Rotational Dining With Disney Cruise Line

My family is a HUGE fan of cruising, and we LOVE Disney Cruise Line! There are so many things that are unique to a voyage on the high seas with Disney Cruise Line. Today I wanted to take a look at one thing that you won’t find on any other cruise line: Rotational Dining!

How It Works

Each guest is assigned a rotation schedule, which you will find at the bottom of your Key to the World card when you check in. It will list the first letter of each dining location, and the order listed is your rotation. So for example, on my 7-night Disney Fantasy cruise last year, our rotation was AERAERA. Animator’s Palette, Enchanted Garden, Royal Court. If you are on a 3-night cruise, you will experience each location once. On a 4-night you will duplicate one. For a 7-night, you will experience each dining location twice, and one three times.

Upon your arrival to your dining location on your first night, you will be shown to your table and you will meet both your Server and Assistant Server.

Your Wait Staff

What makes Disney’s rotational dining so great is that not only will you get to experience a different dining location each night, but your wait staff goes with you! You will find that after the first night they know all your preferences! After our first dinner, my kids each had their preference of milk on the table waiting for them at their respective seats. My husband and I were asked if we would like our same drinks we had had with dinner the night before. It’s the little touches that really make you feel special!

The Dining Room Welcomes You!

Each ship in the Disney fleet contains Animator’s Palate, where animation comes to life. While you are dining, experience featured characters in animated shows, all while the restaurant comes to life around you. This is a signature experience during any Disney Cruise!

Your other two dining experiences on your rotation will be unique to the ship that you are aboard. While aboard the Disney Magic you will experience Carioca’s, an American/South American menu in tribute to the Three Caballeros. Also, Lumiere’s, which is themed after Beauty and the Beast and showcases a french inspired menu.  While aboard the Disney Wonder, you will experience two treats: Parrot Cay, with it’s Caribbean inspired flavors and Triton’s, a beautiful, formal restaurant that pays homage to The Little Mermaid.

Both the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream will allow you to escape to the gardens of Versailles in the Enchanted Garden. Flowered chandeliers bloom as you dine and the sun gently sets around you. You will enjoy cuisine from around the world. A more formal dining experience awaits when you are summoned to the Royal Court aboard the Disney Fantasy, and the Royal Palace aboard the Disney Dream. Here you will dine like royalty on french american inspired menus. There is no doubt that you will find something for every taste bud at all of the rotational dining experiences.

Tips For Dining With Disney Cruise Line

• Your choices for dinner times aboard any of the Disney ships are: Main dinner at 5:45 p.m. and 8:15 for the later dinner.
• On Pirate Night, every dining venue will feature the same Pirate Menu, so don’t forget your pirate gear, Matey’s!
• Dining With Disney Cruise Line is mostly “cruise casual”. Check in your My Disney Cruise experience for a detailed look at special nights that may require dressier clothing and/or themed clothing.

What do you think of the Rotational Dining With Disney Cruise Line? Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.

Want to know more about Disney Cruise Line? Read our other posts here: Secrets to Preparing for your First Disney Cruise

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A Disney vacation is a once in a lifetime experience. That doesn’t mean you only have to go once. If you’re like us, once you visit Walt Disney World, Disneyland or take a Disney Cruise, you are hooked. All you want to do is keep going back. The only thing on your mind as you’re headed home is when you’ll be back in the magic. AND there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. So what is it that keeps people like us coming back for more? Why is it that we always go back to Disney for our vacations?

We Always Go Back To Disney

While there are several Disney Destinations and all of them are magical and amazing, we are going to focus on Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fl!

Childhood Memories

The incredible thing about all things Disney is that it connects multiple generations. There is something special about experiencing Walt Disney World as a child and then having the opportunity to take your children. The experience of seeing your child’s eyes light up when they see their favorite character for the first time is enough to bring a tear to your eye. A fun thing to do with your kids while on a Disney vacation is to recreate those photos you made when you were a kid. Have a photo standing in front of the castle with your parents? Or maybe you have a fun picture with a parent on your favorite ride. Take that same photo with your child. Those will be memories that can be passed down through your family. And each time you and your family looks those pictures, they will be reminded of the excitement and joy they felt in that moment. 

Character Experiences

There are a lot of rides and attractions that we, along with many others, love. But the character experiences are beyond amazing. It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve met Mickey and Minnie, we still stand in line to see them again. These aren’t just people in a suit standing in the same spot, taking pictures with guests and waiting for a break. These cast members know how to make each person feel special. They take their time with each person and interact with them in such a way that it leaves a lasting impression. Their conversations can be memories that will last a lifetime. 

