Protecting Your Valuables When Boarding and Disembarking from a Disney Cruise

Protecting Your Valuables When

Boarding and Disembarking from a Disney Cruise

You are ready for your cruise! Excited to go. What do you put in your Carry-on vs your Check in Bags?? How to you get your valuables off the ship at the end of your cruise?

Things that should only go in your carry-on bags are when boarding a Disney Ship:

·         Wine/Beer (Each adult can take on 2 bottles of wind or 6 bottles of beer.)

·         Water can not go in check in bags. It must be carried on by you

·         Valuables, jewelry, cash, credit cards.

·         Electronics, camera, cell phone, tablets, computers.

·         Fragile items that could break if mishandled.

·         Things you will need for the first evening.

Things you should pack in your carry-on bags when disembarking:

·         Valuables, jewelry, cash, credit cards.

·         Electronics, camera, cell phone, tablets, computers.

·         Fragile items that could break if mishandled.

·         Any items you need to declare at customs

·         Things you will need to Disembark, ID, Key to the World Card, Customs declaration.

·         Things you will need on your travel home.

Not everybody that touches your checked bags works for DCL. Many at the port are hired by the port authority. Disney can’t guarantee that even their crew does not have some disreputable people in it. No company can weed them all out. I honestly believe Disney does a really good job. I know people have things go missing. It does happen. I personally have never had anything stolen. There is also the airline baggage handlers if you fly.

If you find something is missing once you get home report it immediately to DCL!! This allows them to look and see if they can find your item. It also alerts them to a problem. If they get multiple reports for missing items from cabins being serviced by the same crew member they can see a pattern and will look into it. They will also look to see if the same port authority staff are involved. Notify the airline if something is missing from a checked bag. No company can fix a problem unless they know about it! If you say nothing you allow the problem to continue.

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Line or other Disney Vacation? Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

MagicBand+ Launching July 27 at Walt Disney World

  

MagicBand+ Launching July 27 at Walt Disney World

By: Disney Destinations

July 21, 2022

At Walt Disney World, MagicBand+ can do everything a MagicBand can do and more – from entering theme park with a tap* and connecting guests Disney PhotoPass memories, to unlocking Disney Resort hotel rooms and more.

MagicBand+ also had great new features, including color-changing lights, haptic vibrations and gesture recognition – plus it pairs to a smartphone using the My Disney Experience app. Once MagicBand+ launches, guests can pick the perfect band from more than 25 designs and enjoy several new experiences available at launch.

Disney Fab 50 Quest

As part of Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary celebration, guests can interact with the “Disney Fab 50 Quest.” Help Tinker Bell bring the sculptures to life across all four Walt Disney World theme parks using virtual pixie dust from Tink.

Guests can wave their hand to sprinkle virtual pixie dust at each Disney Fab 50 Character sculpture for different reactions! To unlock even more, use the Play Disney Parks app to collect the sculptures and enter the worlds of favorite characters through an augmented reality feature.**

Tar Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters

On Batuu, the bounty hunting business is booming. MagicBand+ is the guide to seeking numerous virtual bounties hidden across Black Spire Outpost with the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters experience. Vibrations and lights on MagicBand+ guide guests down the right path. When you find your Bounty use the Play Disney Parks app’s augmented reality thermal viewer to reveal who’s hiding in the shadows.** Local guild members Raga Bua will reward guests with galactic credits.

Nighttime Spectaculars

MagicBand+ brings the magic of Disney nighttime spectaculars closer than ever before during “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park and “Harmonious” at EPCOT! MagicBand+ complements the magic in the skies, lighting up and vibrating in sync with the fireworks, visual effects, and music. Guests MagicBand+ will also engage as all four them park icons transform into Beacons of Magic!

Before Guests embark on these experiences, make sure the MagicBand+ is charged, up to date and paired to a device.

