The night before our Castaway Cay visit I woke up in the middle of the night (maybe 4am) because I could tell the Dream wasn't moving! I woke up my lovely wife and said "We're not moving. Something's wrong." I went topside and sure enough we were dead in the water, just drifting with the current. It was absolutely beautiful and serene. Very dreamlike. Turns out we had made great time steaming towards Castaway Cay, but the ship can't dock in the dark. So they just disengage the engines (they keep them running in case they have to move quickly) and just drift until the sun comes up. Watching the sunrise and then seeing Castaway Cay suddenly appear when we were underway again was really something special. Sometimes a Disney magic moment isn't on the Personal Navigator.
I appreciate all of the info! I've said it a bunch of other times, your thoroughness and thoughtfulness calms my spirt and helps me know that when I plan I trip I will be more than prepared! 💞
I'm a Disney fanatic and my husband has never cared for Disney. But I finally talked him into taking a Disney Cruise. We completed our first cruise on May 11, 2018. We had the same ship, itinerary, and dining rotation as yall. We also booked Palo for dinner. Everything was ah-mazing! The food, the entertainment, the service, the ship, the kids clubs, and Castaway Cay was all incredible! He loved it! We were so blown away by the level of service and entertainment! He loved Dreams and Beauty and the Beast! They both were way more than he was expecting. Lol! And the kids clubs were awesome! Our kids would've stayed in them the entire cruise if we had let them. They were never ready to leave! Thankfully, we had gorgeous weather the entire time, so we had a wonderful sea day. I was afraid I would freak out at bed time, knowing we were out over deep waters. But I honestly never gave it a second thought after we boarded. And I'm from Southern Arkansas. So there's obviously no oceans close to us. I only felt a little bit of motion when I was walking around. But when we went to bed, we slept like babies! I cannot wait to book our next cruise, and I definitely recommend it to anyone!
Thanks for a pretty good comparison and pro and cons. You helped me decide on the cruise for my 8 year old son. The walking of the resort would end up being the 'carrying' of him. It would be to much. Thanks.
Really good summary of DCL tips for people thinking about this type of vacation! One thing that was not explained was how to get the early port arrival time. To our family, this is critical! By boarding as early as possible you are kind of adding another day to your vacation. We typically get boarding group 2 or 3 and this puts us on the boat well before noon and gives us a great head start on our vacation. Next cruise ➡️➡️➡️ July 8th!!!✨💫
Blair thank you, thank you, thank you. Just returned from our first Disney cruise. I watched your videos and followed your advice prior to our trip and I want you to know your tips made all the difference in the world. We looked like cruise Veterans my family was so impressed on how well prepared dad was for our first cruise. Thank you again god bless you.
I have been on several Cruises through the years. it was a family trip every year growing up . My husband and myself went on for our honeymoon. would love to do a Disney cruise in the future . I have never done a Disney cruise before.
I’m new to your channel. Getting so excited for our (my husband and I and our 2 kids) Disney world vacation and cruise in August! I just have to say you’re so pretty!
I know when I plan my family cruise trip in the future k will definitely use your information. We are heading on our first family DisneyWorld trip in July. I used to intern there and cannot wait to bring them.🤗😁
Concerned for the woman marrying a man who hates Disney :( Thank you for always being so thorough and detailed! I'm the type who wants to have all of the information possible so I love that you share it with us. Also, for those concerned about kids - don't forget how absolutely HUGE this cruise ship is!!
Hahaha, that first sentence made me laugh out loud. Hopefully she can convert him! And so true about the ship's size--it's incredibly massive! Oh, and by the way, I'm the exact same about wanting information. Riley and I always joke that "I want all the information up-front." He's the opposite! So glad these videos have been helpful!
