Changing dining times?

[gonzonia]

We're sailing on our first cruise (on any cruise line) aboard the Wonder to Alaska leaving July 15. We booked a little later than we'd hoped and were given a late dining time. We've got two kids (8 and 4) who are used to eating early. Coming from Florida the late dinner time will be like 11pm. I doubt either of them will make it that late without having a meltdown or two. Is it possible to change this at check in or when we arrive at the ship so that we can get the early dinner time? Can we just skip the main dining and eat at other places on board when we are ready?

 

Any tips would be great!

[moki'smommy]

Be sure you get a "Welcome Aboard" navigator at the terminal when you check in. These are sometimes handed out by the CM doing the check in, other times they have been in racks on the tables in the terminal. This will list the location for "dining changes." Go there at the indicated time (or 15 minutes early) and ask to be changed. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. "Dining Changes" on the Magic and Wonder are usually in one of the night clubs, but we've seen them in 3 different locations in the last 2 years--so check or ask the CM who escorts you onto the ship (after the name announcement).

 

Our personal experience--on the Magic, changes was open as soon as boarding started. On the Wonder, it didn't start till 1 pm and we were politely told that we had to disband the line that was forming at 12:30. But when we returned at 12:55, they were already taking care of people. SO.....if they say it starts at 1, show up at 12:45.

 

NOW, call DCL and ask to be waitlisted for main seating. If you booked thru a TA, they have to do this. Then, as your cruise nears, call weekly to ask if you have been moved and if it is possible to do it at that time--squeaky wheel theory. Dining assignments are made about 2 weeks before embarkation, so you want to be sure to call before that time.

[gonzonia]

Thanks!

[cruisealert]

Be sure you get a "Welcome Aboard" navigator at the terminal when you check in. These are sometimes handed out by the CM doing the check in' date=' other times they have been in racks on the tables in the terminal. This will list the location for "dining changes." Go there at the indicated time (or 15 minutes early) and ask to be changed. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. "Dining Changes" on the Magic and Wonder are usually in one of the night clubs, but we've seen them in 3 different locations in the last 2 years--so check or ask the CM who escorts you onto the ship (after the name announcement).

 

Our personal experience--on the Magic, changes was open as soon as boarding started. On the Wonder, it didn't start till 1 pm and we were politely told that we had to disband the line that was forming at 12:30. But when we returned at 12:55, they were already taking care of people. SO.....if they say it starts at 1, show up at 12:45.

 

NOW, call DCL and ask to be waitlisted for main seating. If you booked thru a TA, they have to do this. Then, as your cruise nears, call weekly to ask if you have been moved and if it is possible to do it at that time--squeaky wheel theory. Dining assignments are made about 2 weeks before embarkation, so you want to be sure to call before that time.[/quote'] We are departing on Disney Dream on June 8 for 4 night cruise. We are 2nd Seating but wait-listed thru our TA for first seating -- 8 of us with 4 grandkids 7-14. First seating is critical to us. Does anyone know what the probabilities of being moved to first seating. Our TA booked this in March and said we were "at the top of the list" and probably wont hear anything until mid to late May. If we do not get changed, we will try when we board. Aren there other free restaurants we can use at 6PM?

[coldflame]

First seating is critical to us.

 

I totally understand each family has different priorities, however, our kids (3 and 7) usually go to sleep no later than 7:30pm every night and have no problem whatsoever eating during late seating at all. They can eat a hearty snack at 5-ish by the swimming pool, then change clothes go to the show (at 6pm), and then off to have supper. There are other activities to participate as well, bingo, dancing etc. So it's not like the kids will be bored waiting to eat. Also, if they are in the oceanner's lab and other kids' areas you can ask them to feed the kids, if you are going to the Remy or Palo with your SO.

 

The whole point is that there's nothing critical, IMO, about eating early or late. It's a vacation, it's supposed to be relaxing and not be stressed out about dinner times specially when there's so much to do on the ship.

 

As for changing times, it's very, very tough on high season. Specially from 2nd seating (which tend to have empty spots) to first seating (that are always packed to the brim). We tried once to swtich from first seating to second seating and they could only move us one night out of the four and we're a small family of 4, for larger groups I imagine would be nearly impossible.

[moki'smommy]

Since you have a large group (not sure if it is 8 + 4 kids or 8 total), it is harder to move after you have boarded. In this case, it is essential to be the "squeaky wheel) in advance. Ask your TA to phone DCL weekly from now till you have confirmed main seating.

 

Dining assignments are made about 2 weeks before embarkation, so now is the time to act!

 

Most requests are granted, but that doesn't mean all.

[cruisealert]

Thanks. That is a good perpective. Our group is 8 and we will just "go with the flow" if we do not get changed to 1st seating. Will get my TA to be the squeaky wheel in the meantime.

[seechickgo]

We booked our first Disney cruise in January of '11 and thought we wanted late dining. After researching, decided I wanted early dining so we called. We were put on a wait list for our family of 7. Keep in mind, that people have to cancel 75 days out or lose $$$, so I do think that may be part of the reasons that some people on wait list get moved. About 85 days out from our cruise, Disney let us know that we had main dining. So...get on that waitlist and hope for that pixidust!:)