Welcome aboard, Lauren! Preparing for your very first sailing with Disney Cruise Line is always so exciting, yet I do understand that it can be confusing as there is a lot of information to take in. Let me reassure you that you're in for a magical vacation!
But, it's good to plan ahead a bit too, and it sounds like you're beginning to do that. My family loves the second dinner seating, especially when our kids were younger, because it meant we could enjoy our days in port, and then put everyone down for a nice nap in the late afternoon without having to rush to get to that early dinner. A good nap will make for a better late night, and believe me, there are plenty of exciting activities and events going on all night that you won't want to miss and neither will your kiddos!
Since you're sailing on the Disney Fantasy, that means you're on a seven-night cruise. Disney's seven-night sailings include one Formal Night (first night at sea) and one Semi-Formal night (usually the second to last night of the cruise), as well as a
Pirate Night. The other evenings are Cruise Casual. So, pack some dressier outfits for those two dress up nights and some nice casual outfits (think khakis and polos for the guys and cute capris or skirts or dresses for the girls). Pirate Night is a lot of fun. If you want to bring pirate costumes or at least accessories from home, you'll be glad you did, as guests really get in on the swashbuckling fun of that night. You'll enjoy a pirate-themed menu at dinner, pirate activities and events that night, including Mickey's Pirates IN the Caribbean Deck Party and the Buccaneer Blast Fireworks at sea, like only Disney can do! All guests will receive a Mickey's Pirates IN the Caribbean bandana to wear that night.
I hope those details help as you continue to plan, Lauren!