I love your videos!!! They have been so helpful!!! Have you ever been to the wizarding world? We are looking at trips for our family and I wondered if you’d u had any insights
Just a constructive FYI on tipping - if you've never worked in the server industry it probably wouldn't cross your mind, but tipping in cash is always preferable as it's not taxed, whereas tips charged to a credit card are always taxed. Consider cash for your next trip, at least for tips! :)
From what I gather, and this is just research and asking questions, Cruise people actually prefer tips on a card. Different than servers on land (20 years restaurant myself so I was curious). Apparently it’s because they can’t use US currency in all the ports. Also, with international people on board, the direct deposit they get from the charge tips is easier to move around than the cash they receive. Found it kind of interesting cause I assumed they would want cash
In the cruise industry, they prefer tips on card. It goes right into their account. Cash they have to keep and deposit somewhere, which they don't get a lot of time to do.
I did. We felt safe doing so, even without locking bags. We were in Serenity Bay, so it was pretty quiet and easy to keep an eye on our chairs even from the water.
We are doing the exact same cruise for our 30th anniversary in September, 2019. I also love to do research and have been checking out everything but I have yet to come across a daily navigator. Would it be possible for you to post one so I can see the options before we cruise? Also, was the day your husband went to Disneyland July 17, 2005? That was Disneyland's 50th anniversary and I had never seen the park so packed. It was insane!
Hey we have been on a Disney cruise once before and are going in September but yea for the day to day it’s really personal to your cruise while yes they do do similar things what they do in May might not be the same for September for ours cruise maybe not yours is the Halloween themed and will have special events that they didn’t have when she was on her cruise but as far as have done a Disney cruise before there is movies one right after the other characters meet and greets movies by the pool adults things cook classes an adult drinks tasting so you really don’t know what’s going on till you get on the ship when you get your key to the world card they will give you a navigator paper or I would recommend the app for you can see what’s happening easy to day and heart it aka like it but it’s a heart and then as the day/days go on you will get a reminder about 15 minutes before the event starts reminding you so that way you don’t for get I found it really hard our first cruise to what to expect but what really help me was watching a bunch of different cruise similar to the one that my family was going to be on and I got a good idea of what to expect but it was still different hope this helps
What’s with all the questions about kids? Disney is a family company. There are families on board. Walt Disney designed the parks for families. Families have kids. Get a grip people.
I didn’t post the original question but I think it’s a fair one. I’ve been on other cruise lines where parents let their kids roam without supervision (causing backups on elevators, stairs, running through the stateroom hallways, etc). Because Disney is so geared to kids maybe they were questioning if this was worse than other lines they have cruised. JMHO. Disney does a wonderful job with their kids activities and their adult only spaces that I would totally recommend cruising with them.
The night before our Castaway Cay visit I woke up in the middle of the night (maybe 4am) because I could tell the Dream wasn't moving! I woke up my lovely wife and said "We're not moving. Something's wrong." I went topside and sure enough we were dead in the water, just drifting with the current. It was absolutely beautiful and serene. Very dreamlike. Turns out we had made great time steaming towards Castaway Cay, but the ship can't dock in the dark. So they just disengage the engines (they keep them running in case they have to move quickly) and just drift until the sun comes up. Watching the sunrise and then seeing Castaway Cay suddenly appear when we were underway again was really something special. Sometimes a Disney magic moment isn't on the Personal Navigator.
That sounds so neat!
What a wonderful moment and memory!
I don't even really care about a Q&A session, but now I'm so addicted to Blair's videos that I'll watch just about anything she puts out!
I was just thinking this haha!
