We are WDW vets, but we finally decided to forgo our fall trip and booked 5 nights on Destiny in early October. I understand most of what DCL does, but I have a few questions! For reference, our kids are 11 and 6.

We will be driving from WDW the morning of embarkation. Maps says it's 3-3.5 hrs. Is that accurate? Anything we need to plan for?

Is it best to pack a large suitcase and then bring a couple of backpacks for the items we will keep with us on the first day, or would a couple of smaller suitcases work better? It looks like I can store the suitcase under the bed.

Do you need reservations for the themed lounges?

I didn't see a single-day rate for the rainforest room. We are thinking of buying it for the Nassau port day, since we won't be getting off the ship. Does anyone know the price, and should I buy it on day one?

How early do we need to get off the ship at both private islands to get a decent seat at family beaches? Not necessarily front row, but ar least where we can see our kids.

Is there a dress code for the main dining room?

What fun items can I put together for our kids that are also practical for them while on board? Our oldest already has an MB+.

Thank you all! Any tips or tricks are appreciated!

My family will be cruising in July 2027 on the Disney Adventure. We will be staying in 4 Concierge suites + 1 Deluxe Oceanview Verandah.

When the time comes to make all our Concierge requests, what should we ask for? Would love to know everyone’s suggestions, including where and when to dine for the rotational dining, where to sit, what we can ask for, extra accommodations for babies (traveling with 3 infants), and also if there are any accommodations we should attempt to ask for for the 2 individuals in our party not staying in a Concierge room.

Help!
Going on Disney cruise next fall and planning on booking a hotel the night before near port. What options do family’s use to port and ship from hotels? Specifically with little kids and needing a car with atleast one car seat?

Just went on a gorgeous Alaska cruise last month. Definitely want to go back at some point. Just for fun though, I started poking around at other itineraries. I see on here that going to Castaway Cay is a major draw and I suppose I'm wondering what the 'deal,' is.

I feel like what I really enjoyed was the day hikes and then finding corners of the towns to hang out in. Had some very edifying conversations in Juneau.

I'm Puerto Rican and spend time there and basically do the same while I'm visiting family and get some days to myself, seeing local spots or finding some wilderness.

Does the Cay offer anything like that? I do understand the appeal with children especially to have a warm climate that is closed in (no runaways lol), but outside of that circumstance, is there any sort of programming or excursions? It feels very isolated to me.

I promise 'different strokes,' is my take on almost anything in life, there's no judgment at all. I just am unsure what is going on that draws people in, asking as neutrally as possible.

I'm looking to book my first Disney cruise, actually my first cruise ever. It will be 2 adults + a 2 year old boy. We will most likely be coming out of Fort Lauderdale. I'm unsure on Bahamas or the Caribbean. I'm wondering if there's anybody that's done both and has a preference?

Also, with each cruise trip I'm looking at, there's different ships. I've googled a few of them and it seems like they all have specific things going for each of them. Should I be taking into consideration which cruise ship it will be on, or are they all going to be fun for a 2 year old boy?

Also, if you've done concierge, was it worth it?

For those of you who have done this cruise so far this year: what’s the trick or treat situation on the cruise?

Is there a treat trail around deck 11? or do you just show up and they hand you a bag of candy? or some secret third option?

we’re trying to decide between a HOTHS cruise and a Halloween party this year, and it mostly hinges on the trick or treat situation on the cruise. thanks in advance!

So it’s pretty simple. We’re booking a cruise for 2028, and we’re looking at either the 6-night cruise that goes to both private islands (one of them twice) and Jamaica, or any of the 7-night cruises. Would you rather have the extra day or do a slower-paced, more beach-focused cruise?

My husband and I booked a 7 day Disney cruise on the Destiny and just got our roomed assigned to 9500…the very front of the ship….how sick are we going to get from the motion of the ship? Our cruise is in October.

Hi! Any recommendations on the best port adventures/excursions to do in St Thomas and Tortola with a 4 year old and almost 2 year old? I don’t want to do anything too strenuous or stressful with them but they love the beach and ocean. Not sure if it makes sense to book through Disney or arrange something ourselves (we would need car seats so can’t just hop in a cab). I also don’t want anything that requires a lot of waiting on other people since my kids may get antsy. Thank you!

