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Disney Cruise Line ®
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you leave home
On Land
At Sea
Dining Onboard
Services and amenities
BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
We've Never Been On a Cruise. What Do We Need To Know?
First, relax - that's the point of your vacation. With Disney Cruise Line,
you'll find your ticketing, air transportation and transfers (if you choose
our Air program), your stateroom accommodations, meals and entertainment on
board have all been arranged. All you need to do is pack - and you don't need
to bring much, because the atmosphere is casual and informal. And if
necessary, you can purchase almost anything you need right on board.
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Should I Buy Travel Insurance?
We strongly recommend the purchase of the Disney Cruise Vacations
Protection Plan that provides baggage, trip cancellation/interruption and
medical expense coverage for your vacation. Remember, most major medical
policies do not provide coverage outside the U.S. See Terms and Conditions
section for details.
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What Documentation Do I need To Bring?
All U.S. and Canadian citizens must travel with proof of citizenship, which is
a valid passport, or certified birth certificate with a picture
identification, or a certified naturalization certificate with a picture
identification. Acceptable forms of picture identification are state or
provincial driver's license with a picture, or federal, state, province or
local government photo I.D. card.
All guests who are non-U.S. citizens residing in the United States will be
required to travel with their Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and valid
passports. All other guests must have valid passports and necessary visas at
time of embarkation. Travel documents required throughout the vacation are the
responsibility of the guest. Please consult with your travel agent, government
agencies, embassies or consulates to determine documentary requirements.
Any guest traveling without proper
documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of cruise
fare will be issued.
For all non-U.S. citizens including Canadian
citizens, travel documents will be taken upon check in by a Disney Cruise Line
representative and a passport/Alien Resident Card receipt will be issued for
presentation to Immigration Inspectors upon return to Port Canaveral.
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Should I bring cash? Credit cards? Foreign
currency?
Transactions aboard the ship are in U.S. dollars. In The Bahamas, U.S. dollars
and major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. But you won't need to
bring much cash (except for shoreside purchases), because Disney Cruise
Line has a convenient "cash-free" system on board the ship. When
you arrive at the Walt Disney World® Resort or at the Disney Cruise
Line Terminal at Port Canaveral, your signature will be requested for
check-in. At this time you may also present a credit card (American Express®,
MasterCard®, Visa® or The Disney Credit Card) which
will give you charging privileges at both the Walt Disney World Resort
and aboard the ship. Any purchases on the ship, including beverage services,
spa, salon services, photography, medical and laundry services, purchases from
our retail shops, gratuities and any item or service of a personal nature must
be charged to your room charge.
All charges must be settled before your resort
departure and debarkation from the ship by cash, personal check, travelers
checks, Disney Dollars, American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa®
or The Disney Credit Card. (Any other expenses are payable on demand.)
Note: Credit card payments are subject to credit clearance, and personal
checks must be accompanied by a valid U.S. driver's license and a major credit
card.
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What should I pack?
In short, the less the better. The Walt Disney World Resort and Disney
Cruise Line offer a casual, informal resort atmosphere. During the summer
months, lightweight shorts, slacks, sundresses, jeans and tops are all
appropriate daytime attire in The Bahamas and Central Florida. In the winter,
a light jacket, sweater and socks may be needed for cooler days and nights.
Bring comfortable shoes - like boatshoes, sandals, or sneakers. And don't
forget swimwear, sunglasses, a sunhat or visor and sunscreen - especially for
the kids.
Shipboard evening attire for the Animator's
Palate and Parrot Cay dining rooms is casual. Button-down,
open-collar shirts or polo shirts and slacks are recommended for men. Pants
and a blouse or a casual dress are appropriate for ladies. For Lumière's
and Triton's restaurants and our adult-only alternative dinner
restaurant, Palo, it is suggested that men wear jackets and ladies wear
dresses or pantsuits. We kindly request that no shorts, T-shirts or jeans be
worn in any of our restaurants in the evening.
For those guests sailing on our 4-day cruise,
we will celebrate the spirit of The Bahamas with a special Nassau deck party.
You are invited to join in the fun by wearing festive island wear including
colorful shirts, dresses, shorts or pants.
Aboard the Seven-Night Caribbean Cruise there
are two evening dinners which require more formal - or
"black-tie-optional" attire. Tuxedo rentals are available in advance
for these special dinners.
Also remember to bring prescription medicines
in original containers, an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and your
camera. Of course, if you do forget something, you can buy it on board. Please
note that strollers and wheelchairs are available for rental on board.
