Aww, thanks for the welcome guys. We are just starting to let DD3 in on where we are going. She knows we are going on a "family vacation" after my birthday. We'll probably let her know more just to get her prepared, but will keep some things a surprise.
I do have a few questions, so please bear with me...
1) Where should we stay pre-cruise? We will be arriving at CMO at 5:30pm the night before. Original plan was to book the Wingate by the airport with their hotel/shuttle deal (total $240). However, the shuttle does not leave the hotel until 11am. Second option is to book our own transportation and stay by the port. I am thinking the Radisson or the Country Inn. Is there any store nearby so we can buy beverages to take on the cruise that does not require a car? DH does not want to rent a car.
We live in northeastern Orlando, so we just drive to the port in the morning. However, I know a lot of people like to stay at the Radisson pre-cruise. There are a couple of restaurants within a half mile but I'm not aware of any stores to buy beverages. They do have a shuttle service to the ship that I have heard good things about. Country Inns and Suites is nearby as is Residence Inn, which also has a Hertz local edition where you could drop off a one-way rental but you mentioned that your DH doesn't want to do that.
As mentioned by minnieandmickey, you have to sign up for an arrival time at the port. At this point, I believe everything prior to noon is already booked, so taking the 1100 shuttle from the Wingate probably won't delay your boarding time.
Since shuttles charge per person and are only point-to-point, you may want to reconsider a one-way rental car so that you can go to the store and probably save some money in the process.
2) Does it make a huge difference when you get to port? If we get there at noon, would it be really crowded? I may want to try to change our dining time and Palo reservation. Would it be possible if we arrive at port at noon? Also, will we miss Mickey and friends if we arrive later?
Disney is trying to reduce the crowds by assigning arrival times to spread things out. They will have characters and entertainment in the check-in lobby for most of the afternoon. As soon as you get on board, you should go to Rockin' Bar D. That's where they will have cast members to help with both dining and Palo reservations. As I recall, they will be there from noon until 3:30.
3) We have late seating for dinner and are on the waiting list. Has anyone experienced late seating with young children? We are from the West Coast and were thinking of keeping the kids on our time zone, so 8:30pm would be around our normal dinner time.
We ALWAYS reserve late dining (we tend to follow the European tradition). We took two of our girls on our first cruise when they were 6 & 9. There were not a lot of other small children in the dining room; it seemed that most were at the earlier dining.
4) Any recommended Disney excursions with very young children? I don't think we'll be adventurous this time around to get a taxi on our own, especially with the kids. Anything to do by the ports?
Considering the ages of your children, I can't think of any excursions on St. Maarten or St. Thomas that they would really appreciate (although you and your DH certainly would!). You may want to just consider a day at the beach and/or time in the Magic pools when there won't be any crowds. On St. Maarten, you can take the water taxi to the downtown pier, which your 3 yo will probably enjoy, and then just walk down the beach a short distance and rent a couple of lounge chairs and an umbrella for $10-20 for the day, depending on who you talk to. Don't worry about finding someone to ask - they'll find you!!! On St. Thomas, you could take the excursion to Magen's Bay, an absolutely beautiful crescent-shaped beach on the north side of the island. Alternatively, you could simply take a taxi; there will be plenty available when we get off the ship. DW and I are going on a sail and snorkle excursion but, as I said, I think your children are too young to appreciate something like that. Word of caution: if you take a taxi or book a private excursion (not a Disney excursion) you are "on your own." If you are late getting back to the ship, it will sail without you (there are videos on YouTube of people running down the dock as the ship is sailing away). If you book your excursion through Disney, they WILL get you back on board. I have booked many independent tours over the years and never had a problem but I always give myself plenty of leeway.
5) What are the chances we'll be able to book the Palo brunch on board?
Palo brunch will be served on the 3 Sea Days. While there are no advance reservations remaining on the DCL web site, they always hold some for booking on board. Also, some people inevitably cancel while on board, so more open up. As with everything Disney, "there are no guarantees," but you have a pretty good chance of booking one.
Thank you in advance!
We (me, DH, DD3 and DD11 months) will be joining you guys in 8 weeks
This is our first DCL cruise, so we are super excited! I did post some first-time cruiser questions on the general page and would appreciate input if anyone here has any. Can't wait to meet everyone!
They are Singapuras.
my names Mike..but you can call me Underdog
)