Disney Resort hotel guests may purchase MagicBand+ online at special prices before their arrival. Annual Passholder discounts will also be available on MagicBand+. All guests can buy MagicBand+ at select stores across Walt Disney World and online at shopDisney, starting at $34.99

At Walt Disney World, guests can purchase a MagicBand+ at the following locations:

·         Magic Kingdom Park: Emporium

·         EPCOT: Pin Traders – Camera Center

·         Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Celebrity 5 & 10 and Tatooine Traders

·         Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Discovery Trading Company

·         Disney Springs: Disney’s Pin Traders

·         Select merchandise locations at Disney Resort hotels

Although features and experiences across Disney Parks will vary, Disneyland Resort guests will be able to get in on the MagicBand+ fun later this year. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting future for MagicBand+ at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts!

*With valid admission and park reservation

**To use the Play Disney Parks mobile app to enhance the MagicBand+ experience, guests must be logged into the Play Disney Parks app with the Disney account linked with their MagicBand+.

 

Disney Cruise Line Releases New Itineraries for September – December 2023!!!

 Disney Cruise Line Releases New Itineraries for

September – December 2023!!!

Disney Cruise has released the newest itineraries for the end of 2023!! 4 out of the 5 ships are listed. There are some shakeups in what ships are going where!! Dream will do some trips out of New York and then go to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale; Fl. Fantasy will return to 7-Night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. The Wish is scheduled for 3 & 4-Night Bahamian taking over for the Dream out of Port Canaveral. Disney Magic will be doing some cruises out of Galveston, Tx and then coming to San Diego California for the end of 2023 before returning to Galveston.

The Disney Wonder is strangely NOT on the list! I do not know if they left the Wonder off because they are not sure what they will do with her yet or if maybe they are taking her into Drydock for some maintenance and upgrades. Either way Wonder is off the schedule from September to December.

The change in the itineraries is exciting to see! This is just the first of many changes to come over the next couple of years! In 2024 Disney Cruise Line will add a 6^th ship and in 2025 a 7^th ship will join the fleet! DCL is also adding a new private port, Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas. This will accommodate the extra ships and give an additional exciting place to see!

You can start booking these cruises July 28^th, 2022! BUT there is early booking for Castaway Club members!!

·         July 25^th Platinum Castaway Club members can book! (You’ve sailed 10+ Disney Cruises)

·         July 26^th Platinum & Gold Castaway Club members can book (You’ve sailed 6+ Disney Cruises)

·         July 27^th Platinum, Gold and Silver Castaway Club members can book (You’ve sailed 2+ Disney Cruises)

·         July 28^th Everybody can book a Disney Cruise.

You may ask why the rush to book?? Historically the prices for Disney Cruises goes up quickly after they are released to the public. Historically within 3-6 weeks after the cabins are released the price will start to go up and may go up as much as $300 or more for the same cabin. Placing a small REFUNDABLE deposit holds the cabin at the current price and protects it from going up in price. If for any reason you can not go the deposit can be refunded before the Pay in Full Date for the cruise.

I’ll be honest, not trying to scare people into booking just stating facts. I’ve seen the price of a cabin go up $300 in a matter of minutes. A client asked me the price on a particular cabin. I told them. They asked me to price a different cabin without holding the first. I give them the price and they decided to take the first one. The price on the first cabin went up $300 while I looked at the second cabin. So, booking early WILL save you money!!

I’ll also be honest and say in 2021 and 2022 the prices are not going up as fast as they historically use too. Still, people are returning to travel and therefore as things pick up the prices will rise faster. I feel if you have the money to make the deposit it is best to book it and cancel later if you must. Your final payment will not be due until 105-90 before the cruise sail date So you will have into the middle of 2023 to pay it off. You can make the deposit then Pay in Full when the date comes or make payments as you can. Whatever works for YOU.

Want to book a Disney Cruise?? I’ll be happy to help!! I’ve been on 9 DCL Cruises so far and have 2 more booked and will sail both by January 2023. I’ll be happy to share my information and help in any way I can.

