Welcome aboard, Kathy! How exciting that you're getting ready to set sail for your very first cruise with Captain Mickey and his crew! You have so much to look forward to!
As a first-time cruiser with Disney Cruise Line, you'll be able to begin booking all those fun extras like Port Adventures once you are 75 days prior to sailing by
logging in to your reservation online. Until then, browse the Port Adventures, Spa Treatments and Adult Exclusive Dining to plan a "must do" list. Then, log on when it's time and hopefully you'll find that the adventures are still open and ready for you to book! Guests who have sailed with Disney previously are able to book 90 or more days prior to sailing, so you won't want to wait too long to make your decisions on extras. Unless you're planning to use the nursery for a child under 3, which also requires reservations, there isn't too much else you need to worry about pre-booking besides what I've already mentioned.
If you have the Main Dinner seating, you'll eat at 5:45 and get to head to the Broadway-style show after dinner at 8:30. There is a 6:15 show for those with the second dinner seating. No need to make reservations for any show, just show up and sit wherever you please.
Each day you'll receive a Personal Navigator which lists all of the exciting events and activities onboard. Bring a few different colored highlighters to mark who wants to go where and when! Then, just arrive and have fun! On your first Personal Navigator, you might see a few other fun extras that do require advanced reservations as some have limited space, like the beverage tasting seminars. But, honestly, I can't think of many other things where you have to plan them ahead. Just see how the day shapes out and head to the activity that sounds best. The fun will be waiting for you!
Enjoy planning, Kathy!