How to Book a Disney Cruise / Why Using a Travel Agent is a Smart Choice

 

How to Book a Disney Cruise

Why Using a Travel Agent is a Smart Choice

You can easily go to the DisneyCruise.com and find everything you need there to book your cruise for yourself. Itineraries, Information on cabins to help you pick what type you wish, prices and even some things you can add, like ground transfer are all there. You can just click away and book it for yourself. No additional fees added. Sounds easy enough, and honestly it is! Please read on!

 

There is another way to book. You can contact your trusted travel agent and tell them when you wish to sail, and cabin type (or ask for help deciding on cabin category), and they will book the cruise for you. If they have done the College of Disney Knowledge and they are working closely with Disney they should NOT charge any fees! Ask before booking if there are fees. If there is a fee, I highly suggest looking for another TA. TA’s are paid by commission from Disney, or whatever other company they are booking. The only time I honestly believe there might be a ligament fee is if the TA is doing something they normally do not do that does not pay commission. For some of us that is booking flight outside of Disney. With a reputable TA you should be able to look online for the same cruise, cabin category and see the cabin is the exact same price, with no fees added. That means even the quotes are FREE!

 

Why book with an TA when you can do it yourself?? If you find a good TA they will answer any and all questions. They should ask you questions, such as do you need a Handicapped Cabin. Do you have any special needs/concerns they should be aware of? Have you ever cruised before? Do you get motion sick? (If you get motion sick they should offer a cabin midship.) Have you ever sailed with DCL before?

 

The TA should be willing to tell you the pros and cons for every type of cabin level and help you decide what category and area of the ship is best suited to your needs. Should you book an Inside Cabin or one with a Oceanview, or Veranda? Will you be most comfortable in the forward section of the ship, midship, or aft? A good TA will be happy to give you a 2^nd, 3^rd, or even 4^th quote if you want to compare or if the price is out of your budget. Don’t be afraid to ask if there is something for a lower price.

 

A good TA will be able to tell you what type of activities are available for every person in your traveling party. There is something for everyone to do on a Disney Cruise! Kids have Kids Clubs but also have some special, must book in advance (some with a fee) character meet and greets and there is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Teens and Tweens have their own special areas as well!! Your TA should tell you about the Adult Only Fun! From Adult only pools to Adult only dining. There are things to do! Your TA should be knowledgeable! Your TA should be able to tell you what type of Family Fun you can find on the ship.

 

Do you have special needs? Do you use a wheelchair/scooter or other mobility aide, CPap, or need a special diet due to medical need or allergies, have vision or hearing issues?? A good TA will know or take the time to find out what is available to assist you. They should find answers to all your questions. This is one of my personal specialties! If you have special needs and the TA refuses to look for information for you, I suggest you walk away. I personally learned that the hard way.

 

Don’t like or have time for sitting online trying to figure it all out? Don’t like sitting on hold, possibly for 4-7 hours for several days in a row to get an answer or a problem solved? Use a TA!! A TA dedicated to helping their clients be happy and safe and will be willing to make the calls and/or do the research for you! Post Covid-19 hold times are insane for all travel destinations, especially Disney!

 

What Information will you or your TA need to quote or book a Disney Cruise? Your TA cannot get an official and accurate quote without the following.

• Date of Cruise you wish to go on.
• Name of the Ship of choice, 
• Category of Cabin(s) you are interested in (With me you can ask for comparisons, price two cabins of different categories so you can better choose what is best for you.)
• FULL Legal Names (First, Middle, and Last name) of all guests traveling with you in the same or linked cabins if your family/group needs more than one.
• Physical address (If the traveling group has different addresses, you should give all address to the TA).
• Email address.
• Phone number(s).

 

Once you have accepted the quote and decided to go on the cruise you will need to give your TA your Credit/Debit/Gift Card payment information. The TA should ask you to sign a Credit Card Authorization Form. This authorized the TA to charge the specified amount for your trip and that trip ONLY. You can make a deposit and then hold off on paying until the Pay In Full Date or make monthly payments. It is up to you. All you do to make a payments is contact your TA. They will make the payments. All charges should be made directly to Disney Cruise Line and NOT to the Travel Agent or Travel Agency. If charges, go through the Travel Agent or Travel Agency that is a red flag for possible mishandling of the funds.