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Line or other Disney Vacation? Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

Why the fuss and Concern about Accessibility on the Disney Wish

Why the fuss and Concern about Accessibility on the Disney Wish

WARNING!!! THIS IS A PIXIE RANT!!!

Over the past couple of weeks things that are no so accessibility friendly are coming out. Things like not being able to walk around the walking Decks like you could walk around on Deck 4 on the older Disney Ships. What’s the big deal! Just walk back and forth or go inside and grab an elevator. Right?? No, not right. You see, the disabled already have a hard enough time getting around as it is. To tell them they can’t go the same way able-bodied people go makes them feel second class. Add that pushing yourself in a wheelchair, using a walker or crutches is very tiring! The further you go the more tired you are! The less you can and will do.

Think this way. You are on a walk with friends and family around the ship. Suddenly you come to a pole you have go climb over, there are other ways around, but YOU can’t climb over that pole. You have your choices. Turn around and just walk back and forth in the same area, dull and boring. Quit the walk and find something else to do. Let your friends and family go ahead without you, ending your time together. Or, you can go find an alternative route, but that stops the conversation you were having with your friends/family. Can you see why this is upsetting? I’m not disabled but I can sure see it!!! Do you want to make your friends and family walk out of their way because of your special need? No you want to feel NORMAL!!!

Disney Wish has some issues for sure!! One is the outside walking deck(s) and the stairs. The other is the kid’s clubs. The “cool kids” can go down the slide or even stairs that go DIRECTLY to the club. Disabled kids have to go the elevators to go down to one of the ENDS of the club instead of being brought to the middle of the action. Medically fragile children may not be able to use the slide or the stairs! The Disney Wish is dedicated to the Make a Wish Kids, yet it makes it harder to get there for them. It makes them feel less included.

A little more about the Elevators!! There are fewer elevators on the Wish than the other Disney ships. Not all elevators go to ALL decks. What elevator do you take to get where you are going? How long will it take for you to get an elevator??? I have a disabled friend who missed dinner AND the evening show because it took over an hour to get an elevator! People were jumping over her son to get in the elevator before him. The elevator would come and be full and people would laugh at them and say, “catch the next one.” Will you be considerate to the disabled on the ship and step out to let them in? Will you stop those jumping line over them so they can enter? Maybe let them ahead of you?? I do. How would you feel if this happened to you?? Just “catch the elevator” is not a great option often on a Disney Ship.

For those of you who think it is a little inconvenience to go “slightly” out of your way reconsider the emotional toll to those with special needs. We can’t help you at this door, go to the back. That sounds and feels like “Go to the back of the Bus.” Yes, I’m old enough to remember the Civil Rights movement, Freedom Rides, Lunch Counter Sit In, MLK and Malcom X. The disabled get it all the time!! They can’t wonder most clothing stores freely because the racks are too close together. They can’t take a “walk/roll” around the block because the sidewalks are broken or don’t have ramps for them. Don’t you think if they are paying thousands of dollars they would like not to have to feel “different” or be treated as a 2^nd class guest? We have an entry for you but you need to go to a different deck, door or further out of your way to get there.

Next time you are on a Disney Cruise Ship please be kind to those with special needs. Offer to hold a door, carry a tray or for God’s sake step out of the elevator so they can use it! Show people curtesy and inclusivity. 

Disney Cruise Line Accessibility & Accessible Cabins Listed by Ship

Disney Cruise Line Accessibility &

Accessible Cabins Listed by Ship

Accessibility is a trademark of the Disney Company and in particular Disney Cruise Line. Inclusion is the newest of the Disney Keys to how they want to do business and how they want their Cast Members to handle things. This includes race, color, sex, sexual preference and disabilities.

I’ve been hearing that the newest ship of the DCL fleet is not as accessible as the older ships. I can see where the concerns are and agree with many. YET looking at the numbers DCL has upped its game with being able to accommodate more disabled guests on the Disney Wish.