Me too! 😍
I appreciate all of the info! I've said it a bunch of other times, your thoroughness and thoughtfulness calms my spirt and helps me know that when I plan I trip I will be more than prepared! 💞
I'm a Disney fanatic and my husband has never cared for Disney. But I finally talked him into taking a Disney Cruise. We completed our first cruise on May 11, 2018. We had the same ship, itinerary, and dining rotation as yall. We also booked Palo for dinner. Everything was ah-mazing! The food, the entertainment, the service, the ship, the kids clubs, and Castaway Cay was all incredible! He loved it! We were so blown away by the level of service and entertainment! He loved Dreams and Beauty and the Beast! They both were way more than he was expecting. Lol! And the kids clubs were awesome! Our kids would've stayed in them the entire cruise if we had let them. They were never ready to leave! Thankfully, we had gorgeous weather the entire time, so we had a wonderful sea day. I was afraid I would freak out at bed time, knowing we were out over deep waters. But I honestly never gave it a second thought after we boarded. And I'm from Southern Arkansas. So there's obviously no oceans close to us. I only felt a little bit of motion when I was walking around. But when we went to bed, we slept like babies! I cannot wait to book our next cruise, and I definitely recommend it to anyone!
I'm so glad you had such a positive experience, Amanda!
Thanks for a pretty good comparison and pro and cons. You helped me decide on the cruise for my 8 year old son. The walking of the resort would end up being the 'carrying' of him. It would be to much. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Really good summary of DCL tips for people thinking about this type of vacation! One thing that was not explained was how to get the early port arrival time. To our family, this is critical! By boarding as early as possible you are kind of adding another day to your vacation. We typically get boarding group 2 or 3 and this puts us on the boat well before noon and gives us a great head start on our vacation. Next cruise ➡️➡️➡️ July 8th!!!✨💫
Blair thank you, thank you, thank you. Just returned from our first Disney cruise. I watched your videos and followed your advice prior to our trip and I want you to know your tips made all the difference in the world. We looked like cruise Veterans my family was so impressed on how well prepared dad was for our first cruise. Thank you again god bless you.
This makes my heart so happy! I'm glad you had a fabulous trip!
I have been on several Cruises through the years. it was a family trip every year growing up . My husband and myself went on for our honeymoon. would love to do a Disney cruise in the future . I have never done a Disney cruise before.
I’ve found the best way to get a good deal on the next cruise is to book while you are on the cruise.
Every video you publish on this topic makes me super excited for my future trip!
I’m new to your channel. Getting so excited for our (my husband and I and our 2 kids) Disney world vacation and cruise in August! I just have to say you’re so pretty!
Welcome to my channel. And thank you! Have the best vacation and cruise--what a great trip!
Enjoying your vlogs! Glad you and your husband enjoyed your cruise!
Thank you for this video! So helpful and interesting. Definitely want to take my family in a few years.
I know when I plan my family cruise trip in the future k will definitely use your information. We are heading on our first family DisneyWorld trip in July. I used to intern there and cannot wait to bring them.🤗😁
Concerned for the woman marrying a man who hates Disney :( Thank you for always being so thorough and detailed! I'm the type who wants to have all of the information possible so I love that you share it with us. Also, for those concerned about kids - don't forget how absolutely HUGE this cruise ship is!!
Hahaha, that first sentence made me laugh out loud. Hopefully she can convert him! And so true about the ship's size--it's incredibly massive! Oh, and by the way, I'm the exact same about wanting information. Riley and I always joke that "I want all the information up-front." He's the opposite! So glad these videos have been helpful!
Found the “loud rowdy kids” comment ridiculous! A company founded on FAMILY vacation if this is an issue for you find another trip!
Really funny to me too.
Gosh!! Blair I know we don't know each other but I LIIIIIIIVE for your videos! lol
Are there any mystery dinner theater or treasure hunt or scavenger hunt on the cruise ship?
There's a scavenger hunt-type activity. It's pretty cool!
This video was so helpful!! Thank you! You rock!!
Thank you for answering my question! I enjoyed hearing everyone's questions and your answers :-)
Heyy! thx for answering my question ;) love watching your videos !!
I love your videos they are so informative and helpful and fun 😄
I love your videos!!! They have been so helpful!!!
Have you ever been to the wizarding world? We are looking at trips for our family and I wondered if you’d u had any insights
We have. We went in May of 2016. I'm not a big HP fan, but my husband is. It was really neat!