 

Your TA should keep you updated on any changes with the Cruise Line. More than ever things change quickly! From Pay in Full Dates to Covid Testing requirements changes happen often. The TA should remind you when you are getting near to your Pay In Full Date. Your TA should remind you of the date you can book things to do on the ship and in ports and tell you if to do it you need to pay earlier than the Pay In Full date so you can start booking. When the time comes for Online Check-In your TA should offer to do it for you or explain the process so you can do it yourself if you wish. Your TA should remind you of the Pre Cruise Covid Requirements and assist you if needed in fulfilling the requirements.

 

In short, a TA will do the work so you, the client can PLAY!! A good TA should answer every question you have and even some you did not know to ask. Your TA is a valuable resource that is really FREE to use!

 

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Line or other Disney vacation?

Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

You booked Your Disney Cruise! What Important Dates do You Need to be Aware of?

 

You booked Your Disney Cruise!

What Important Dates do You Need to be Aware of?

 

You booked your cruise, and you are excited! Goof for you! But what do you do next? What is the next important thing to do? At this time, and things may change these are the important days you should know about.

 

·          I suggest that about 7 months in advance look at your Citizenship Documents. Do you need a Passport? Is the cruise sailing from a US Port and returning to the same port? Simple answer is no need for a passport. If you want to use a passport in case of an emergency or need a passport check that you have all necessary documents to apply for one. You will need a birth certificate and Government Issued ID. It can take 2-3 months to get a copy of your Birth Certificate from Vital Records. Once you get that you need to apply for your Passport!  if you need both I suggest starting 7-8 months before your cruise! Really that is 6-7 months before your Online Check-In date. Online Check-in for most Disney Cruises is 30 days before the cruise.

·         Know your PIF date!!! This is the final date you can Pay in Full for your cruise. It is normally 75-105 days before you cruise. Currently DCL is allowing PIF to be 60 days before your cruise. This date may change at any time.

·         Booking Date!! This is a super fun date!! It is the day you can book all the little “extra Adventures”. You can book Port Adventures off the Cruise and fun things, like tastings, Adult Dining, and Spa time. This date is based on YOUR Castaway Club Membership Level

a.       First-time cruiser, you and not a member of the Castaway Club. You will become a member as you walk off the ship. You can book 75 days before the cruise. If you are Paid in Full.

b.       Silver Club Members (those who have sailed 2-5 times with DCL) can start booking at 90 days before your cruise if you are Paid in Full.

c.       Gold Club Members (Those who have sailed 6-10 times) can book at 105 days in advance if they are paid in full.

d.       Platinum Club Members (Those who have sailed 11+ times) can book at 120 days in advance if they are paid in full.

e.       I HIGHLY recommend booking your adventures as soon as you can because many fill up quickly.

·         Online Check-In! By this time, you are really EXCITED! This is the day you will go online and do your check-in! You will upload photos of your important Citizenship Documents, Travel Information, and Payment Method for your Shipboard Folio. You will also pick your Port Arrival Time when this is complete.

·         Safe Passage Check-In Day!! It is now 15 days until you board the ship! You will go to the Safe Passage website and upload a JPEG photo of your Covid-19 Vaccination Card.

a.       There is a second time you will go to Safe Passage. 1 day before the cruise you will upload proof of a negative Covid-19 test in accordance with current policy.

·         After you have Paid In Full and up to three days before sailing you can purchase gifts and amenities to be delivered to your stateroom. You can also order gifts for people in other staterooms as well.

·         Up to 3 days before your sailing you can preorder a photograph package and save money. There are several packages you can choose from. I personally LOVE the unlimited digital download package!! We got 300 photos on a 4 night cruise!

DCL Pirate Night is BACK!!!

 

Pirate Night is BACK!!!

 

One of the best nights of a Disney Cruise is Pirate Night!!! It is a night for fantastic food, swash buckling entertainment, fireworks at sea, and PIRATES invading the ship!!!

 

It all starts out in the afternoon with Disney characters all decked out as pirates wondering the ship! They will be happy to take a picture or two or three with you! Guess what!! You can JOIN THEM and get decked out as a pirate!! You can bring your own Pirate Gear and join the fun!

 

In the evening there is a Pirate themed meal! Your servers will all be dressed in their Pirate Best. After Dinner and maybe the show, head up to the pool deck. Actually, I think the deck above is better than the actually pool deck. On the pool deck the stage will be taken over by pirates and the pool is turned into a dance floor! It is a fun and energetic party!!! An ominous pirate voice keeps saying they are going to take over the ship! Finally, Captain Mickey flies above the deck and takes out the pirates!! He shoots off fireworks taking back the ship!!!

