DCL Prep School

25/11/2018

Maybe it's much too early in the game
Ah, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
What are you doing New Year's, New Year's eve?

I love that song!

How does DCL ring in the New Year? Let's take a look!

http://dclprepschool.com/new-years-eve-on-disney-cruise-line/

New Year’s Eve on Disney Cruise Line By Melanie Clatfelter Disney Cruise Line knows how to ring in the New Year in high style. When you travel aboard a Disney ship on December 31, enjoy a magical beginning to the new year with music, dancing, food and more. Created for partygoers of every age, the...

25/11/2018

Anyone else eat way too much this weekend... well that's what Thanksgiving weekend is for.

But when you are ready to get back into a healthier groove, DCL has you covered. Each ship has a full gym onboard for guests ages 18+, and the whole family can take advantage of the Deck 4 Promenade running track... and if your cruise stops at Castaway Cay, then the Castaway Cay 5K may be for you!

Take a look: http://dclprepschool.com/disney-cruise-line-fitness-center/

Disney Cruise Line Fitness Center By Melanie Clatfelter Each Disney Cruise Line ship has a full fitness center and locker room facilities available to all guests over the age of 18. A handful of fitness classes are also offered during each cruise, so be sure to read though your Personal Navigator ea...

24/11/2018

Happy Black Friday... and Cyber Monday is a few days away. I get asked a bit about my preferred airlines and frequent flier programs, and I gotta say, we love Southwest.

Southwest doesn't charge for luggage - and with a family of 5, that adds up. I also like their Rapid Rewards frequent flier program. They have also held connecting airplanes - plural - for us, when our original flights were delayed - and still made sure we were able to sit with our kids. Gotta love service like that.

And I love the Rapid Rewards Shopping program which gives me frequent flier points when I make online purchases.

This is not an affiliate post, just sharing my tried and true experience. Points add up quickly on Southwest, and a free flight is never too far away.

https://rapidrewardsshopping.southwest.com/ #

Earn Rapid Rewards points when you shop online at 850+ stores. Find coupons & promo codes to save even more. Turn your online shopping into more points today.

22/11/2018

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and yummy Thanksgiving.

22/11/2018

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you early risers today! Wanna see what it takes to pull off the holiday season in style on Disney Cruise Line? Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIMS18rKJ54&feature=share

What makes Disney Cruise Line's Very Merrytime Cruises so very merry? Check out these fun facts about our special holiday cruises this winter then learn more...

20/11/2018

It’s time to update the DCLPrep School packing list... and I need your help!

Take a look at the list and let me know what I should add to it.

Whenever I pack for a big vacation I can never shake that feeling that I’ve forgotten something. And I know that on my packing list I’ve left off items that you have found very helpful.

Drop a line below and let me know the mist-pack items that didn’t make my first list.

https://dclprepschool.com/the-ultimate-disney-cruise-line-packing-guide/

The Ultimate Disney Cruise Line Packing List By Melanie Clatfelter You made it! It’s almost time to pack for your cruise. You have a to-do list a mile long, and packing is at the top of it. As a mom of three, I know how complicated this part of the trip-planning process is. To help combat last-min...

20/11/2018

For all of you who like to celebrate Christmastime in November - like I do - here is a look at Disney Cruise Line's Very Merrytime Cruises which begin early each November: http://dclprepschool.com/holidays-on-disney-cruise-line/

Holidays on Disney Cruise Line By Melanie Clatfelter No doubt about it, the holidays are a special time to cruise with Disney. Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises offer holiday events, character meet and so many unique Guest experiences which are only offered at this time of the year. Let....

18/11/2018

Happy 90th Birthday to Mickey Mouse! You look marvelous.

17/11/2018

Celebrate Your Favorite Mouse with Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Party at Sea Aboard Disney Cruise Line – Guests will enjoy an all-new high-energy deck party on the Disney Fantasy next summer.

No details have been announced yet, so stay tuned.

16/11/2018

Just in time for the holidays, the DCL Prep School Amazon Page is live. Over the coming weeks, I will feature some of my favorite travel products that are essential must-haves each time I leave home. I will also showcase items that are perfect for the Disney Fan on your gift list.

