I only thought the Fantasy seemed crowded a few times over a whole week. We never had much trouble finding a chair by the pool but with a three year old we were moving around a lot. Make sure to pick up your tickets the first day for character meets and get there a few minutes early. Remy is also one of the best meals my husband and I have ever had. I don't think its available on the Wonder but Palo brunch is also amazing. You can book the specialty restaurants online before you sail.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We didn't love it. We went on the Fantasy.
It was very busy, very crowded, and overall not relaxing. There is never a free chair at the pool. Ever.
The lines for characters were insane.
Food mediocre.
It's priced like a nice vacation, but it doesnt feel like one!!

Tip: the two newer ships are nearly the twice the size of the two older ships...which means twice the passengers, more crowds, etc...and the pools are the same size. We prefer the older, smaller ships and haven't had an issue with crowds or lines. Plus, Castaway Cay feels empty when you travel there on a smaller ship (since it's built to manage twice the number of people).

Good to hear this, we booked on the Wonder. It was just the date that worked best for us with school being off.

Anonymous wrote:What's a warm weather resort you recommend?

Dying to go to Hawks Cay in the keys.

We have been on the Fantasy and the Magic (both pre and post renovation) at the busiest times of the year (Spring Break, Thanksgiving) and prefer the Fantasy. The ship never has seemed crowded to us, nor have we ever had trouble finding a seat, nor did we ever feel crowded at Castway Cay. OP, you should review the Facebook page, cruise critic forum, and disboards cruise forum for more information, both pro and con.

As for warm weather resorts, try in Aruba the Hyatt or Marriott, in Grand Cayman the Westin (both Aruba and Cayman both have a Ritz as well), in Maui the Grand Wailea and the Marriott Ocean Club (newer buildings), inter BVI Bitter End Yacht Club, and in St John the Westin.

What's a warm weather resort you recommend?

Anonymous wrote:It will be very crowded and you will wait in lines a lot. Frankly, I'd tell you not to go. We were not impressed. Try Royal Carribbean or even better, just stay at an island/warm weather resort. You will have more options and space.

Which ship?

We stuck with the smaller ships, and we've never waited in line. What lines are you talking about?

It will be very crowded and you will wait in lines a lot. Frankly, I'd tell you not to go. We were not impressed. Try Royal Carribbean or even better, just stay at an island/warm weather resort. You will have more options and space.

Anonymous wrote:We didn't love it. We went on the Fantasy.
It was very busy, very crowded, and overall not relaxing. There is never a free chair at the pool. Ever.
The lines for characters were insane.
Food mediocre.
It's priced like a nice vacation, but it doesnt feel like one!!

Tip: the two newer ships are nearly the twice the size of the two older ships...which means twice the passengers, more crowds, etc...and the pools are the same size. We prefer the older, smaller ships and haven't had an issue with crowds or lines. Plus, Castaway Cay feels empty when you travel there on a smaller ship (since it's built to manage twice the number of people).

We didn't love it. We went on the Fantasy.
It was very busy, very crowded, and overall not relaxing. There is never a free chair at the pool. Ever.
The lines for characters were insane.
Food mediocre.
It's priced like a nice vacation, but it doesnt feel like one!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1) Arrive early to stake out a spot near the pool before the ship sails.

2) Book a night for you and DH at the formal (adult) restaurant. DH and I have eaten at many top-rated restaurants around the US (French Laundry, Daniel, Le Bernardin, blah blah blah), but one of our finest and most memorable dining experiences was at Ratatouille on the Disney Dream. (We didn't believe it ourselves.)

You mean Remy?

Oops, yes. And did I mention that the wine was good, too??

Anonymous wrote:1) Arrive early to stake out a spot near the pool before the ship sails.

2) Book a night for you and DH at the formal (adult) restaurant. DH and I have eaten at many top-rated restaurants around the US (French Laundry, Daniel, Le Bernardin, blah blah blah), but one of our finest and most memorable dining experiences was at Ratatouille on the Disney Dream. (We didn't believe it ourselves.)

You mean Remy?

Anonymous wrote:1) Arrive early to stake out a spot near the pool before the ship sails.

2) Book a night for you and DH at the formal (adult) restaurant. DH and I have eaten at many top-rated restaurants around the US (French Laundry, Daniel, Le Bernardin, blah blah blah), but one of our finest and most memorable dining experiences was at Ratatouille on the Disney Dream. (We didn't believe it ourselves.)

When are you supposed to book these things? Right after you make your cruise deposit?

1) Arrive early to stake out a spot near the pool before the ship sails.

2) Book a night for you and DH at the formal (adult) restaurant. DH and I have eaten at many top-rated restaurants around the US (French Laundry, Daniel, Le Bernardin, blah blah blah), but one of our finest and most memorable dining experiences was at Ratatouille on the Disney Dream. (We didn't believe it ourselves.)

Read the disboards website. You'll get answers to all your questions.

But my quick advice: don't try to do everything. It's impossible. Bring 1/3 as many clothes as you have planned. Wear swimsuits when you get on board so you can go swimming right away before the pool gets too crowded. Order room service (especially the cheese platter) for a late afternoon snack. Don't eat every course at dinner...in fact don't feel obligated to have dinner in the dining room every night. If you have specific questions feel free to ask!

What should I know before booking our cruise/leaving for our cruise?