 

One fun thing to know is that Disney Cruise Fireworks are ECO friendly and in fact they feed the fish!! Traditional fireworks are wrapped with cardboard, plastic, or plasticized cardboard. None of that is good for the oceans or the life that lives there. Disney found a pyrotechnic company and asked them to come up with fireworks that were safe for the ocean environment. They designed fireworks wrapped in corn paper! When the corn paper falls into the ocean it is safe for the ocean life to eat! That is why Disney is the only Cruise Line at sea that has fireworks at sea. There are fireworks on most Disney Cruises. They do not do them where the fireworks could cause damage to the local environment.

 

I feel the best view of the fireworks is from the deck above the pool, so you can see the party, Mickey flying down, and the fireworks go up, it is midship on the port (left side if you are facing the bow of the ship). This way you can see the pool deck show and the fireworks!! If you don’t care about the party then head over to the starboard side of the ship, same deck and still midship. This way you can get near the glass on the side of the ship and watch the fireworks unobstructed. If you have a starboard facing Veranda cabin midship you will also be able to see the fireworks from your cabin veranda in private.

 

A pro tip on the first 4 ships of the fleet is to ask to be in Animator’s Palate for dinner on Pirate Night! You will get a special Pirate themed dinner show along with your meal!!!

                                                                                       

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

 

 

What is Rotational Dining on the Disney Cruise Line?

 

What is Rotational Dining on the Disney Cruise Line?

 

Simply put Rotational Dining is rotating through the 3 main dining restaurants on each Disney Cruise Line Ship. But wait! That is not all!!! You have the same table number and your serving staff rotates along with you every night! This means you have the same amazing serving staff EVERY NIGHT of the cruise!! Why is that so exciting and great??

 

Your serving staff gets to know YOU! They learn your allergies, likes, dislikes, and needs. Are you allergic to nuts?? The serving staff knows what dishes have nuts and will check before they allow you to order! They will ask the chief if they can make it without nuts as well. No matter what the allergy they will work with you! Your food will be prepared in an allergy safe zone to make sure you are not put at risk. Are you diabetic? They will work with you! Vegetarian, Vegan or have other diets? Just tell your server and they will help!! Your serving staff will become part of your family. They are a joyful way to end the night with a fantastic meal.

 

If you don’t see anything on that current night’s menu that you want, but you loved something you had in another restaurant on the cruise just ask your server! Can’t decide between to dishes? That’s ok ask for both!!! Don’t like what you ordered? Ask for something else! Want more of something? Ask!!! There will be no extra charge!!

 

Some of the Main Restaurants have dinner shows! Animator’s Palate has 3 different shows, depending on what ship you are on!! Some of the ships do 2 of the 3 Animator’s shows!! Rapunzel’s Royal Table and Tiana’s Place both have a show where the main Princess comes to visit along with friends. I will not even get into the newest ship that will come out in July 2022! I’ll share more on that in another post!!! Some of the other restaurants have a character parade through the restaurant that lasts just a few minutes.

There are two dining times every night. Main Seating is the earlier dining time and starts between 5 and 5:30 pm. Second Seating starts around 8 to 8:30. If you go to Main Seating, you eat first then go to the evening show after the meal. If you have Second Seating, you will watch the show first then eat. When you book your cruise, you will most likely be assigned Second Seating. You can change it online or in the app.

 

I will share more about each of the restaurants on the ships in later posts.

 

   

                                                                                    

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

How to Book a Disney Cruise / Why Using a TA is a Smart Choice!

How to Book a Disney Cruise

Why Using a Travel Agent is a Smart Choice

You can easily go to the DisneyCruise.com and find everything you need there to book your cruise for yourself. Itineraries, Information on cabins to help you pick what type you wish, prices and even some things you can add, like ground transfer are all there. You can just click away and book it for yourself. No additional fees added. Sounds easy enough, and honestly it is! Please read on!

 

There is another way to book. You can contact your trusted travel agent and tell them when you wish to sail, and cabin type (or ask for help deciding on cabin category), and they will book the cruise for you. If they have done the College of Disney Knowledge and they are working closely with Disney they should NOT charge any fees! Ask before booking if there are fees. If there is a fee, I highly suggest looking for another TA. TA’s are paid by commission from Disney, or whatever other company they are booking. The only time I honestly believe there might be a ligament fee is if the TA is doing something they normally do not do that does not pay commission. For some of us that is booking flight outside of Disney. With a reputable TA you should be able to look online for the same cruise, cabin category and see the cabin is the exact same price, with no fees added. That means even the quotes are FREE!

