Blog Posts Tagged Disney Cruise Line

Finding the Best Location for You on a Disney Cruise Ship

4/13/2021 • Cruises, Tips • One of the most common questions we receive from cruise clients is the best location when selecting a stateroom. If you are sensitive to motion, having a stateroom center ship and on a lower deck may provide less movement of the ship. Selecting a stateroom with a verandah or an oceanview will also help if you begin to feel queazy so you have the ability to look at the horizon. The verandah stateroom is also an added benefit for the ability to step outside for fresh air. Many people feel being high up on a ship is more desirable. If this is your preference, it’s important to know that staterooms on the deck right under the pool deck tend to have noise early in the morning as they move the deck chairs around the pool getting ready for the day. Therefore, if you are a light sleeper, this location may […]

What to Expect on Embarkation Day

4/6/2021 • Cruises, Tips • Your Disney cruise is booked and the countdown clock is tickin’! You’ve scoured the internet for tips, booked excursions, scheduled a princess meet and greet, and are ready to order your Mickey bar at midnight from room service, but what should you expect on embarkation day? Let’s break it down so you make the most of your first afternoon exploring the ship! You've selected a Port Arrival Time when you did your on-line check-in. This is when you can arrive at the port and start the boarding process. Before arriving at the port, make sure all your check-in luggage is tagged. It will go through a screening process and then magically appear outside your stateroom later in the afternoon. Be sure you retain all your travel documents, including your passport, as well as medications and anything else you might need for the afternoon. Check your luggage and then continue through […]

Snorkeling at Disney’s Castaway Cay

3/26/2021 • Cruises, Reviews, Tips • Nothing is more exciting than going on a Disney Cruise.  The best thing about a Disney Cruise in my opinion is Castaway Cay – Disney’s Private Island! Most Disney cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean include one and sometimes two stops to this amazing destination. This location has many activities to be enjoyed for the young to the young at heart. My must-do during the day at Castaway Cay is to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Castaway Cay has a 22-acre snorkeling lagoon just off the family beach area. The snorkeling path is filled with all kinds of sunken treasures including a shipwreck and even some hidden Mickeys. The treasures are marked with buoys so that you know which direction to go while in the water. Plenty of different fish will also be swimming all around you. A net does surround the area to prevent large marine life from coming […]

Capturing the Moments – 7 Helpful Tips

3/9/2021 • Tips • Some of my favorite photos of my kids are from Disney parks, and I have HUGE scrapbooks to prove it! I'm one of those moms who will plan an outfit based on where we'll be, what characters we might meet, coordinating colors,... I also enjoy taking candid photos - photos when they're looking somewhere else and all you see is the joy in their eyes, photos while walking behind them, and the simple things that make up what a Disney vacation means to our family. I am in no way a professional photographer, but I do like to pay attention to my shots. 1. Get down to their level. Sure, have some fun taking some artistic shots looking straight down at your kids or looking up at them from the ground, but the best photos are those that are at the same level as the subject. Experience things from a […]

Disney Cruise Line: Palo Brunch – Keto Style

1/10/2020 • Cruises, Reviews • When embarking on a Disney Cruise, indulgence is what comes to mind.  While each of the ships has unique dining rooms that are part of the nightly dinner rotation, every ship also has an adult-only dining option, Palo.  Palo is known for its Northern Italian inspiration with a modern twist. They offer reservations for dinner and on select days, a brunch option. I have been following the Ketogenic way of eating for almost 2 years and my experience at Palo brunch was extraordinary.  Brunch and dinner are subject to an additional fee of $40/person, plus gratuity. The following dress code is recommended: Dress pants or slacks and a collared shirt for men Dress, skirt, or pants and a blouse for women. Jeans may be worn if in good condition (no holes).   My husband and I have had the privilege of enjoying the Palo brunch on both the Disney Dream […]