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ON
LAND
How
About golf?
During your Walt Disney World stay, you can tee off at any of five
championship golf courses. If you would like information on greens fees, tee
times or tournament information, please call the Master Starter at (407) WDW-GOLF
(939-4653) or fax (407) 824-3704.
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We'd love to have a Disney wedding - how do
we arrange it?
Congratulations - you couldn't pick a more perfect way to celebrate your
marriage! All you have to do is call (407) 828-3400 for information on
Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings at the Walt Disney World Resort. They'll
help you make your wedding dreams come true.
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Can I park at Port Canaveral?
The parking facility is operated by the Canaveral Port Authority. Cash is the
only acceptable form of payment. Credit cards and personal checks will not be
accepted. Outdoor parking at the pier is $21 for the 3-night cruise, $28 for
the 4-night cruise, and $49 for the 7-night cruise. Rates are subject to
change.
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AT SEA
Can I call home from the ship?
You can direct dial anywhere in the world right from your stateroom.
Ship-to-shore rates apply and will be posted in your stateroom.
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What's an Assembly Drill - and do I have to
go?
Everyone on board the ship must participate in a compulsory safety drill
before departure to comply with Coast Guard and International safety
regulations. All passengers are required to attend.
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There's so much to do on the ship! How will
I know what's going on when?
On your cruise, you can Discover Uncharted Magic™ of your
own. A complete listing of all activities, adventures and entertainment will
be available upon arrival in your stateroom. Guest Services and the
programming counselors will be happy to assist you to develop a customized
itinerary for your one-of-a-kind voyage.
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Is there child care on board?
Of course! Supervised children's programs and activities are available on the
ship from 9:00 a.m. to midnight for children ages 3-12. Children must be age 3
and potty trained in order to participate. Parents sign their children in and
out of the programs. Events have been designed for teens as well, ages 13-17.
Teens do not need to be signed in and out by parents. There is no additional
charge for these planned events. Group babysitting is available for a fee and
is subject to availability.
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Can I work away from home? (Business
Services)
We know how important it is for business people, even when they are on
vacation, to keep in touch with responsibilities at the office. You'll find a
full range of business services at the Walt Disney World Resort and on
board the ship available for an additional charge, including facsimile
transmission, copies, and AV equipment when booked prior to embarkation. On
the ship, ship-to-shore calling rates apply.
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DINING ONBOARD
What is Rotation Dining?
Cruises are famous for great food, but only Disney Cruise Line features
three spectacular main restaurants where dining is a total artistic
experience: Animator's Palate, Parrot Cay, Lumière's (Disney
Magic), and Triton's (Disney Wonder).
Each evening of the cruise, guests will rotate
to one of the three restaurants and dine with the same table guests and
servers.
You can select between
first and second seating when you book your cruise.
The seating times and show times vary occasionally and between ships.
|
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Disney Magic
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Disney Wonder
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First dinner
(then you go to:)
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6:00
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6:00
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|
Second Show
|
8:15
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8:30
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First Show (then
you go to:)
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6:00
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6:30
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Second Dinner
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8:30
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8:30
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These show and dinner
times are adjusted on occasion, so double check to be sure.
Generally there are fewer kids and more adults in the second seating.
You will learn of your own
dining rotation and table number (same table number in all three restaurants)
from a ticket in your cabin waiting for you when you arrive.
This ticket also identifies your seating time for the Walt Disney
Theater shows.
The
restaurant rotation seems to be based on the makeup of your party:
Have a lot of little
ones... Animator’s, Parrot Cay then Lumiere’s.
Have say 7-10 year
olds...Parrot Cay, Lumiere’s and then Animator’s
Have older teens, senior
citizens, honeymooners, or just adults... Lumiere’s, Animator’s and then
Parrot Cay.
Of course this isn’t
guaranteed. They still need to
move groups around to fill the dining room evenly.
If you get a seating that
you don’t want, go to Sessions/Cadillac Lounge between 2:00-3:30 on your
boarding day. There, the head
servers try to rearrange seating plans for the guests before departure.
The restaurant and seating
assignments are for the dinner meal only.
For breakfast and lunch, you may dine in any open restaurant.
Many guests like to follow their servers to breakfast and lunch.
Just ask them where they will be the next day.
·Parrot Cay: A tropical
themed restaurant serving dinner with a Caribbean flair.
Not to be missed: Jerk Steak and Coconut Shrimp.
Animator’s Palate: This
restaurant is black and white as you enter.