The first 4 ships of the DCL fleet have approximately 2% of their cabins as handicapped accessible. This means 2% of the cabins can accommodate someone in a wheelchair or ECV. The Disney Wish has 90 accessible cabins, over 3 almost 4 times the number of accessible cabins! I’ve listed the cabin numbers for each accessible cabin on each DCL ship with the number of cabins on each floor and how many total each ship has.

I’m hoping to go on the Wish in 2024 so I can judge the accessibility of the ship for myself. Some areas seem to make you go out of your way to get there if you can’t do stairs. The kid’s clubs require stairs or slide from deck 3, unless you go out of your way to go to the elevators. Speaking of elevators there are fewer of them on the Wish than on the older ships. This can be an issue for those who can’t use stairs. Some areas are not accessible by elevator, some have wheelchair lifts to get you from one deck to another. An example of the lift is from the Quiet Cove on Deck 13 to the sun deck on Deck 14. For other areas you need to find an elevator. An example of this is Deck 4. You either have a short straight walk on either side of the ship or you go up a flight of stairs to Deck 5 to complete your loop. You can go inside and get an elevator to Deck 5. But again, you have to change direction and can’t go the way everybody else does.

Not all the elevators go to every Deck. So sometimes you must wait for a specific elevator to go where you wish. Somehow this does not seem as inclusive as it should/could be. I’m waiting to talk to more people about their experiences and go myself before making my final say on the accessibility of the ship.

I’ve seen poles in accessible cabins that look like they obstruct walk/wheel ways in the cabins. I’ve heard some guests say their small pediatric size wheelchair did not fit in the cabin. I’ve seen other posts that say they had no problems accessing the cabins.

I do know all pools are accessible if you request a lift be brought to the pool, just ask 2-3 hours ahead of time and they will accommodate you!

I do know all the theaters, lounges, and restaurants ARE accessible on all the ships. All public areas are accessible. On the older ships you must use a second door to get into the restaurants off the Lobby if you can’t do steps. But it is not “a handicapped” door. It is just a 2^nd entrance. There are alternative entrances on the Classic ships (Magic/Wonder) for accessing the front row accessible seats. You go through a lounge that is on Deck 3 Port side and you ask for someone to take you through the Backstage area to get to the front row. Those are the only 2 places on the first 4 ships I see secondary entrances.

Here is the list of all the Accessible Cabins on each ship:

Disney Magic 18 of the 875 total cabins or roughly 2%

Deck 6 6000/6500 6147/ 6154/6647/6654 6

Deck 7 7509 7131/7136/7138 7631/7636/7638 7

Deck 8 8094/8100/8102 8600/8608 5

 

Disney Wonder 18 of the 875 total cabins or roughly 2%

Deck 6 6000/6500 6147/ 6154/6647/6654 6

Deck 7 7509 7131/7136/7138 7631/7636/7638 7

Deck 8 8094/8100/8102 8600/8608 5

 

Disney Dream 25 of the 1,250 total cabins or roughly 2%

Deck 2 2033-2035 2533/2535 4

Deck 5 5552 5186/5686 3

Deck 6 6060/6014 6500/6504 6088/6090 6186/6686 8

Deck 7 7500 1

Deck 8 8090/8092 8588/8590 8184 8500 6

Deck 9 9170 1

Deck 11 11000/11006 2

 

Disney Fantasy 25 of the 1,250 total cabins or roughly 2%

Deck 1 0

Deck 2 2033-2035 2533/2535 4

Deck 5 5552 5186/5686 3

Deck 6 6060/6014 6500/6504 6088/6090 6186/6686 8

Deck 7 7500 1

Deck 8 8090/8092 8588/8590 8184 8500 6

Deck 9 9170 1

Deck 10 0

Deck 11 11000/11006 2

Deck 12 0

 