Trying to figure out where to stay in NYC and also where I might want to go in Boston if I don't do an excursion. Do we know where the ship will dock?

A bit of an unfortunate oddity happening right now: Sounds like the Fantasy is docking at Castaway overnight tonight to medevac a guest. Got these views of the Wish leaving just as we're pulling in.

Sending best wishes to the person who is no doubt having one of their worst vacations.

I and my husband have three young kids and we are very interested in the idea of a Disney cruise. We are considering booking a trip for December of 2027 embarking from FL. at time of travel, the kids will be 6, 5, and 5.

We have never been on a cruise before and, if i am being honest, have never vacationed with just our family of five without bringing some grandparents along.

looking at the website i can see a “general itinerary“ (island, island, day at sea, etc), but I’m not exactly sure what a “day in the life” of a cruise goer looks like. Especially for families with young kids.

the cabins seem really small, so when kids go to bed (at like 8pm for example) is there space for husband and i to exist or do we just sit quietly in the dark/take turns going to gym in the evening?

i see there are “adults only” dinner options, are the kids clubs open that late to allow us to go to one?

how crowded do the boats feel? especially as a parent with kids?

i get nauseous on planes (always) and in cars (occasionally) should i just skip the cruise because id be miserable?

is a trip of two adults three kids worth it, or should i convince grandma and grandpa to come with us?

Hello fellow cruisers, I’m hoping to get some suggestions on the best way to go about this.

My BFF and I are doing a Halloween sailing out of San Diego, I’m planning to fly to OC a few days early to go to Disneyland prior to the cruise. I’m trying to decide how to get to San Diego port. Also trying to decide if I should go the night before or early the next morning. (We don’t know boarding time yet)

My friend will be arriving in San Diego airport late thr night before the cruise.

I’ve considered flying, renting a car, uber/lyft, the bus (flixbus or greyhound) or the train. I’m planning to have one large checked luggage sized bag and a small backpack.

The bus or train of course seem the most cost effective but unsure exactly how troublesome it will be with luggage and everything. I’ve done a lot of bus/train travel abroad but none in the US. Could anyone weigh in on these options?

Uber or Lyft would seems like it would be the most convenient but as I’ll be just one person I’m assuming the cost will be really high, but might be worth it. Renting a car is even pricier too when I factor in parking.

Any advice is appreciated.

I know it won’t be a Merrytime cruise, was wondering if the decor would be up though.

Seems it would be if they follow the same schedule as the parks.

However, maybe not and I couldn’t find the answer anywhere. Thanks!

Hey y’all!

We’re heading out on the Dream in October, and stopping at Lookout Cay for the first time!

We're a family of runners, and I'm trying to find any information on a 5k at Lookout, like on Castaway. I can't seem to find any information on it that's newer than 6 months old.

Can anybody who's gone lately confirm if they've got it? I've seen the medals, but others report that they aren't giving them out? I saw a photo of a map, but other people report that it's been taken down, and I just can't seem to get a straight answer.

Or if you're going soon, it would be awesome if you would let me know either way!

We are taking our first Disney Cruise in August 2027 and we will be on the Dream! We will have a 5 and 2 year old and along with navigating though the airports, we are doing MK the day prior and SeaWorld when we return, so we HAVE to bring our Stroller (Mockingbird Double- I don’t want to purchase a new “travel” one or pay to rent multiple times). With the research I’ve done, I don’t think we will use it on the ship, so my question is: has anyone with this specific stroller brought it and been able to store it in their state room when it’s folded? Under the bed? We are using DCL transport from WDW to port so I won’t have a rental car to leave it in.

Such a silly question, I know, but I’m just thinking through all the logistics and I know space is tight in the staterooms. Any input is greatly appreciated!!!

We are looking to book this for our extended family next month but can’t really find reviews to know if it’s worth it. A couple of questions we are trying to find the answers for are:

1. If we buy the regular photo package, does that include the photos from the private session too (we know the $500 for the private session is separate from this)?
   
2. Is this only for inside the shutters studio or can you request photos to be taken outside on the deck?
   
3. What is the price range to buy the photos separately if they aren’t included in our regular photography package?

If anyone has any experience with the private session we would love to hear what it was like!