 

Why book with an TA when you can do it yourself?? If you find a good TA they will answer any and all questions. They should ask you questions, such as do you need a Handicapped Cabin. Do you have any special needs/concerns they should be aware of? Have you ever cruised before? Do you get motion sick? (If you get motion sick they should offer a cabin midship.) Have you ever sailed with DCL before?

 

The TA should be willing to tell you the pros and cons for every type of cabin level and help you decide what category and area of the ship is best suited to your needs. Should you book an Inside Cabin or one with a Oceanview, or Veranda? Will you be most comfortable in the forward section of the ship, midship, or aft? A good TA will be happy to give you a 2^nd, 3^rd, or even 4^th quote if you want to compare or if the price is out of your budget. Don’t be afraid to ask if there is something for a lower price.

 

A good TA will be able to tell you what type of activities are available for every person in your traveling party. There is something for everyone to do on a Disney Cruise! Kids have Kids Clubs but also have some special, must book in advance (some with a fee) character meet and greets and there is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Teens and Tweens have their own special areas as well!! Your TA should tell you about the Adult Only Fun! From Adult only pools to Adult only dining. There are things to do! Your TA should be knowledgeable! Your TA should be able to tell you what type of Family Fun you can find on the ship.

 

Do you have special needs? Do you use a wheelchair/scooter or other mobility aide, CPap, or need a special diet due to medical need or allergies, have vision or hearing issues?? A good TA will know or take the time to find out what is available to assist you. They should find answers to all your questions. This is one of my personal specialties! If you have special needs and the TA refuses to look for information for you, I suggest you walk away. I personally learned that the hard way.

 

Don’t like or have time for sitting online trying to figure it all out? Don’t like sitting on hold, possibly for 4-7 hours for several days in a row to get an answer or a problem solved? Use a TA!! A TA dedicated to helping their clients be happy and safe and will be willing to make the calls and/or do the research for you! Post Covid-19 hold times are insane for all travel destinations, especially Disney!

 

What Information will you or your TA need to quote or book a Disney Cruise? Your TA cannot get an official and accurate quote without the following.

• Date of Cruise you wish to go on.
• Name of the Ship of choice, 
• Category of Cabin(s) you are interested in (With me you can ask for comparisons, price two cabins of different categories so you can better choose what is best for you.)
• FULL Legal Names (First, Middle, and Last name) of all guests traveling with you in the same or linked cabins if your family/group needs more than one.
• Physical address (If the traveling group has different addresses, you should give all address to the TA).
• Email address.
• Phone number(s).

 

Once you have accepted the quote and decided to go on the cruise you will need to give your TA your Credit/Debit/Gift Card payment information. The TA should ask you to sign a Credit Card Authorization Form. This authorized the TA to charge the specified amount for your trip and that trip ONLY. You can make a deposit and then hold off on paying until the Pay In Full Date or make monthly payments. It is up to you. All you do to make a payments is contact your TA. They will make the payments. All charges should be made directly to Disney Cruise Line and NOT to the Travel Agent or Travel Agency. If charges, go through the Travel Agent or Travel Agency that is a red flag for possible mishandling of the funds.

 

Your TA should keep you updated on any changes with the Cruise Line. More than ever things change quickly! From Pay in Full Dates to Covid Testing requirements changes happen often. The TA should remind you when you are getting near to your Pay In Full Date. Your TA should remind you of the date you can book things to do on the ship and in ports and tell you if to do it you need to pay earlier than the Pay In Full date so you can start booking. When the time comes for Online Check-In your TA should offer to do it for you or explain the process so you can do it yourself if you wish. Your TA should remind you of the Pre Cruise Covid Requirements and assist you if needed in fulfilling the requirements.

 

In short, a TA will do the work so you, the client can PLAY!! A good TA should answer every question you have and even some you did not know to ask. Your TA is a valuable resource that is really FREE to use!

 

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Line or other Disney vacation?

Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

Funny Words you hear on a cruise ship and when planning a Disney Cruise!

 

Funny Words you hear on a cruise ship and when planning a Disney Cruise!