Disney Wish 90 of the 1,250 total cabins or roughly 7%

Deck 2 2068 2559 2575 2580 2592 2628 6

Deck 6 6006/6504 6509 6026 6524/6526 6088 6106/6108 6604 6136 6146 6640 6648 6174 6193 6194 6200 18

Deck 7 7016 7510/7512 7088 7106/7108 7122 7136 7602/7604 7608 7146 7644 7194/7196/7198/7694/7692 18

Deck 8 8014 8073 8086 8593 8104/8106 8120 8602/8604 8608 8134 8144 8187 8644 8190 8194/8692 8688 8184 8680 19

Deck 9 9004 9076 9589 9602 9126 9630 9136 9638 9170 9175 9180 9682 9680 13            

Deck 10 10132 10138 10632 10636 10120 1094 10588 10070 10564 10046 10

Deck 11 11504 11054 2

Deck 12 12512 12026 2

Deck 13 13028 13510 2

Disney Cruise Line Pool Accessibility

Disney Cruise Line Pool Accessibility

Recently I saw a post on Facebook saying that the adult pool on the Disney Wish was not handicap accessible. Later the person said they were happy to see a lift was “added” to the pool. Well let me share a little information about accessibility on the pool decks of all the Disney Ships.

All pools on ALL the Disney Cruise ships ARE and have always been accessible! DCL has a lift or maybe two that they will gladly bring out upon request. It is difficult and unreasonable to expect DCL to have a lift at every pool. It takes up deck space and during shows on the deck it is in the way. Also, each lift is VERY expensive. A lift can cost up to $10,000 per lift! Can you imagine paying for 3 or more lifts for each ship? If you had several and you removed them for shows, where would you store them? So having one lift you can move as needed is reasonable.

It is simple to get a lift to get into any pool. Contact Guest Services, either at the desk, by app or by calling and request the lift. You need to call several hours prior to going to the pool for the lift to be brought out. If you want to swim at 1pm after lunch, you simply call at 10am and make the request. The pool lift will be left at the pool until you finish swimming. It does not matter how long you wish to swim.

DCL Crew will NOT help you transfer from wheelchair to the lift, from lift to pool, pool to lift or lift to wheelchair. If you need assistance during transfers, you will need someone in you travel party to assist you with those transfers. They will advise but may not assist you.

Many of the pools are sunken into the deck. There may be a smallish walkway around the pool and then a foot or more drop into the pool. When we took my Mum-In-Love on her 90^th birthday cruise she was confused and even a bit frightened by the overhang to the pool. She was too uncomfortable, so she did not stay in the pool for long. She did enjoy the time she was in anyway.

The Infinity Quiet Cove pool on the Wish has steps going up to a ladder to get into the pool. So, the lift is required for those with mobility issues. Once in this pool will be amazing for those with mobility issues because it has a build in bench to sit on! This looks completely amazing!!

The fact DCL has taken these steps to make all the pools accessible for all guests is wonderful. It shows DCL’s commitment to inclusion for all guests. It is just one of many ways DCL includes all guests in the fun!

Castaway Cay – What Can You do for FREE on Disney’s Island Hideaway!

Castaway Cay – What Can You do for FREE on Disney’s Island Hideaway!

Disney’s Castaway Cay is located off Freeport Bahamas. It has a rich and somewhat sorted history. But I digress. I’ll tell that story in another post.

Disney Cruisers get to enjoy a fantastic place in the sun full of fun! This island paradise was purpose build by Disney Cruise Line for their guests. There is plenty to do. Some of the Port Adventures and Shops are run by locals that live on surrounding islands. Because they are run by 3^rd party companies, they may not always be available. Some offerings may be closed due to lack of staff due to Covid or other reasons.

The Island has 1 pier and only 1 ship can dock at a time. The Island is designed to accommodate the guests of the 1 Disney Cruise Line ship at a time. This is to reduce the impact guests and services have on the environment of the island. Over 85% of the island is kept in its natural state.