During your meal, through stage tricks and magic, it will slowly change
to full color.
Lumiere’s: Aboard the Disney Magic. Triton’s
aboard the Disney Wonder: This is
the semi-formal dining room. Coats
and ties are requested. This
elegant dining room features a full sized mural based on Disney’s Beauty and
the Beast.
On the four-night cruise,
your fourth night restaurant will be a repeat of the restaurant of the third
night, but not with the same menu. Previously,
the Disney Magic featured a Junkanoo menu with dishes of a Caribbean flavor.
Lately, the menu has changed to “Taste of Orlando.” This menu
features popular dishes from restaurants in Walt Disney World.
Spoodles, LeCellier in Epcot, and Citricos among others were mentioned.
On the 7-day cruise, the
Disney Magic continues to
offer rotation dining, where guests eat in a different dining room each night.
They mix the current menus on nights 1, 3, and 5 with an island-themed dinner,
a Master Chef series, a Captain's Gala (along with an Elegant Evening) and an
international themed dinner.
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What Time Is Dinner?
Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. You should inform your Travel
Agent of your seating time preference when you book your vacation. No requests
are guaranteed. Generally, adults without children will dine with other adults
while families dine with other families. Children's menus are available in the
restaurants. In addition, a dinner buffet will be offered for children who
participate in the supervised programs during the dinner hour. Times subject
to change.
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What Should I Wear To Dinner?
The attire in Animator's Palate and Parrot Cay is casual -
open-collar shirts and slacks for men and pants and a blouse or a casual dress
for ladies. In Lumière's, Triton's and Palo, it is
suggested that men wear jackets and ladies wear dresses or pantsuits. We
kindly request that no shorts, T-shirts or jeans be worn in any of our
restaurants in the evening. We request that swimsuits not be worn in the
dining rooms. During the Seven-Night Caribbean Cruise, two special evening
dinners require more formal or "black-tie-optional" attire. Tuxedo
rentals are available in advance.
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Is There a Romantic Restaurant just for
adults?
The ship features an adult-only alternative restaurant called Palo.
Dining hours for Palo are 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Reservations are
required, and taken (once on board) on a first-come first-served basis. Palo
dining is limited to guests 18 and older. There is a service charge of $5 per
guest for gratuities.
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What About Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks?
Breakfast and lunch are served in Parrot Cay, Lumière's and Triton's.
And, there's an indoor/outdoor buffet or casual poolside dining during
breakfast and lunch.
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Is room service available?
Would you care for breakfast in bed or a sandwich at midnight? While on board,
you can order room service 24-hours a day. From 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.,
complimentary continental breakfast will be delivered to your stateroom upon
request, with the exclusion of disembarkation morning. For guests occupying
the Walter E. Disney Suite, Roy O. Disney Suite, and the 2-bedroom or
1-bedroom suites, a full breakfast is served upon request from 7:00 a.m. -
10:00 a.m. with the exclusion of disembarkation morning
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I'm on a special diet. Can I get it on
board?
Low sodium meals, Kosher meals and certain other special diet-restricted meals
will be available. Dietary requests should be made at time of booking. At the Walt
Disney World® Resort, dietary needs may be accommodated at most
full-service restaurants if requested 24-hours in advance.
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What is the policy on alcoholic beverages?
The drinking age aboard the ship is 21. Valid photo I.D. required. Disney
Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse sale and/or service to anyone.
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SERVICES AND AMENITIES
Do I need an electrical converter?
All stateroom outlets are 110V/60 Hz. Standard U.S. electrical appliances will
work on board. There's a hair dryer in every stateroom bathroom.
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What if I run out of film?
You won't because you can buy film at our photo shop, Shutters, which
also offers photography services and a limited selection of cameras and
accessories. Of course, with so many exciting photo opportunities happening on
board, you might wonder if you can cover it all. But don't feel pressured to
keep your camera handy. Our photographers will wander the ship, putting your
fun and excitement on film. You'll find their photos displayed for purchase at
the photo shop. Film and quality photo finishing services are available
throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
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What can we buy?
Lots! You'll have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Disney Cruise Line
logo merchandise available onboard and nowhere else. From beautiful clothes to
towels to fine watches - this is your chance to keep the memories alive long
after your cruise. You'll also find unique and exclusive Disney collectibles,
and if someone forgets their toothpaste or bathing suits - we've got that,
too! All this, and much more, is available at the duty-free and retail shops
of Disney Cruise Line.
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Did you say there's a spa on the ship? Ahhh!
Lead me to it!