The shop also includes Fish Extender - Fish Exchange ideas as well as easy to pack fashion and accessories.

Shop recommended products from DCL Prep School on Amazon.com. Learn more about DCL Prep School's favorite products.

15/11/2018

Thanksgiving is one week away! Disney Cruise Line celebrates this major holiday in true Disney style. Take a look at the happenings and special events you can experience on a Thanksgiving Cruise on DCL.

http://dclprepschool.com/thanksgiving-on-disney-cruise-line/

Thanksgiving on Disney Cruise Line By Melanie Clatfelter Disney knows how to celebrate the holidays – each and every holiday, and Thanksgiving is no exception. What can you expect on a Thanksgiving cruise? Let’s take a look. In this article Thanksgiving FestivitiesSpecial Character Meet and Gree...

14/11/2018

You spend a lot of time thinking about and planning what to pack on your Disney Cruise Line voyage. But did you know that DCL has a list of prohibited items that you are not allowed to bring onboard?

Bottle warmers, extension cords and power strips are all on the Do Not Pack list. To see the full list - and some alternatives to help you charge items without a power strip - be sure to read

What Not to Pack for a Disney Cruise: http://dclprepschool.com/what-not-to-pack-for-a-disney-cruise/

What Not to Pack For a Disney Cruise By Melanie Clatfelter Almost as important as knowing What to Pack for your Disney Cruise is knowing what NOT to pack. You don’t want to be the guest holding up the security line because your carry-on has prohibited items in it. And you definitely don’t want D...

12/11/2018

Rest In Peace- Excelsior!

11/11/2018

DCL wants to make sure every member of the family has a place to call home onboard. Each ship has a variety of wheelchair accessible staterooms in just about every category- including Concierge Level.

Here is a look at the modifications and accessibility features of these rooms.

https://dclprepschool.com/wheelchair-accessible-staterooms/

Wheelchair-Accessible Staterooms By Melanie Clatfelter Disney Cruise Line designed each of it’s staterooms with families in mind and that means every member of the family. All Disney Cruise Line Ships have wheelchair-friendly staterooms and features, and not just in one or two categories. Nearly e...

10/11/2018

I want to wish a very Happy Veterans Day to all who have served and their families.

I am from a Navy family and raising another generation of future Navy sailors so I feel a particular affinity for the US Navy. As someone who loves cruising, I also hold a high respect for the women and men who protect our oceans and shores.

Happy Veterans Day. And while thanking veterans is so important, take a moment to ask what their service meant to them and listen to their stories. And if you have served or have service members in your family from any branch of the military or Coast Guard, share your photos and stories below.

Happy Veterans Day. 🇺🇸❤️⚓️

This photo gives me chills.

09/11/2018

When you are looking to add a little extra magic to your cruise, I highly recommend a cabana on Disney Castaway Cay.

The problem is that they are not easy to secure. There are not many of them and they are always in high demand.

So how can you increase your chances at reserving one of these little gems? Take a look.

Have you ever spent the day in a Castaway Cay Cabana? Let us know what you thought of the experience. Drop a line in the comments below.

http://dclprepschool.com/how-to-reserve-a-cabana-on-disney-castaway-cay/

How to reserve a cabana on Disney Castaway Cay By Melanie Clatfelter You have your Disney Cruise Line vacation planned and you are ready to add some extra magic to your sailing. One of my favorite splurges is to reserve a cabana on Disney Castaway Cay. However, there are not very many of them, and t...

07/11/2018

If you have subscribed to the DCL Prep School email list, but didn’t see the latest email, be sure to check your Spam or Promotions folder.

If you haven’t subscribed to the email list yet, what are you waiting for? Don’t wait!

https://wdwprepschool.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=ff24dffc45c131ace8abc0088&id=14923ac23a

05/11/2018

A day bag is to cruising as a carry on is to flying (can you tell I have two kids taking SATs?).