 

Port, Starboard, Aft, Bow, Forward, Midship, Lift, Assembly Station, Embarkation, Disembark/Debarkation, Port Arrival Time (PAT), Paid in Full (PIF), Shipboard Folio, Cabin/Stateroom, Stateroom Host(ess), Head Server, Server, Assistant Server, Placeholder, Fish Extender, and Castaway Club Level are just a few of the funny words/terms you will hear on a Disney Cruise.

 

IMPORTANT WORDS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

·         PAID IN FULL/PIF

o   PIF date is the day you must finish paying for your cruise.

·         ONLINE CHECK-IN

o   You will need to fill out forms online before you sail. You can start doing this 30 days prior to your sail/Embarkation date. You will upload your Proof of Citizenship, and a photo of yourself to be used as a security photo. You will also pick your PAT at that time. It is advised to do this as soon as you can. Doing this speeds up boarding!

·         PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP DOCUMENTS

o   You will need to have proof of citizenship to board the ship. The following are what you can use, Birth Certificate, and State Issued ID, or Passport Book/Card. I have posted about this before in more detail.

·         EMBARKATION

o   The boarding of the ship.

·         DISEMBARK/DEBARKATION

o   The leaving the ship

·         PORT ARRIVAL TIME/PAT

o   This is the assigned time you are to arrive at the port on embarkation day.

·         SHIPBOARD FOLIO

o   This is what your shipboard account is called. All purchases on the ship are cashless. Everything is charged to your Shipboard Folio/Account.

LOCATION WORDS TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR WAY AROUND THE SHIP:

·         BOW

o   The front part of the ship.

·         FORWARD

o   The first 1/3 of the ship behind the Bow of the ship.

·         MIDSHIP

o   The Middle of the ship.

·         AFT

o   The very back of the ship. It is also what the last 1/3 of the ship is called.

·         PORT

o   The left side of the ship if you are facing toward the front of the ship. An easy trick to remember is LEFT has 4 letters and ends with T. PORT also has 4 letters and ends with T.

·         STARBOARD

o             The right side of the ship if you are facing toward the front of the ship. An easy trick to remember is Second STAR to the Right.

Types of Cabins and Oher Cabin Information:

·         CABIN/STATEROOM

o   This is the room you will stay in. Cabin and Stateroom are interchangeable names for guests’ rooms.

·         INSIDE CABIN

o   Cabins on the inside of the ship that have no windows. (on the Dream and Fantasy these cabins have a virtual porthole.

·         VIRTUAL PORTHOLE

o   A Virtual Porthole is a video screen that looks like a regular ship porthole. It shows live streamed footage of the view you would have if a porthole if it could be placed there.

·         OCEANVIEW CABIN

o   An Oceanview Cabin has two small or one large porthole to look out of. On the large ships you can actually sit in the porthole!

·         PORTHOLE

o   A Porthole is a round window with thick glass. You cannot open a porthole.

·         OCEANVIEW WITH VERANDA

o   In an Oceanview with Veranda stateroom you will have doors instead of a porthole. You will be able to go and sit outside on your own private Veranda.

·         VERANDA

o   A Veranda is the balcony of a Stateroom.

·         KEY TO THE WORLD CARD

o   This is a Card Key that is used on the ship to open your cabin door and charge things to our account. It is also required for exiting/boarding the ship in ports.

·         TOWELGOMI

o   A TowelGomi is a towel folded to look like an animal or sea creature.

·         SPLIT BATH

o   Many of the staterooms on the Disney cruise ships have a Split Bath. Simply put, you have one small room with a toilet and sink and another small room with a bathtub/shower and sink. This is so several people can get dressed at one time in privacy.

IMPORTANT PLACES TO KNOW:

·         LIFT

o   A lift is the elevators of the ship. There are 3 sets of elevators on the ship, one set in each areas of the ship, Forward, Midship and Aft.

·         ASSEMBLY STATION

o   Where you will go in case of an emergency evacuation of the ship. Your Assembly Station Letter will be on your Key to the World Card.

IMPORTANT PEOPLE:

·         CAPTAIN

o   The Captain is in charge of the ship.

·         CRUISE DIRECTOR

o   The Cruise Director is responsible for the entertainment of the guests. They control what happens when.

·         HOST(ESS)

o   Your stateroom Host or Hostess is responsible for keeping your stateroom clean and making sure you have all the supplies you need. They will come into your stateroom in the midmorning to make your bed, take out the trash, clean the bathroom, replenish your towels, and shower supplies. They will come again in the evening to turndown your bed, leave a TowleGomi in your stateroom, place chocolates on your bed and leave any notices you need to see.