You walk directly off the ship onto the island. No tinder necessary and it is easy. You still have to follow all rules and regulations of getting off the ship at any port of call. At this time, there is a virtual queue for disembarking at ports. You will have to show your Key to the World Card when you get off and when you return. Take both your Key to the World and your ID for each member of your party. You will not need ID for children, other than their key to the world card. You can also head directly to the Family Beach for some beach fun!!

If you purchased the

Just like the ship, Castaway Cay is broken into Kid, Tween, Teen, Family and Adult Only areas. If you wish to check your children into the youth activities area they will be supervised while you Serenity Bay (the Adult Only Beach) to grab a drink and a few minutes of quiet.

First thing you can do is the Castaway Cay 5K run!!! It is free and all guests receive a Castaway Cay 5K medal. You can choose to preorder the Castaway Cay 5K Premium Package for an extra charge. Premium Package must be ordered before you sail and includes a Disney Castaway Cay 5K cinch sack, water bottle and hat. This is open to all guests 10 and older.

It is a short walk to the shuttles, or you can walk to the beaches yourself it really is not that far. The first shuttle drops you off by the Family Beach and Shops. You will also find the Snorkeling Lagoon there as well. I HIGHLY recommend the Snorkeling!! Lots of hidden treasures. The water goes really deep but then switches up to shallow so you can relax. You never have to swim far to find a shallow area. Pelican Plunge is also in this area. Pelican Plunge is floating water play area with waterslides that drop you into the ocean.

Cookies BBQ serves lunch and snacks. Cookies BBQ is near the Family Beach. You will find a beverage station and soft serve ice cream there as well. This is all included, just as it is on the ship. Cookies II BBQ is down at Quiet Cove, the Adult Only beach. Cookies II BBQ is for adults only. There are several bars on the island, and they cost extra. You don’t have to go to the Adult Area to get a drink.

You can take a long walk and go from the ship down an “abandoned” airstrip and walk to the lookout tower. You can ride the shuttles to Serenity Bay and continue the walk to the tower from there if you desire. Down that same path is the Tween and Teen area where they can play beach volleyball and other sports. In the main area near the Family Beach is a shaded area with games and activities.

As you can see there is MUCH to do for free on Castaway Cay!!!

My personal favorite things to do are snorkeling in the Snorkeling Lagoon and relaxing at Serenity Bay. The shops are always fun to look at. There are things that are exclusive to Castaway Cay, and they can’t be found anywhere else. There are also a couple of shops run by local merchants from the Bahamas. Many unique and fun things made by local artists to be found there.

For those with Disabilities Castaway Cay is full accessible. There are cement paths to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters through the entire Island. There are also Beach Wheelchairs available on a first come first served basis. Disney has done their best to make the island accessible and accommodating to all who come. The ships crew helps with handling things on the island while the ship is at port, so the service is the same and if a need arises help is there.

 

Updated Pre-Sailing Testing Requirements for Disney Magic Sailings

Updated Pre-Sailing Testing Requirements for Disney Magic Sailings

By Disney Destinations July - 13, 2022

Disney Cruise Line has updated it’s COVID-19 testing requirements for all sailings departing from a European port on or after July 30. Please ensure you stay up to date with the current information for your cruise!

As a reminder, Disney Cruise Line requires all Guests (U.S. and international) ages 5 and over to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the time of sailing.

Pre-Tri COVID-19 Testing – Guests not Fully Vaccinated

Guests 4 years of age and under who are not fully vaccinated must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken no more than 3 days before their sail date. Test Results must be uploaded on the Sail Screen app available on the Project Screen by Prenetics website, https://www.projectscreen.co.uk/portaldcl/ by midnight prior to embarkation day. This will be the first of two tests required for Guests ages 4 and under; the second test will be conducted at the terminal prior to embarkation. The test should be Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.