But what should you pack in your day bag, and what is fine to leave in your checked baggage that is delivered to your stateroom later in the day?

http://dclprepschool.com/disney-cruise-day-bag/

Disney Cruise Day Bag By Melanie Clatfelter Your countdown has hit 0 Days! It’s cruise day. You are scrambling to leave your house or hotel room, but you have one more bag to pack… your day bag. In this article What is a Day Bag?What MUST Be In Your Day BagWhat CANNOT Be Packed In Your LuggageBa...

04/11/2018

The holidays are here! 🎄 Take a look at all the holiday happenings Disney Cruise Line has planned for you! 🍭

https://dclprepschool.com/holidays-on-disney-cruise-line/

02/11/2018

Attention, Bargain Hunters... if you have a cruise in your future now is the time to get your costumes. I’m hanging in Target today, and I think they overstocked on Star Wars costumes. Plenty of Marvel, Princesses and Incredibles costumes too (at least at my store).

I did notice a lack of Pirate costumes. Maybe your local stores have a better supply. Leave a note in the comments if you see clearance pirate gear anywhere.

Here’s a look at what I found.

01/11/2018

Did you know each ship has at least one Broadway-style show that is unique to that ship. On the Disney Dream, you can see a magical interpretation of Beauty and the Beast.

http://dclprepschool.com/disney-cruise-line-presents-new-interpretation-of-beauty-and-the-beast/

Disney Cruise Line Presents New Interpretation of Beauty and the Beast By Melanie Clatfelter A new stage show debuts on the Disney Dream this November. Disney Cruise Line’s theatrical team is hard at work creating a new interpretation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Fans of the live action mov...

31/10/2018

Happy Halloween, everyone!

I would love for you to share any memories, stories or photos you'd like to share of your Halloween on the High Seas cruises. Drop a line in the comments below.

Haven't sailed on a HOTHS cruise? No worries. Share your favorite Disney costumes, Halloween decor and pumpkins!

30/10/2018

Can't decide between Pirates of the Caribbean and Pirates IN the Caribbean? When you plan a Walt Disney World ~ Disney Cruise Line Land & Sea vacation, you don't have to pick!

http://dclprepschool.com/easy-guide-to-planning-a-land-and-sea-vacation/

Disney Land and Sea Vacation Planning By Melanie Clatfelter A Land & Sea Vacation combines the best of a Walt Disney World Resort and a Disney Cruise Line vacation into one Super. Awesome. Vacation. Experience. Disney offers you a way to package a Land and Sea vacation into one easy reservation, com...

30/10/2018

So much truth. 😂

Adulting (v)
When you start agreeing with the parents in Disney movies.

29/10/2018

Disney Castaway Cay is a little slice of heaven on earth. If you want to float and relax all day... go ahead, but if you are seeking a more active day, Disney Cruise Line has several activities in store for you and your family!

http://dclprepschool.com/castaway-cay-port-adventures-rentals/

Castaway Cay: Activities, Port Adventures & Rentals By Melanie Clatfelter Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure A day on Castaway Cay is the highlight of sailing to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Many activities, port adventures and rentals to make your day on the island fantastic. What’s Included Jus...

29/10/2018

Disney Trivia is back on the HQ app. The 9:00pm Game is all Disney!

If you haven’t played before, it’s totally free and you can win real money. You can download the app in the App Store or Google play. If you sign up with my username (dclmel) I get a free extra life. That’s all... but it’s lots of fun.

And come back here after the game to let us know how far you made it into the game. Last time we had a few winners in this group. Good luck!

28/10/2018

Wonder if your teens will find anything to do on Disney Cruise Line? Worry no more! Here are the Top 10 things on DCL just for teens!

https://dclprepschool.com/top-10-things-for-teens-to-do-on-disney-cruise-line/

Top 10 Things for Teens to do on Disney Cruise Line By Melanie Clatfelter I love a top ten countdown. I love teens – I have three of them. So let’s combine them and take an up close look at all of the great activities for teens (and tweens) to do on Disney Cruise Line. Knowing that teens are unp...

27/10/2018

As Plan-a-Cruise month concludes next week, there is still time to get in on the $100 stateroom credit offer on select Disney Cruise Line vacations booked between now and October 31st. Here are all the details!

http://dclprepschool.com/disney-cruise-line-onboard-credit/

Disney Cruise Line offers Onboard Credit for National Plan a Cruise Month By Melanie Clatfelter October is National Plan a Cruise Month. To celebrate, Disney Cruise Line has paired with CLIA – the Cruise Line International Association – to offer guests sailing on select cruises next spring a spe...