·         HEAD SERVER

o   The Head Server is in charge of the restaurant you are in each night.

·         Server

o   This is the main Server at dinner who will take your order.

·         ASSISTANT SERVER

o   The Assistant Server will take your drink order and help the Server bring your meal. He will be there to assist as needed through the meal.

A Couple of extra words:

·         PLACEHOLDER

o   A Placeholder is a wonderful way to save money on your next Disney Cruise. You can only do this while on a cruise! If you believe you will be going on a Disney Cruise in the next 24 months, you can make a $250 deposit without picking a date! Just sail within 24 months and Disney will give you a 10% Discount on your next cruise!! You can book your next cruise, picking the sail date and you will also save 10%.

·         FISH EXTENDER

o   Next to each cabin door is a Message Fish. This is so crew members and fellow guests can leave messages for you. Someone back in 2005 thought it would be fun to hang pockets for the Fish so guests could exchange little gifts!!!

·         CASTAWAY CLUB

o   Once you have sailed on your first Disney Cruise you are a member of the Castaway Club! There are 3 levels in the club, and each has benefits. Cruises 2-5 you are a Silver Castaway Club Member. You will find a gift in your cabin on each cruise. Cruises 6-10 you are a Gold Castaway Club Member. You will get a little bigger gift in your cabin on each cruise. From your 11^th cruise on you are a Platinum Castaway Club Member. You will get an even larger gift in your cabin each time you cruise. The gifts are usually a bag/backpack for all 3 levels. Gold will get the addition of luggage tags. Platinum will get the luggage tags and maybe luggage straps. Also, the Castaway Club members can book cruises and things like Port Adventures and Shipboard Activities earlier than those who have not cruised before. Platinum Members also get a free meal at Palo’s Restaurant, one of the Adult Dining experiences you do pay extra for. You can find the description of benefits on the Disney Cruise website under the Castaway Club section. Only Castaways can see it! I will share it at a later date in a separate post.

 

These are just a few of the funny words/terms you will hear on a Disney Cruise. I will share more later!

 

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

 

Did you know there are Facebook Pages for Every Scheduled Disney Cruise?

 

Did you know there are Facebook Pages for Every Scheduled Disney Cruise? Why should I join a Facebook Page for My Cruise?

 

Some guest that booked a Disney Cruise for the sailing you chose will start a Facebook Page JUST for that cruise! Why is this a good thing? Why join?? How do you find it?

 

As a TA I’m here to answer questions for my clients, and anybody who asks. I will be completely honest! I don’t know everything! I’ve been on 9 Disney Cruises and I’m still learning new things!! If I don’t know the answer and can’t find it online, I will call DCL and get it. These DCL Facebook Pages have lots of people who have done Disney Cruises, 99% of them are happy to talk about Disney Cruising and share their knowledge. It is a place where you can feel safe to ask questions and not feel stupid or silly. You can make new friends from all over and you will have “friends” when you board the ship! If you have kids, you can find other kids your child’s age and maybe start them up as pen pals so the children will not feel uncomfortable and alone when the walk into the Kid’s Club for the first time. Going Solo? You can find other Solo Cruisers and plan to do some things together. Often someone on the page will set up a Mixology Class on the ship just for your group. Mixology Classes are kind of hard to get into sometimes. They fill up quickly, but Disney will set up a special one if there are enough people to fill it.

 

It is on the Facebook Page you will join an amazing fun thing called Fish Extenders (FE)!!!! Simply put it is a gift exchange between cabins. The rules are set by the person in charge of the FE groups. Usually, it is broken into groups of 10 or so cabins. You can bring at least one gift per cabin, or you can get more elaborate and bring a gift for each person. The items can be store bought or homemade, Disney themed or something from your home state/country. Whatever you choose will be appreciated. I have shared about FEs before but will share more later.

 

How do you find a Facebook Page for the cruise you have booked and how to join? In Facebook go to the search bar. After you have booked your Disney Cruise, type in Disney Name of the Ship Date of Sailing, example is Disney Wonder November 16, 2022. If there is a page for your cruise it should show up in the search. Click on Join, answer any questions that are asked and wait to be approved. Read the rules for that page carefully. Enjoy making new friends!!