Pre-Trip COVID-19 Testing – Fully Vaccinated Guests

Fully vaccinated guests on sailings departing from a European port on or after July 30, 2022, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken 1-2 days before their sail date. Tests Results must be uploaded on the Sail Screen app available on the Project Screen by Prenetics website by midnight prior to embarkation day. Antigen tests must be completed using a professionally proctored in-person or telehealth service and come with a digital result that can be uploaded to the Project Screen website. A nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or PCR test also is acceptable. Guests can purchase COVID-19 tests through our third-party vendor, Project Screen by Prenetics for $32 (USD) or £30 (GBP). Guests may also obtain a test from any independent testing supplier.

Embarkation COVID-19 Testing

Guests who are not vaccination-eligible because of age are required to take a COVID-19 test (paid for by Disney Cruise Line and administered by Prenetics) at the terminal before boarding. This will be the second test required for Guests ages 4 and under.

Fully vaccinated Guests who do not upload the required pre-trip test results on the Sail Screen app available on the Project Screen by Prenetics website by midnight prior to embarkation day must be tested at the terminal before boarding and will be charged. The cost of embarkation tests for fully vaccinated Guests will be £60 (GBP), or 550kr (DKK) for the initial antigen test, and, if needed, £105 (GBP), or 927kr (DKK) for confirmatory PCR test, charged at the time of service.

SeaMails will be sent to guests on upcoming sailings departing from European port informing of the updated COVID-19 testing requirements.

For more information, please visit the Disney Cruise Line Know before you Go page.

https://www.disneytravelcenter.com/MIN-000000000052698/sites++disney-cruise-line++us-kbyg++us-kbyg/

Disney Cruise Line Named World’s Best by Travel + Leisure Readers

Disney Cruise Line Named World’s Best by Travel + Leisure Readers

By: Disney Destinations

As the Disney Wish sets sail on her maiden voyage in just a few days, we have more exciting news to share: Disney Cruise Line was named the Best Large-Ship Ocean Cruise Line by the readers of Travel + Leisure!

This year marks the fourth year in a row – and sixth time in the past eight years – that Disney Cruise Line sits at the top of this list. To generate its annual rankings, Travel + Leisure asks readers to rate cruise ships on the quality of their service, staterooms, food, entertainment, itineraries, and shore excursions.

Cast Members and Crew at Disney Cruise Line are proud to know that our guests continue to love their Disney cruise vacations year after year, and we can’t wait for them to experience the Disney Wish soon!

Infused with more Disney storytelling than every before, the enchanting ship is filled with one-of-a-kind entertainment and innovation firsts. These include the first Disney attraction at sea, family dining adventures themed to “Frozen” and Marvel, an immersive tour of the Star Wars galaxy, interactive virtual quests that unlock hidden magic around every corner, original Broadway-style stage productions, signature fireworks at sea, a real-life wonderland for kids, and expanded collection of experiences exclusively for adults, and more.

The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage on July 14, followed by a season of three and 4-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Onboard the Disney Wish: Make a Splash on the Upper Decks with AquaMouse and All-New Pool Areas

Onboard the Disney Wish:

Make a Splash on the Upper Decks with AquaMouse and All-New Pool Areas

By Disney Destinations - July 11. 2022

We’re making a splash on the Disney Wish with more water-filled activities than ever before! From the first Disney attraction at sea . . . to an entirely new pool layout . . . to a special oasis reserved exclusively for adults, there are splashtacular spaces for the whole family to enjoy on the upper decks of the Disney Wish.

So, let’s dive in!

The AquaMouse is a brand-new Disney attraction at sea that combines storytelling and special effects into one thrilling water ride as guests join Mickey and Minnie on an exciting (and hilarious) trip from their new seaside excursion company, “Port Misadventures.” With animated show scenes and magical portholes, guests will journey through 760 feet of winding tubes high above the upper decks and let’s just say . . . things don’t go exactly as planned. But, trust us, gusts won’t want to miss this daring journey!

