Hiya Kristen!
Thanks for visiting planDisney! Managing a large party on a vacation can definitely get a bit complicated, I'd be glad to answer your question.
It's great that you have
linked your staterooms already! However, even with linked reservations the
booking window for activities in each stateroom is still determined by the highest
Castaway Club level staying in that particular room. So in your case, the booking window for your Port Adventures will open 90 days prior to your sail date as a Silver Castaway Club member, but the stateroom with the first-time sailing will have to wait until 75 days before your sail date book theirs. You are correct that to book Port Adventures, everyone must be paid in full.
I'm sorry, that probably isn't the answer you were hoping for! You have a couple of options for booking your Port Adventures. You could go ahead and make them for your stateroom at your booking date, then try to make the same reservations for the second room when their reservations open. Another option may be to adjust your reservations so that there is one guest who is a Gold Castaway Club member in each stateroom. You can
adjust eligible reservations through the
"My Reservations" page on the Disney Cruise Line website.
Since you've already linked your reservations you should be seated together (or close) with your friends each night at dinner! As a Silver Castaway Club member, you already know how fun
rotational dining is on Disney Cruise Line! If there are kids in your parties you might want to download the
My Disney Cruise Adventure booklet to get them excited about the trip. It's a great way to learn about the ships and plan some activities together!
I hope you can plot a course for every Port Adventure you're dreaming of, Kristen! There are so many exciting options, I'm sure you will find one that works for everyone. Don't forget that you're always welcome to stay on the ship (my family often does this at Nassau) to make your own "day at sea" even when you're in port!
Keep moving forward!
Amanda