. In-room babysitting isn't a thing that I know of. I think there are cribs in the nursery, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2719825 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 09:23:47 +0000 yoursilverlining 2719825@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A couple of tips: </p> <p>One of the best purchases I made on the ship is that when you get off to go to their island Castaway Cay, they have these padded coolers available for sale filled with chilled bottled water for $20. We have used that cooler so many times here at home for picnic lunches, outdoor concerts, etc. It isn’t huge – it’s just a nice/good size for picnic type events. Very good deal for $20!</p> <p>When you get to the island, don’t get off at the first bus stop. Most people will get off at the first stop the bus makes, so that beach gets super full. If you want until the next few stops, you end up with a less populated stretch of beach. </p> <p>There is a pirate themed night and party with fireworks. If you go up to the top deck, you have amazing views of the fireworks. They will give you a fabric pirate bandana, but many people dress up (we did!).</p> <p>There is a fun and totally optional event called “fish extender exchange” that you can take part in if you join a private group for your cruise. I think they have these on some websites, but also via a private FB group for your cruise. You hang a fish extender on your door (google for ideas/description) and people exchange little gifts with each other during the cruise. It’s fun and LO loved checking whether we had any mail/gifts in “our fish”. </p> <p>Have fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2719820 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 09:12:38 +0000 yoursilverlining 2719820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>“Since you can really eat anywhere at any time, we don't HAVE to sit for our designated dinner seating, and that way the littler kids can eat and then catch the early shows before bedtime.”</p> <p>That ^^ isn’t really how dinner works. I mean, yes, there is food available pretty much all day/evening, but they rotate restaurants each night between groups of passengers so all the real restaurants are full each night with assigned eaters so you couldn’t say just go to another restaurant instead of the one you are assigned to for that evening. Then you would be eating a slice of pizza or some finger sandwiches from the pool bar or similar if you elect to eat outside of your assigned dinner time - - which might be fine, but just a head’s up. You could definitely scramble together dinner outside of your assigned restaurant/seating, but it wouldn’t be the same as a seated diner – hope that makes sense. You could check and see if the ship would seat you in a restaurant prior to the early seating, but then you’re talking about being ready for dinner at like 4:45 which definitely cuts way into your daytime activities/shore excursions/pool time, whatever.</p> <p>We did the late dinner seating on the last Disney cruise and it was fine but we are switching to the early seating for the upcoming Disney cruise because for me personally, I would rather do the shows after dinner and end that way.<br /> You would have to get your kids to bed pretty early to catch the later show; it starts at (I believe) 8:30 and you want to get there a bit early for seats. Maybe that’s not an issue for you guys; my kid is never asleep by 8 lol Bonus: they have waiters inside the show theater who will bring you a glass of wine (or whatever else you want to drink).<br /> As far as I know, they don’t do private in-room babysitting. The kid’s club/nursery close at (I think) 10pm, but that kind of defeats your purpose of putting your kids to bed early. Where you are going with grandparents, could you rope them into babysitting one night so you could go out? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2719815 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 09:06:58 +0000 catlady 2719815@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We went on a Disney cruise 2 years ago. Honestly, I don't think you actually can eat anywhere at any time, I'm not sure where you got that? We had the early dinner, in part because LO was only 16 months and had a very early bedtime (we missed the shows each night, except once when I snuck down while DH watched LO in our room). The way dinner worked (at least on our cruise) was that you had your assigned time and table, and the restaurant itself changed it night, but you had to eat at the assigned place or else the only other options were the quick service buffet or the little food stands near the pool. We were assigned a table with another family with a young toddler and it was fun to eat with them each night. Your server is also the same each night and we loved ours.</p> <p>Disney cruises do not have in-room babysitting, so no, you can't really put the kids to bed and then go out. They do have kids clubs (over age 3) and also the nursery for babies and toddler (under age 3). They stay open relatively late so you could conceivably leave the kids there in the evening. One nice thing about Disney cruises is that they are BYOB so many people bring drinks aboard to have in their rooms.</p> <p>Hope that helps, have fun! We definitely plan to go back on a Disney cruise in a year or two. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-cruise-tips#post-2719807 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 08:37:06 +0000 littlebug 2719807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My parents are taking all of us kids and grandkids on a Disney cruise in November! I'm super excited, but trying to figure out how this is going to work. Our kids will be 4.5y and 20m. The cruise is Mon-Fri, the Disney Dream Bahamas cruise. We're flying down on Saturday and flying home on Sunday. We'll likely spend the non-cruise nights at my parents' house in The Villages, so that's taken care of. So is transportation to/from Port Canaveral.</p> <p>It was recommended that we sign up for the late dinner, so that we can see the early shows. Since you can really eat anywhere at any time, we don't HAVE to sit for our designated dinner seating, and that way the littler kids can eat and then catch the early shows before bedtime. But curious about how that works, then. If we put the kids to bed, can we go enjoy a later show or a later meal or drinks on board? I know there are daycare centers, but can you also hire a babysitter for in the cabin? </p> <p>Just looking for any tips, in general, really. Secrets to Disney cruising that we should know. Suggestions for specific restaurants to try, shows to see, activities to do. Tips on what to pack. </p>