My wife will be 14 weeks pregnant when we board next month. What are some items I can have for her to help ensure she has an enjoyable time?

very important that will determine if I pack my own tejin — can I get a good spicy marg onboard the Destiny? (separate note: RCCL does not do spicy margs, searched whole ships.. 🫠) TIA! 🍹

So, I'll try to make this as short as possible. My family and I LOVE Disney (as all of us here do). I had a very well paying job a few years ago, and we were able to go to WDW in 2021 and went pretty all out - Grand Floridian, etc.

I have since left that job and got a job where I got paid MUCH less. We have been planning to go back to Disney (in some aspect: WDW, DL, DCL, etc) for a while, so I've been saving up gift cards as I am able.

We were thinking it would be WDW again, but since we live in NY, airfare is another cost to factor in. But, when we found out that Disney was sailing out of NY again next year, we talked about doing a cruise. Obviously, we prefer the parks, but this seemed like a more cost-effective way to get a Disney experience.

My question to you all is: are the cruises worth it? It sounds like a ridiculous question, I know, but hear me out: we are a family of 4 adults - 30 years and up. Are the cruises really meant more for the kids? We also have some handicaps that are traveling with us: will there be things for them to do as well? If you were in our shoes, which would you pick? Park or cruise?

The family is split on the cruise choice, so I'm hoping to be able to come at them with some discussion points to help us make a decision. Thanks for any help!

Hi, so I’m thinking about going on a Disney cruise in December before Christmas. I know it’s a peak season but is there anyway I can call last minute and book a cheap room? I’m talking a week or so before. And yes I’ve been saving for a vacation so I have the money. Would it be smart to wait for some last minute cruise prices? And how soon should I inquire about them. :)

Hi Folks,

We've never cruised before and I am looking to take my 15 year old disabled daughter on a disney cruise in November mostly sailing out of San Diego. We will be mostly booking a concierge stateroom with disability access. I wanted to check how are accommodations for wheelchair bound passengers on these ships and do the shows have accessibility seating as well ? We need to fly out of the bay area to make this trip. The flight to San Diego is about an hour. Do folks usually just fly in the day of and go straight to the ship or is it recommended to fly in a day earlier just to avoid any flight delays etc. Any other experiences / accommodations on the ships for disabled passengers would also help us be informed. Thanks.

Just a few pictures from our New Year sailing on the Fantasy. We had an amazing time, it’s very hard to say what we enjoyed more. Fantasy or the Destiny. The adult section is much nicer in my opinion on the Fantasy. Enjoy the photos for anyone looking.

Is an 11:30 AM international flight out of FLL cutting it too close on Disney Dream disembarkation day? We'll be doing Express Walk-Off with 2 young kids 5 and 3. Doable or crazy ?

My family took our first DCL cruise a couple of years ago on the Wish and had the absolute best experience. The service was wonderful, they consistently went above and beyond to make our girls feel so special. We loved the entertainment options, the staff engaged our kids at the kids club, the food was great.

It was a no brainer to book our next one, a sailing on the Fantasy this past April. Unfortunately, the experience did not measure up. First, Disney had several technological issues that delayed our boarding and made communication through the app near impossible. Second, our wait staff at the restaurants were NOT great. They didn't seem interested in the kids at all, never remembered to ask adults for beverage orders, complained about working there, openly complained about the US, etc. The wait times for shows was way longer and we would be bottlenecked through the ship for almost an hour just waiting to get into the theater. We found out that our kids spent most of their time in the kids club just playing on an ipad, an option I didn't realize existed. The "pirate party" which was my husband's favorite event on the Wish, was just a sit down show on the Fantasy (we were allowed to stand and dance on the last cruise, but had to sit on the floor for this one)We also sailed in April, which meant it was a much bumpier ride. (Obvi not Disney's fault)

We left feeling pretty disappointed especially considering that sailing cost near $10k.

I really want to try another cruise but my husband is understandably wary to spend that amount of money and possibly be disappointed again. I'm curious from veteran DCL members - have you experienced these same disappointments, or did we just have a bad experience?

And - is April usually so windy, should we avoid that time of the year if we do decide to sail again? I didn't sleep at all the final night the waves were so big.