Did you do a video for HP like you did for disney? Or not, since it's not your fave? :) i guess i could go back in your vids and see
I totally would have, but I didn't have a RUclips channel back then!
New friends here! Love your Disney content! We are Disney lovers as well. How long till your next trip?
Just a constructive FYI on tipping - if you've never worked in the server industry it probably wouldn't cross your mind, but tipping in cash is always preferable as it's not taxed, whereas tips charged to a credit card are always taxed. Consider cash for your next trip, at least for tips! :)
Great note.
From what I gather, and this is just research and asking questions, Cruise people actually prefer tips on a card. Different than servers on land (20 years restaurant myself so I was curious). Apparently it’s because they can’t use US currency in all the ports. Also, with international people on board, the direct deposit they get from the charge tips is easier to move around than the cash they receive. Found it kind of interesting cause I assumed they would want cash
In the cruise industry, they prefer tips on card. It goes right into their account. Cash they have to keep and deposit somewhere, which they don't get a lot of time to do.
You answered my question😃 thanks so much!
Another tip is that you can prepay your tips
Yes! Great point!
Kim B q
Which boat and do you reserve a spot or how would I sign up for it I love mysteries and Nancy drew books
I charge the card and add cash in the envelope. They deserve more than the recommend!
That's definitely true. We'll have to tip extra next time.
Since the food is included, how much does Remy cost additionally?
Love you so much ❤️
Did you leave your bag with phone/camera alone on chair while you were in water??? I know some people have mentioned the bags that lock to the chairs.
I did. We felt safe doing so, even without locking bags. We were in Serenity Bay, so it was pretty quiet and easy to keep an eye on our chairs even from the water.
Would u recommend the cruises that have two castaway days
Got dem lamps now
Just so you know, my husband dies laughing at all of your comments, Moth.
Looking for recommendation, is 4 nights enough time? Or should I go ahead and book the 7 nights?
We did 4 nights and absolutely loved it. Next time, though, I would LOVE to go for 7.
What’s your favorite Disney movie?
Now that's an impossible question!!!
We are doing the exact same cruise for our 30th anniversary in September, 2019. I also love to do research and have been checking out everything but I have yet to come across a daily navigator. Would it be possible for you to post one so I can see the options before we cruise? Also, was the day your husband went to Disneyland July 17, 2005? That was Disneyland's 50th anniversary and I had never seen the park so packed. It was insane!
Hey we have been on a Disney cruise once before and are going in September but yea for the day to day it’s really personal to your cruise while yes they do do similar things what they do in May might not be the same for September for ours cruise maybe not yours is the Halloween themed and will have special events that they didn’t have when she was on her cruise but as far as have done a Disney cruise before there is movies one right after the other characters meet and greets movies by the pool adults things cook classes an adult drinks tasting so you really don’t know what’s going on till you get on the ship when you get your key to the world card they will give you a navigator paper or I would recommend the app for you can see what’s happening easy to day and heart it aka like it but it’s a heart and then as the day/days go on you will get a reminder about 15 minutes before the event starts reminding you so that way you don’t for get I found it really hard our first cruise to what to expect but what really help me was watching a bunch of different cruise similar to the one that my family was going to be on and I got a good idea of what to expect but it was still different hope this helps
What’s with all the questions about kids? Disney is a family company. There are families on board. Walt Disney designed the parks for families. Families have kids. Get a grip people.
Hahahaha! 😂🙌🏻
I didn’t post the original question but I think it’s a fair one. I’ve been on other cruise lines where parents let their kids roam without supervision (causing backups on elevators, stairs, running through the stateroom hallways, etc). Because Disney is so geared to kids maybe they were questioning if this was worse than other lines they have cruised. JMHO. Disney does a wonderful job with their kids activities and their adult only spaces that I would totally recommend cruising with them.
First