Items Not Permitted on a Disney Cruise

12/10/2019 • Cruises, Tips • Packing for a vacation is an important part of the planning process, but rarely do people think about what they should NOT bring onboard a Disney cruise.  This is a broad overview of some of the items you should leave at home in order to provide a safe environment for all guests. If you have any questions about specific items, your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist will be happy to assist. What NOT To Bring On Your Disney Cruise   Absolutely no weapons or anything that may resemble a weapon. Includes explosives, ammunition, flares, knives or scissors exceeding 4”, or anything highly flammable. If you made a stop at Hollywood Studios prior to your cruise and bought a lightsaber, plan on shipping it home since it won’t be allowed on the ship. Scuba diving equipment, however, snorkeling equipment (mask, fins) are allowed. Air mattresses The only alcohol permitted to […]

Top 5 tips for Preparing for a Disney Cruise – From the View of a Special Needs Parent!

11/8/2019 • Cruises, Tips • WE DID IT!!!  We accomplished a long term “goal” of successfully traveling as a family on the Disney Cruise Line.  There have been many factors over the 20 + years since my husband and I went on our first Disney cruise that has stood in the way of successfully accomplishing this goal.  Fear was the biggest hurdle. As I have previously shared, my oldest son is living with Fragile X Syndrome. Would he tolerate the motion of the boat? Would he be able to tell us if he was feeling unwell or would he only display undesirable behaviors?  Would he want to participate in the various activities? Would he want to get off at the various port of call? The following tips are what we did to prepare by hoping to lessen any potential behaviors that might come along with his constant desire to know, "what's next." 5. Research your […]

What is Included in The Cost of a Disney Cruise?

8/2/2019 • Cruises, Tips • The cost of a Disney Cruise includes so many benefits that it truly makes it a great value for your money. One of the most important inclusions is the outstanding Disney service that my family has come to enjoy whether traveling with children or on one of their adult-only cruises. What is included in the cost of your cruise? All meals are included when dining in 1 of the 3 main restaurants, Cabanas buffet, the pool deck quick service locations, and the restaurants on Castaway Cay. In addition, there are locations throughout each ship that offer snacks during the day. Soft drinks and coffee are included with your meals and obtained at the self-service stations on the pool deck and Cabanas. Many of the items on the room service menu are included and available 24 hours/day in case you have a craving in the middle of the night. There are […]

Is Travel Protection REALLY Needed?

5/7/2019 • Cruises, Tips • When planning your next vacation, your Me and The Mouse Travel specialist will assist you with many details.  We are committed to saving families time, money, and stress. We are dedicated to providing each family a memorable and magical vacation where no detail is overlooked. After all the excitement of planning, it is difficult to consider there would be a need for travel insurance. Protecting your investment is part of the comprehensive service, with attention to every detail, that your travel specialist is here to provide. Prior to becoming a travel specialist, I lacked the knowledge and understanding about the importance of travel protection.  After completing my training, I was thankful that I had never faced a situation that would have required that support. My family was excited to embark on our first family Disney cruise.  Although, we did NOT anticipate there would be anything that would prevent us from setting sail, my husband’s appendix had […]

Pre-Cruising at the Hyatt Regency MCO

4/30/2019 • Cruises, Tips • In a previous blog - Benefits of the Hyatt Regency MCO - I’ve discussed the awesome accommodations at the Hyatt Regency located inside of Orlando International Airport. I hope to enlighten you now to the benefits of a Pre-Disney Cruise stay here as well! We recommend arriving for your Disney Cruise and leaving from Port Canaveral at least 1 day early to avoid any hiccups with transportation. What better way to spend your pre-cruise night than in a plush hotel with a rooftop pool and with restaurants and shopping within walking distance?! How do you book the Hyatt Regency MCO?  Your Me and The Mouse Travel Agent can seamlessly add a night’s stay to your current Disney Cruise Line reservation. Rates are competitive, but the benefit of this seamless addition means you know that Disney trusts this resort to give you the quality and service you’re used to with a […]