26/10/2018

Holidays, holidays and more holidays. This is a fantastic time of year to sail with Disney Cruise Line because no holiday goes uncelebrated!

Take a look!

Halloween: https://dclprepschool.com/disney-cruise-line-halloween-cruises/

Thanksgiving:https://dclprepschool.com/thanksgiving-on-disney-cruise-line/

Christmas: http://dclprepschool.com/holidays-on-disney-cruise-line/

New Year's Eve: http://dclprepschool.com/new-years-eve-on-disney-cruise-line/

Easter: http://dclprepschool.com/easter-activities-on-disney-cruise-line/

Disney Cruise Line Halloween Cruises By Melanie Clatfelter Every fall Disney Cruise Line celebrates Halloween in true Disney style. Decorations, special events, exclusive meet & greets and of course costumes & candy… lots of costumes and candy! Be prepared to learn the legend of the Pumpkin Tree a...

26/10/2018

Halloween is next week which means that Thanksgiving is less than a month away. This makes it a great time to look at the wonderful celebrations and activities for guests to experience on this special holiday cruise.

https://dclprepschool.com/thanksgiving-on-disney-cruise-line/

Thanksgiving on Disney Cruise Line By Melanie Clatfelter Disney knows how to celebrate the holidays – each and every holiday, and Thanksgiving is no exception. What can you expect on a Thanksgiving cruise? Let’s take a look. In this article Thanksgiving FestivitiesSpecial Character Meet and Gree...

26/10/2018

The CDC and Caribbean authorities are constantly revising Zika Virus-related travel advisories. Here is the latest information.

http://dclprepschool.com/zika-travel-advisories-updated-for-travelers/

Zika travel advisories updated for travelers By Melanie Clatfelter Zika travel advisories are still on the minds of many travelers to the Bahamas and to the Caribbean. The good news is that as of mid-October 2018, precautionary advisories have been lifted for Florida and the Bahamas, however, cautio...

25/10/2018

This is a great feeling, but what if you need help selecting and planning the perfect cruise for your family? Or you want to cruise with Disney, but don't really know where to begin?

As an travel planner with Perfect Story Travel, I can help you from selecting your cruise and stateroom all the way through departure... and my planning services are free when you book your travel with me.

http://dclprepschool.com/quote-request/

25/10/2018

ICYMI - Minnie Vans now an option for guests traveling between Walt Disney World and Disney's cruise terminal in Port Canaveral.

http://dclprepschool.com/disney-cruise-line-minnie-van-service/

Disney Cruise Line – Minnie Van Service By Melanie Clatfelter Great news! Land and Sea travelers now have a new option to travel from your resort to your cruise. If you aren’t looking forward to an hour (or longer) commute on a charter bus, your party can now reserve a Minnie Van to travel betwe...

23/10/2018

Lots of news released in the past few days which could impact Disney Cruise Line guests.

The first is the possible development of Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas as a new private port for Disney Cruise Line.

The second is that the Bahamian Dept. of Tourism announced they will discontinue a program which provides monetary incentives for cruise lines to visit Nassau, as they feel too many passengers are staying on the ships instead of spending their money at local business. They plan to divert the money to port improvements -- which I really hope they do.

Finally, Minnie Van service is now available for guests wishing to travel between Walt Disney World and Port Canaveral! Yay... can't have enough cute Minnie Vans on the road.

Here is a look at all the Disney Cruise News: http://dclprepschool.com/disney-cruise-line-bahamas-private-port/

What do you think?

Are you excited for a new private port in the Bahamas?

Do you even get off the ship in Nassau (honestly, I don't anymore), and if you do, what do you like and dislike about the port?

Disney Cruise Line wins preliminary approval for new private port (and other news) By Melanie Clatfelter While DCL Prep School doesn’t really dip too much into breaking news, two big pieces of news out of the Bahamas in the past week which will have an impact on Disney Cruise Line guests. Also, wi...