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Disney Cruise Line Verandah Rooms

September 12, 2019 By Callie Leave a Comment

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of room options on their ships! Let’s take a look at the most popular Verandah rooms and what you can expect when staying in one.

Verandah rooms are rooms lined on either side of the ship that sleep up to four and have a balcony. Upon entering your room with your Key to the World room card you will find a queen size bed, couch and doorway to your verandah (balcony).

The couch is actually a fold away bed which mousekeeping (your house keeping staff) will turn down in the evening. The fourth bed is located in the ceiling and can be manually turned down by mousekeeping with their lock key. The foldaway beds are both twin size and can hold up to 250 pounds so adults can sleep there too!.

Your private balcony comes with two deck chairs and a table.

The bathrooms are located at the front of the room and Disney has separated the toilet from the shower so both can be in use at the same time! This is such a great feature when traveling with several guests.There are two closets which also store your life jackets and your safe.

The room also has a television, mini fridge and lots of storage in the living area. The rooms are surprisingly big considering it’s a cruise. Verandah rooms can also be booked with attached rooms but make sure you ask when booking since not all rooms have the option of connecting.

Have questions or need help booking your Disney Cruise? Feel free to message me at Callie@wanderkeep.com or find me on Facebook at Callie at Wanderkeep Travel. Another perk of booking a Disney Cruise with me is also an onboard credit!That’s right you’ll get money to spend on board based on your trip from me! One more advantage of booking with me as an agent! Just ask me for details!

Disney Cruise Lines Embarkation Day-Sail Day

August 29, 2019 By Callie Leave a Comment

Port Canaveral,Fl

You’ve booked your Disney Cruise….now what?

The day you sail/travel is called embarkation day! Here’s what to expect.

Before Arrival-

It’s a good idea to travel to your port destination a day before your cruise embarks. The cruise will absolutely leave at the scheduled time and if you’re not at port you’re not going. The safest thing to do is fly in a day early. If you’re leaving out of Port Canveral-the most popular Disney Cruise Line (DCL) port then it’s super easy to just stay at a Disney Resort. There are also several hotels right around the Orlando International Airport and of course in Port Canaveral. I have found that a Disney value resort is often times your least expensive option and it has Magical Express transfer to the resort included. You will also need to set up transfer to and from the airport or your resort to the port and back again. DCL does offer a transfer add on option for about $70 per person both ways. You can also use private companies which can often be less-ask your travel agent to set it up (ME).

You will also need to bring your passports and check in arrival forms. You can now check in online at Disney Cruise Lines prior to your trip which will expedite the check in process. A couple of days before your cruise you will receive an email asking you to print your cruise forms. Bring these with you! Make sure you also bring a carry on with anything you might want for the day since your bags will not be immediately in your room. Think swimsuits, medications, etc.

After your initial check in you’ll check in one more time before boarding the ship.

At Arrival-

You will be directed to the port check in building and will go through a security check at this time. No liquids or fruit can be brought on and any snack you plan on bringing must be sealed. Please have your passport ready. Once through security you will proceed to the check in lines-they move fast so don’t be alarmed if it looks long. Once called you will need your online check in form and passport. The cast member will issue you your Key to the World Card-this is your room key, purchase card, etc and what everyone wears on lanyards-more about that in another post! The cast member will also take a picture of each individual in your travel group to have on file. You will be issued a board time. If it’s your board time simply walk through the embark doors-if not sit in the lounge, look at the ship model or get your picture with a character while you wait.

Embark-

You will be permitted to board at your board time-many people are allowed to board right after check in! Walk through those magical Mickey ears! You will be asked to scan you Key to the World card before entering. You will also have an opportunity to take a group picture right before you board and then your travel group will be announced as you board that magical ship! You’re welcome to go straight to your room, enjoy the scenery and start having fun!

Need help booking your a magical cruise? I’ll help with everything from beginning to end! You can email me at callie@wanderkeep.com or find me on Facebook at Callie at Wanderkeep as always my services are complimentary!

5 Things to Know Before Booking a Disney Cruise

August 28, 2019 By Callie Leave a Comment

So…..you’re thinking about booking a cruise…. and a Disney Cruise at that! If you have never cruised before booking and traveling on a cruise can be a bit overwhelming. Here are 5 things to think about before booking your cruise!

1.When should I book a cruise?

There are so many options for booking a cruise. Cruises set sail every month from a variety of ports. There are of course the busier times such as typical school vacations and summer. Then the less busy times-during Winter. If you are looking forward to Castaway Cay-Disney’s private island in the Bahamas you should pick Spring through the beginning of Fall for the best weather. If you’re hoping to spend Halloween on the High Seas or have a Merrytime Christmas cruise those options are also available but the water will be a bit chilly. It’s all about picking a time of the year that works best for the experience you want to have. The least expensive time to book a cruise is when the dates are first announced. Prices tend to increase the closer it gets to travel time so thinking ahead is important.

2. How many days should I book?

Disney Cruise Lines (DCL) offers a variety of lengths of stays on their cruises. Cruises last from 3 night stays all the way up to 13 nights. It’s important to understand when DCL says it’s a 3 night cruise that means you have 3 nights sleeps on the cruise not 3 full days. The day you embark or board is a much shorter day. Some people are able to board starting at 11 am all the way up until 3 pm so it’s not a full three days on board. Keep this in mind when booking.

3.Where should we go?

DCL offers a variety of cruise line itineraries with specific ports which they focus on. These ports include Bahamas, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Europe, the Mexican Canal and Hawaii. The most popular port is the Caribbean so you will find more options for sailing there. The highlight for most people traveling is visiting Castaway Cay, if this is the case for your travel party you’ll need to make sure your choice includes a stop on the island!

4.What’s included?

DCL cruises tend to cost a bit more than their competitors so what’s included in your cost? The basics of course such as your room, meals, and general activities. You will have one sit down, fine dining experience a night, buffets will be open during the day, as well as, one sit down restaurant that is open to the public and included. DCL also has complimentary room service throughout the day, a grill located by the pool deck and all you can eat soft serve ice cream and soft drinks-all included. The kids club for children 3-18 (broken down into different age groups) is included. First run movies in their movie theater, Broadway style shows nightly and free activities listed daily in your Navigator (your daily schedule). Many other cruise lines charge fees for separate things like this but DCL does not-it’s all included.

5.How do I book?

You can book directly through DCL or through your travel agent. Travel agents -like ME- can help you directly with questions and tailoring a trip that meets your needs. Some travel agents also offer and On Board Credit (like ME!) for booking through them. This means once you get on board you already have a credit for things like drinks, shopping, tips, etc. You will need to place a deposit of 20% at the time of booking and full payment is due 90 days before travel.

Disney Cruise Line is a truly one of kind experience! It’s traditional cruising with that Disney touch and quality of service. DCL is especially great for people who love Disney or want that Disney experience without all the hustle and bustle of visiting the parks. It’s not just for families! Many couples, groups and singles travel DCL and they have activities for everyone. Need help booking your next Disney Cruise? Interested in finding out prices? Feel free to contact me at Callie@wanderkeep.com or you can find me on Facebook at Callie at Wanderkeep Travel. As always my services are complimentary!