 

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

 

Disney Genie+ Service and 2023 Theme Park Tickets & Resort Bookings Update for Walt Disney World Resort

 

 Disney Genie+ Service and 2023 Theme Park Tickets & Resort Bookings

Update for Walt Disney World Resort

Disney has released an update about the Disney Genie+ program at Walt Disney World. These changes do not affect guests at the Disneyland Resort.

 

Because Disney Genie+ is very popular at Walt Disney World. It is in such high demand amongst guests that Walt Disney World Resort is making changes to the program.

 

Starting June 8^th, Disney Genie+ will only be offered through the My Disney Experience App ON THE DAY OF VISIT – Disney will no longer offer the option to purchase Genie+ pre-arrival as a ticket add-on for dates remaining in 2022 and 2023.

 

This means ALL guests, no matter the ticket type will now purchase Disney Genie+ on the day of their visit via the My Disney Experience App, one day at a time, subject to availability.

 

Disney expects that, on average, guests who purchase Disney Genie+ service will continue to enter 2-3 attractions or experiences each day using the Lightning Lane entrance when the first selection is made early in the day.

 

If you have already purchased a ticket or package that includes Disney Genie+ service for dates later in 2022, the service WILL be honored during your visit!

 

Additionally, Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets, Disney Resort Hotel stays and packages for visits in 2023 will also open booking beginning June 8^th! More information on 2023 packages and ticket product will be released soon!

 

Early Theme Park Entry benefit for Resort Hotel guests will continue throughout all of 2023, giving Resort guests the first chance to enjoy select attractions at every theme park, every day (valid admission, park reservation and Resort ID required).

 

Do you want to book a Disney Vacation? Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

Updated DCL Covid-19 Precruise Testing Policy 05/17/2022

New policy starts on June 7th/8th, 2022 at all US and Canadian Ports.

All Covid-19 Vaccination Eligible guests must be vaccinated. This includes all adults and children ages 5 and up.

Guests who are not vaccine-eligible:

Children ages 4 and under must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken no more than 3 days before the sail date> Test must be:

• Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)
• Rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test
• Rapid Antigen tests are not accepted

Fully vaccinated guests:

Fully vaccinated guests must provide proof of negative Covid-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken no more than 2 days before sailing. The test must be:

• Rapid Antigen Test professionally observed by a medical professional through a medical facility or telehealth provider
• Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)
• Rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test

Guests can purchase Covid-19 tests through a third*party, vendor, Inspire Diagnostics, or obtain a test from any independent testing supplier.

Test Results for all guests must be uploaded into Safe Passage Website by midnight prior to embarkation day. 

Fully vaccinated Guests who do not upload required pre-trip results into the Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day must be tested at the terminal before boarding and will be charged. Cost for embarkation tests for fully vaccinated Guests will be $74 – tax for the antigen test, and, if needed, $125 + tax for confirmatory PCR test at time of service.

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Family vacation? Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

 

Disney Cruise or Disney Parks for a Multi Generation Family Vacation? What is best??

 

Disney Cruise or Disney Parks for a Multi Generation Family Vacation? What is best??

 

So, you want your parents to go with you and your kids on a Disney Vacation. You want your parents to be part of your kids fun and see them having joy and experiencing Disney Magic. Do you book a stay at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or a Disney Cruise? After doing both with my family I highly suggest choosing a Disney Cruise!

 

First off after looking at the prices for a Disney Hotel, Park Tickets, and food a Disney Cruise is LESS expensive!! Hard to believe but true!! Remember that 99% of your food and drinks (except alcohol), and entertainment is included on a Disney Cruise!

 

Second a Disney Cruise it is more relaxed!! At the Disney Parks your child is with you the entire time unless you pay for a sitter, or they are old enough to be allowed to go off on their own for a short time. The adults can’t go off for a meal or to get a drink by themselves. On a Disney Cruise the kids clubs can keep your kids entertained all day and well into the night. You can mix and match all day!! Grandparents take the kids to the pool in the afternoon and spend time with them. Mom and dad go to Palo for a romantic Adult Only brunch!!! Mom and Dad take the kids to a craft class or to meet the characters for photos! Grandparents go to Palo for Brunch! Kids are in the club and the adults go for a drink, hit the spa, catch some of the adult entertainment or watch a movie. The entire family can play Match Your Family, take a craft class, learn to draw a Disney Character, do any of the other family activities, watch a movie or swim! The possibilities are ENDLESS.