The VIP Treatment

If you’ve ever been on a Disney vacation, whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Lines, Adventures by Disney, or another Disney Destination, you know what I’m talking about when I mention the VIP treatment. Every person that steps foot on Disney property is considered special and important. From the moment you check into your hotel to the moment you leave, the cast members make you feel like royalty. Disney wants to make sure that each guest is happy and enjoying their vacation. So, they go out of their way to do all they can for each person. They often give magical extras that you may not have been expecting. If they know you are celebrating a birthday or special occasion, then get ready for them to make a big deal out of it. That’s just what they do. And it keeps people coming back for more!

The Food Experience

One of the things we love most about Disney is the food. It is impossible to go on a Disney vacation and not be confronted with the incredible smells of every kind of food imaginable. From the bakeries and food carts to the restaurants all around, you will be going through sensory overload. It’s one of the main things that we miss when we are back home. It’s incredible to not only taste the amazing flavors of the churros and Dole Whip or the Wonderland Slush, but also to see the talent of the artists who create these treats along with the cupcakes and desserts. It’s an experience for your taste buds and your eyes. I can guarantee that you will be craving something tasty from Disney when you go home! But all you have to do is book another trip!

The BEST Place on Earth

Life is chaotic and stressful. Many times, vacations can be the same way. What I have experienced with a Disney vacation is that the cast members work hard to ensure that your vacation is an escape from the craziness of life. When you step onto Main Street at Magic Kingdom, it’s like you’re transported into another world and the cares of everyday life outside fade away. You can let loose and act like a big kid again. Ride the rides and scream as loud as you want. Stop for a moment, look around, and take in all the magic that surrounds you. Check out the smiles on the faces of every cast member. Look at the kids who are amazed at Cinderella’s Castle. While you’re doing all those things, it’s almost impossible not to smile and feel a sense of joy. That’s the magic of a Disney vacation. It truly is the happiest place on earth!

We Always Go Back To Disney For Family Time

A Disney Destination vacation isn’t just a place to experience once. There is so much magic to take in that you couldn’t possibly see it all in one vacation. So, keep coming back. Make those memories with your families. Laugh and be a big kid. Isn’t it time to book that next vacation already? Where is your favorite Disney Destination? Join our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, and let us know!

If you are planning a trip to Disney World, we have a great guide for you! Just click this link, DISNEY WORLD FOR BEGINNERS, for everything you will need to know to get started!

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Top 5 Reasons You Need To Take A Disney Cruise NOW!

There are so many reasons to take a Disney Cruise. We honestly do not have enough space here to list ALL of the reasons! But, here are our MAIN reasons!

Voted Number ONE

For the seventh year in a row, Disney Cruise Line has been voted number ONE in the 2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

New Ships and New Locations

Earlier this month, it was announced that Disney Cruise Line is coming to New Orleans!  Disney Cruise Line also announced earlier this year that three new ships will be introduced by the year 2023. Sign us up!

Character Interactions

You will find many character interactions on a Disney Cruise! From pirates to the classic FABULOUS FIVE to your princess favorites…Disney Cruise Line has characters covered! They offer: meet and greets, dining character interactions, and more. Of course, you never know “who” you will see just roaming around the ship!

It’s Disney!

OK, we all LOVE Disney! It doesn’t matter if it’s Disney World, Disneyland or a Disney Cruise. Anything “Disney” is just MAGICAL! But, what is MORE magical than being on a cruise ship with ALL of your favorite Disney Characters AND being waited on, hand and foot?!?!? AGAIN, sign us UP!!

Special Holiday Cruises

There is NO ONE who does the holidays like Disney! A Disney Cruise is NOT any different. They offer four very special cruises:

• HALLOWEEN ON THE HIGH SEAS CRUISE
• THANKSGIVING AT SEA CRUISE
• VERY MERRYTIME CRUISE
• NEW YEAR’S EVE CRUISE

Even MORE Reasons

• Special parties, events and entertainment
• Delicious food
• Adult only locations
• Children only locations
• Kids clubs
• Castaway Cay: Disney’s own little personal private island!

There are many more reasons to take a Disney Cruise and these are just a few! What are YOUR reasons for wanting to take a Disney Cruise? Have you cruised with Disney before? Tell us about it in our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

Tips

• Disney Cruises fill up very fast! Be sure to book as early as possible for the BEST deals!

Photo Credit: WDWNEWS and Disney Parks Blog

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Did You Know: Disney Cruise Line Offers Dole Whips

Have you ever been in Adventureland at Aloha Isle waiting in line for a Dole Whip and thought, “man, I wish this line was shorter!” Or do you long for a Dole Whip near the beach? Well, Walt Express has great news for you! Dole Whips are now available for an additional charge on all four Disney Cruise Line ships. Now you can have your Dole Whip and relax on the great big blue!

Where Can I Find the Dole Whip?

Dole Whips are available on deck 11 on the Dream and Fantasy and Deck 9 on the Magic and the Wonder. On the Dream, Fantasy, and Magic, you will find them at the small bar area near Eye Scream and Frozone Treats. On the Wonder, look for Sulley’s Sips.

Are Dole Whips Included In The Cost Of My Cruise?

No, the Dole Whip is an upcharge item, which means it is at an additional cost. At the time this post (Summer 2018) the cost for a regular Dole Whip is $4.95. If you would like to add Myers Dark Rum, the cost is $6.75. If you prefer a lighter taste, but still want the adult version, purchase the Shipwrecked Spiced Vanilla Rum for $9.00.

Quick Tips for Dole Whips On The Ship

• The Dole Whip is a bit thinner on DCL. I recommend adding a bit of vanilla soft serve from Eye Scream to your cup if you prefer a consistency more like the one at the parks.

• Take a Tervis or other insulated mug for cold drinks on the pool deck. It gets very hot and you don’t want your Dole Whip or other frozen beverage melting before you get a chance to enjoy it. Here is our favorite!

• If you opt for the adult version of the Dole Whip, make sure to give it a good stir before sipping. Otherwise, you are going to get straight rum… On second thought, if you dream of being a pirate, don’t mix it and warn the kids if they don’t behave you will make them walk the plank.
• If you aren’t cruising anytime soon with DCL and need a Dole Whip fix, check out our copycat recipe blog HERE. It will get you through until your next Disney destination vacation. There is even a clean/healthy version in that link if you are trying to find a recipe with less sugar.

Other Blogs You May Enjoy

While you are here, check out these other blogs about Disney Cruise Line and Dole Whips.

Top 10 Things To Do Before Your Disney Cruise

Top 8 Must-Have Snacks at The Magic Kingdom

The Top 5 Snacks at The Animal Kingdom

Have you enjoyed a Dole Whip on Disney Cruise Line yet? If so, we would love to hear what you thought about it. Leave a comment below or you can join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to share your favorite Dole Whip memories, recipes, and photos as well as any other Disney related topics on your mind.

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The Top 10 Things To Do Before Your Disney Cruise

If you have never taken a cruise, the planning, preparation and fear of forgetting something can be exhausting. Hakuna Mattata, my friends, because Walt Express has compiled The Top 10 Things To Do Before Your Disney Cruise or any cruise, for that matter!  This list will have you ready for your next adventure and when this list is complete, all you need to do is pack and enjoy your vacation.

No matter what kind of cruise you decide to take, Disney or non-Disney, these tips will help you and your family be on their way!

1) Get a Passport

The very first thing on your to do list after booking your cruise is to purchase a passport or renew it if it’s expired. These can take a while to come back, so the quicker you do this, the better. The standard processing time is about six weeks and sometimes longer, so get on that right away. You can go HERE to find applications, forms, and more information on the application process.

If you booked a closed circuit cruise (one that starts and ends at the same United States port) then you can simply use clear copies of your birth certificate as your travel documentation. Do note that if your surname/last name has changed from what is on your birth certificate, you will also need a copy of your marriage license or other supporting documentation to show why it is different. Do note that if you choose not to purchase a passport and you have a medical emergency or need to board a plane to get home quick, it is much more difficult without a passport. In an emergency, the last thing you want to deal with is red tape, but that is what you will be faced with if you do not have a passport. 

2) Create An Account

After you have your travel documents in order, it is time to start the fun part of the planning. After your booking is complete and your deposit has been made, you will receive a confirmation number. With that in hand, go to your cruise line website and create an account. For Disney, that website is https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/. Simply click on sign in or create an account and follow the prompts. Other cruise lines work pretty much the same way, but note that cruise lines do offer different options that can be booked in advance.

Once you have created your account, go ahead and look around at excursion options, spa packages, drink packages, internet options, character meet and greets, character dining, special dining options, cabana rentals and so much more! Many of these you can order or schedule before your cruise and the earlier you book them, the better! Something important to note is that Disney Cruise Line allows past cruisers to book some items in advance of first time cruisers. The more you have cruised with Disney, the greater jump you have on booking the most sought after experiences. Think of it like the advantage you get when booking onsite at Disney World as opposed to staying off site. 

3) Complete Online Check-In

Online check -in is always the first thing I do once I have created an online account with the cruise line. This makes the check-in process so much smoother and helps ensure you have all the documentation you need when you arrive. You will enter information such as names, everyone’s birthdate that is in your party, and passport numbers in this portal. Once you have done that, you can also add a payment option and print your tags for luggage and boarding passes. Talk about taking the stress out of the planning process! This will help calm your nerves and help you check off several items from your to-do list.

