Welcome Aboard, Christine!
I am so glad you came to the Disney Parks Moms Panel with questions about your very first Disney Cruise Line vacation!
Since you are traveling from so far away, I can understand not wanting to pack bulky formalwear for your family. On any 7-Night cruise, you can expect four nights of
cruise casual attire, which simply means no tank tops or swimwear in the main dining rooms. You can wear what you are comfortable in on these nights. There is also one optional formal night and one optional semi-formal night. Disney Cruise Line recommends for men: dress pants with a jacket or a suit; for women: a dress or pantsuit.
If you are uncomfortable joining your fellow passengers in the main dining rooms on the semi- and formal nights, you are welcome to try dining in
Cabanas for dinner. Each evening, Cabanas turns from a buffet dining experience to a sit-down restaurant. You do not have to go at any certain time, so you can plan around your schedule. The food is usually similar to what is being served in the three main dining rooms.
Another dining option on these nights is Room Service. This is included in the cost of your cruise, you will just need to add gratuity when your order is delivered. My husband and I love the "All Hands on Deck" cheese platter, and the chicken noodle soup is my daughter's favorite!
I hope you have a FANTAStic first Disney Cruise! Please visit us again with more questions that arise before you set sail.
Happy Cruising, Tracy V.