 

On a Disney Cruise you can all find something special to do! You can unite as a family and enjoy things together. You can also find special things for adults and children to do separately. There is no, I want to do this ride not that one. Even teens will find something special to do in Edge and Vibe. They will make new friends; these friendships may last for years!!

 

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Family vacation? Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

 

Do I need a Passport for a Disney Cruise?

 

Do I need a Passport for a Disney Cruise?

 

A question I get asked by many first-time cruisers is, "Do I need a Passport for a Disney Cruise?” The simple answer is no, Passports are not required but are highly recommended for US based departures. You will need Proof of Citizenship to sail. If you do not have some form of Proof of Citizenship you will NOT be allowed to board the ship.

This is the Proof of Citizenship documents accepted according to the Disney Cruise Website 05/16/2022:

U.S. Citizens (Including Children)

• Original Valid U.S. Passport
• Original Valid U.S. Passport Card
• Original Valid Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST)

OR

• Original or copy of their stated-issued birth certificate AND Government-issued photo ID
• Puerto Rico birth certificates issued prior to 7/1/10 are not accepted
• Hospital-issued birth-certificates are not acceptable
• Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State AND Government-issued photo ID
• Original Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services AND Government-issued photo ID

Children 15 years of age and younger and required to present one of the documents listed above, but do not need to present a Government-issued photo ID.

Social Security Cards and Global Entry are not acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship for purposes of traveling outside the U.S.

U.S. Legal Permanent Residents:

• Guests who are legal permanent residents of the U.S. must present a Valid original Permanent Resident Card. Photocopies are not acceptable.

Canadian Citizens (Including Children)

• Original Valid Canadian Passport
• Original Valid Trusted Traveler Program (NEXUS, FAST)

Citizens of All Other Countries (Including Children), Except for some celect cruises.

• Original Valid Passport

As stated above, Proof of Citizenship for US citizens sailing out of a US port on a Closed Loop cruise can be either a Passport or you can show an official copy of your Birth Certificate AND Government Issued ID such as a Driver’s License or State Issued ID. Children under the age of 15 are not required to have Government Issued ID. I personally recommend going to your local DMV and getting an ID for minors. It gives a little more confidence when going into port outside of the US. It is easier in my mind to prove that child is yours if carrying something more than a Birth Certificate. Again this is just an added protection and NOT required.

 

When sailing out of a port that is not in US Territory check your specific cruise for what you are required to bring as Proof of Citizenship. If you are not a US Citizen, make sure you have proper documents.

 

First off let me explain closed loop cruise. A closed loop cruise is a cruise that starts at one US port and returns to the same US port. Most Disney Cruises are Closed Loop Cruises. The exceptions are repositioning cruises.

 

If all you need is your Birth Certificate and State Issued ID, why spend the extra money on a Passport? Why is having a Passport highly recommended? If there is an emergency, illness or injury in your party or an emergency at home you must return for quickly a Passport Book is required to fly home. A Passport Card will NOT suffice. Passport Cards are only good for entering and exiting the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada by foot or ground transportation or cruise ship.

 

An added benefit to having a Passport Card or Book is the speed to disembark the ship at the end of the cruise. It is quicker going through US Customs with a Passport.

 

Here is where I will STRONGLY suggest having a Passport. If you are elderly, in poor health, have a medical condition that can cause an emergency or have someone at home you might need to return home quickly for I STRONGLY advise you to get that Passport Book. That way if you need to return from a port outside the US, you can quickly do so. The choice is yours to have a Passport or not. I’ve sailed with Birth Certificate and ID and with a Passport. Both ways work. You must make the decision based on your budget and needs.

 

Now that you have decided what form of Proof of Citizenship you are going to go with let me suggest WHEN you should start working on gathering it. You will need it 30 days before you sail, 75 days if your cruise is from a non-US port. It can take 4-6 weeks to get your Birth Certificate. If you decided on a Passport, it could take 4-6 weeks to get it. If you don’t have your Birth Certificate and you will use just that I suggest you order it from the County Register Office where you were born at least 5 months in advance. Add three months if this is a non-US port. This gives you some extra slush time if there is a problem getting it. Again 5 months if you HAVE your Birth Certificate and want to order your Passport. If you need BOTH I Strongly suggest starting 7-8 months in advance. Again add 3 months if it is a non-US port. Yes, that is WAY in advance but saves money and stress. You will not have to worry about not having the documents you want/need to board, and you will not have to pay for express processing and shipping.

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

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel