PCC 3.0 Lessons Learned....

[OKW Lover]

Now that we are all back to "reality" I thought it might be useful for future cruisers if we all shared some of our "lessons learned" on PCC 3.0. I know that there were lots of questions prior to the cruise, many from new cruisers, and that several of us tried to answer them. But I'll bet that many found some surprises.

Care to share those?

[jpeka65844]

1. Don't overpack. We threw in a lot of "just in case" clothes that never got touched. Could've used that space for souvies or downsized our suitcase.

2. If I do another PCC, I'll make more of an effort to meet people. DH is not a Dis-er so didn't feel comfortable going to some of the Dis events which left me to do them alone. I skipped some b/c I'm shy.

I'm sure I'll think of more........

[*NikkiBell*]

Love this thread!

1. Do your research and visit the DCL boards. Just like you relied on the DIS for WDW/DL trip planning, it's the best way to prepare for a Disney cruise.

2. You can't pay with cash for anything on the cruise...including gratuities or at the bars.

3. Don't over pack.

[Herkemer]

Originally Posted by *NikkiBell*

2. You can't pay with cash for anything on the cruise...including gratuities or at the bars.

I'll add that you also can't pay with Disney gift cards, room key only. So much for giving the kid one of those for spending money on the ship.

Herkemer

[*NikkiBell*]

Originally Posted by Herkemer

I'll add that you also can't pay with Disney gift cards, room key only. So much for giving the kid one of those for spending money on the ship.

Herkemer

I actually used Disney gift cards in the shops. I had no issue doing so.

[k5jmh]

We actually put credit on our room account with a Disney Gift Card.

And always get a copy of your stateroom bill (even before the end of the cruise) to make sure that all the credits are applied (and for any surprises that you were not expecting).

[*NikkiBell*]

Originally Posted by k5jmh

And always get a copy of your stateroom bill (even before the end of the cruise) to make sure that all the credits are applied (and for any surprises that you were not expecting).

Just as a FYI...

If anyone misplaced or forgot to get a copy of their bill (as in a roommate situation) on 3.0, you can still do so by calling Disney Cruise Line directly: (800) 951-3532.

[T Morrows Child]

We did leave a couple dollars as extra gratuities at the bars and the bartenders always happily accepted them. Of course, that was after the 15% auto-grat on the bill...

[OKW Lover]

A lesson we had learned from prior cruises (and heard about on the podcast) was to have some dollar bills handy if you are planning on doing room service.

We ordered afternoon cheese and crackers on several days (so we could have some with our boxed wine on our veranda) and its easy to just give them a few dollars when they deliver, since there isn't any need to sign a check.

[Justin Jett]

Originally Posted by OKW Lover

A lesson we had learned from prior cruises (and heard about on the podcast) was to have some dollar bills handy if you are planning on doing room service.

We ordered afternoon cheese and crackers on several days (so we could have some with our boxed wine on our veranda) and its easy to just give them a few dollars when they deliver, since there isn't any need to sign a check.

I was waiting for the wine to be mentioned.

[k5jmh]

Take an old hotel key with you so you can "keep the lights on"

[T Morrows Child]

Originally Posted by k5jmh

Take an old hotel key with you so you can "keep the lights on"

At one point, we saw one of the Stateroom Hosts (in another section) using the corner of the Do Not Disturb sign to keep the lights on!

[*NikkiBell*]

Originally Posted by k5jmh

Take an old hotel key with you so you can "keep the lights on"

I tried that, but the stateroom attendant always took it out.

[k5jmh]

Originally Posted by *NikkiBell*

I tried that, but the stateroom attendant always took it out.

Ours didn't, but I think he felt bad after walking in on me in my skivvies.

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Originally Posted by *NikkiBell*

I tried that, but the stateroom attendant always took it out.

We left a random card in there, but pulled it up enough to shut off the lights when we left the stateroom. This, of course, was after I locked myself out of the room twice.