4) Notify Your Credit Card Company

Before you head out of state and especially out of the country, you should always call your credit card company. They need to know you will be away, so they won’t freeze your account when they see what will appear to be unusual activity. We also like to call and ask about exchange rates, because that can save you some hassle and money. It’s also a good idea to ask if they offer trip insurance if you booked your trip using that card. If so, ask them to explain the policy. It may be as good or better than what the cruise line offers. 

5) Purchase Travel Insurance

If your credit card company did not offer travel insurance or it wasn’t what you had in mind, then look into other travel insurance options. Cruises are WAY different than other Disney vacations. The deposit is larger and the cancellation policy is very strict and not as generous or flexible. The good news is that you can add this to your package before your final payment is due or purchase it through a third party. Make sure the plan you buy provides hurricane protection and covers you on the way to your cruise, during your cruise (medical coverage is the big kicker here!), and on your way home. Do some research on this, but I highly recommend buying it. If you don’t book through your vacation planner, then check out InsureMyTrip.com or Travel Guard. If you do book through your travel planner, he/she will be glad to walk you through the best options and help you pick the one that works best for you.

6) Call or Meet With Your Cell Phone Provider

if you are traveling out of the country, you do NOT want to be hit with roaming charges. However, sometimes cell phone providers can provide international plans for one month that will save you a lot of money. This is especially true should you forget to turn off roaming on your phone or if you prefer to be able to use your phone when you are on excursions without wifi.

Most ships have free wifi and wifi packages for quicker speeds. Therefore, my recommendation is to turn your phone on airplane mode and connect to the ship’s wifi. It isn’t super fast, but if you need to stay connected it serves its purpose. Actually, my real recommendation is to lock that sucker in the safe and only get it out for excursions and the occasional fun night when you want pictures to upload when you get home. If you leave it in the safe most of the trip, I promise you will create memories that you won’t soon forget. 

7) Take Cash

So many people don’t carry cash anymore. However, in places like Mexico and the Bahamas, the American dollar is preferred and makes for easier shopping. I do recommend not taking large bills. I stick to $20 dollar bills for excursion money or use my credit card. Word to the wise: never use your debit card in another country unless you discuss this with your bank first. Some debit cards are protected, but some aren’t. Also, many debit cards have higher foreign exchange fees, so I recommend the credit card or cash approach. 

Speaking of cash, there is another important reason to take cash. I like to have several small bills on hand for tips. While you can pay your mandatory gratuities (more on that later) when you book or through your onboard account, you will still need small bills for room service and porter fees. I typically tip $1-$2 per item, but feel free to be more generous if the desire arises. 

8) Prepay Gratuities

I always encourage clients to pay for their gratuities before they board the ship. This keeps the expenses from adding up when you are on the boat. I also prepare to tip a little extra to those who gave our family stellar, personal service. We have had amazing experiences with the staff in the main dining room as well as stewards. Plus, there is nothing like finding someone who made your vacation extra special and seeing their face light up with gratitude. Talk about filling my soul with gladness; that is some good stuff!

9) Download the Cruise Line App

This one may seem like a no-brainer for those of us who love technology, but it doesn’t always occur to everyone. Cruise line apps these days are really helpful. The cruise line app comes with a handy countdown before you board the ship, but once you have boarded the app becomes extremely helpful. Most apps offer full deck plans, itineraries for each day, and much more. Check out our blog on Disney Cruise Line’s Navigator app HERE to find out more about how this app works.

10) Don’t Forget to Pack the Essentials

So, you have checked off 1-9 from this to-do list. Now it’s time to pack! Don’t forget the essentials listed above like money, ID, passports, and boarding documents. But also don’t leave behind your sunscreen, seasick medicine, a hat, and appropriate clothing for formal night. For men, pack a long pair of slacks and close-toed shoes and for women, pack a dress and sandals or heels. Do not make the mistake of only packing shorts and flip flops if you plan to eat in the main dining room. The dress code is pretty lax, but most cruise lines are picky about no tank tops, shorts, or flip flops (even the fancier wedge style). Of course, don’t forget the camera and SD cards, as well as chargers for any electronics you may need. Finally, pack more than one swimsuit. No one likes putting on a cold, wet swimsuit!

Are you ready to sail away on your next cruise? Did we cover everything you put on your list in The Top 10 Things To Do Before Your Cruise? Tell us what we missed or about your essential list of things you do before your cruise in the comments sections or join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.

Photo Credits: photo credit: steviep187 Disney’s “Magic” docked in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. via photopin (license)
A Day as a Castaway via photopin (license)

photo credit: P17blo Fantasy Pirate Mickey via photopin (license)

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