The upper decks of the Disney Wish have been reimagined to feature more pools and deck space than any of the other ships. The family area contains six pools of various depts and sizes, so guests can choose which is best suited for their family. In addition to relaxing on the numerous lounge chairs, families can enjoy classic Disney movies, TV shows and more on the Funnel Vision, a huge LED display right in the center of all the action.

Plus, our younger sailors have their own dedicated space onboard. Toy Story Splash Zone is a waterplay district specially designed for small children where Woody, Buzz, and other friends from Toy Story have been reimagined as larger-than-life bath toys. Complete with toddler-sized slides, pop jets, geysers and spraying water, the little ones are guaranteed to have a blast in the bathtub-themed splash zone.

And, of course, we have a relaxing oasis set away from the hustle and bustle just for the guests in Quiet Cove. Reserved for guests 18 years and older, here they can relax in the whirlpool spa or luxurious infinity pool while enjoying stunning ocean views. If they’re in a need of a refreshment, be sure to check out Cove Bar for a variety or bear, wine, and cocktails. Or, guests can get their caffeine fix at Cove Café, where they’ll find delicious coffee, teas, and specialty lattes.

Fun in the sun takes on a whole new meaning onboard the Disney Wish, and we can’t wait for guests to see for themselves!

Saving Your Disney Cruise Memories . . . AND Money!

Saving Your Disney Cruise Memories . . . AND Money!

Do you love having family pictures to remember your special moments together? Disney Cruise Line has a verity of Photo Packages available. I will only talk about one because I feel it is the best deal. I’m talking about the Unlimited Digital Photo Package offered on the ship.

With the Unlimited Photo Package, you get as many pictures as you choose to get taken!! I got 300 pictures on a 4-night cruise!! This includes photos taken around the ship, in the dining room, in the lobby with the statue, on the steps and with the amazing backdrops and props. They also take pictures on Castaway Cay! Add Magic Shots both on the ship and on Castaway Cay and I’m sold!! DCL take my money!!!

The price of this Unlimited Digital package for a 3–5-day cruise is approximately $230, a package for a 7 night is $349.95 if purchased on the ship. There use to be a limited number of photos package but that appears to have been removed.

There is one easy way to save money on the Unlimited Photo Package!! Just pre-order the package at least 3 days before you sail.  The price of a Pre-Ordered Photo Package is $194.95! For a 7 night it is $295.95. That is a great savings! It is 15% off!

Want to spread the savings? Traveling with extended family or friends and in several rooms? Are the reservations linked so you are all dine together? GREAT!! (If you have minor children staying an adjacent cabin you CAN get the pictures for both cabins at no additional cost!) You can all be in photos but someone from the cabin who purchased the Photo Package must be in the photo! How do you get around this? Every cabin MUST purchase their own Photo Package. You can STILL save!! If one cabin pre-orders the Photo Package those in the linked cabins can purchase packages at ½ the original full package price!!! That is about $115 for 5 nights or less and about $148 for a 7 night cruise for each additional cabin that purchases the Photo Package! You can spread the savings around or leave it as it falls. That is up to you and your traveling party.

If you order the package, make sure you download the pictures each day to your computer, tablet or mobile device. You can wait to do it at home, but I do NOT advise it! I’ve heard others say some added photo frames and logos are missing if you do it at home. Check every day for the pictures and look to make sure all your pictures are there. My only disappointment with Shutters and the new photo system is they no longer give you the photos on a USB thumb drive. You must download them yourself a few at a time.

To me photos are the most precious and truly priceless memento I can purchase. It is treasured for years to come. I have them on my computer, tablet and phone and look at and share them often. For my husband and I it is well worth the money.

The photos in this post are from several of my recent cruises. Some of these were taken in 2021 and 2022. Mask rules changed from one cruise to the next. For some cruises you had to have a mask on while inside but could take it off for a quick photo. Some it was mask while inside at all time, even for photos. For other cruises you did not have to use a mask at all.