Disney Cruise Line offers one of the largest and most elaborate spa and
fitness centers at sea, with programs ranging from a simple facial to a full
range of treatments to relax and refresh your body and soul. Spa, hair salon,
massage and beauty shop charges are additional and may be charged to your room
charge.
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Is there laundry service?
Laundry services are available at your Walt Disney World® hotel and we
suggest you take advantage of them if you have a lot of laundry to do during
your stay. On board, laundry and dry-cleaning services (with stateroom pickup)
are available for a charge. There is also a self-service Guest Laundry Room
with coin-operated washers, dryers, detergent and ironing equipment. For
safety reasons, irons or steamers may be used in the laundry room only.
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Is there a doctor in the house?
For your convenience, a physician and nurse are on-call 24-hours a day on
every cruise to provide basic medical services. The physician and nurse will
charge their standard prevailing fees for these services. Also, please bring
an adequate supply of any prescription drugs (in their original containers)
you require and keep them in your carry-on luggage.
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Can I bring visitors on board the ship?
Sorry, but for security and safety reasons, we can't allow any visitors
aboard.
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Is there a limit for duty-free purchases?
You'll find lots of exciting duty-free shopping right on board in our shops as
well as on shore in Nassau! Each U.S. resident aboard Disney Cruise Line
returning from The Bahamas to the U.S. can bring back up to U.S. $600 worth of
duty-free merchandise (retail price) per guest. Each guest 21 years old and
older is limited to two (2) liters of alcohol (of which one (1) liter must be
produced in The Bahamas) and one (1) carton of cigarettes and 100 cigars
(excluding Cuban cigars) duty free. U.S. manufactured tobacco products that
are purchased abroad may not be brought back to the U.S. These limits are
mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.
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Are there limits to the amount of
merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Caribbean duty-free?
There sure are. Each U.S. resident aboard Disney Cruise Line returning
from the Caribbean to the U.S. can bring back up to U.S. $1,200 per traveller
(that includes up to $400 worth of on-ship purchases and up to $600 of
purchases in The Bahamas). Each guest 21 years old and older is limited to:
(5) liters of alcohol (Only (1) liter can be acquired in The Bahamas or on the
ship); 5 cartons of cigarettes (only one carton allowed from The Bahamas or
from the ship); 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars). U.S. manufactured tobacco
products that are purchased abroad may not be brought back into the U.S. These
limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.
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Help! I'm really confused about tipping!?
We'll make it easy. Of course, you should never feel that a reward is
automatically expected from you. But it is customary to give gratuities in
recognition of service, which you will most likely be treated to in abundance
aboard the ship. As a guideline, may we suggest the following:
|
Per
guest/Per cruise |
|
3-night |
4-night |
7-night |
| Dining Room Server |
$10.50 |
$14.00 |
$24.50 |
| Dining Room Asst. Server |
$7.50 |
$10.00 |
$17.50 |
| Dining Room Head Server |
$2.50 |
$3.50 |
$6.00 |
| Stateroom Host/Hostess |
$10.50 |
$14.00 |
$24.50 |
| Dining Manager |
Your
Discretion |
| Room Service |
Your
Discretion |
For your convenience, a 15% gratuity is
automatically added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. All
gratuities can be charged to your room charge.
At the Walt Disney World Resort, 15% is
the customary gratuity at restaurants and bars.
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Can we celebrate a special occasion?
Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or other
special occasion, please have your travel agent advise us of such occasions at
least three weeks prior to departure. We will be happy to celebrate the
occasion in the dining rooms. We offer a great variety of fun-filled baskets,
merchandise and other goodies that will get your cruise off to a perfect
start. We'll be happy to send you a brochure listing all these items with your
tickets. Then just follow the instructions and a basket full of fun will be
waiting for you in your stateroom!
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Will we get to see Disney characters on
board?
We thought you'd never ask! On board, the beloved Disney characters appear
like magic in an array of different settings including lively stage shows,
plenty of meet and greet and photo opportunities, and other special programs,
especially in kids' areas at Disney's Oceaneer Club and on Castaway
Cay. These are magical moments to remember forever - only on Disney
Cruise Line!
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Babysitting
Group Babysitting is available for children 12 weeks-3 years old in Flounder's
Reef Nursery, located on Deck 5, Midship. Guests must sign up their
children between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on embarkation day. There is a fee of $6
per child per hour and $5 per additional child per hour, 2 hour minimum
required. The facility will be open daily. Rates and times subject to change.
Services are subject to availability.
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