Welcome back aboard the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Karla!
I'll bet you are counting down the days until you set sail with Captain Mickey on the Disney Fantasy. That Western Caribbean itinerary was one of our family favorites because of Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Jamaica. Speaking of those ports, I hope that our answer about Port Adventures for a 3-year-old helped you in making the right selection for your little buccaneer.
So sorry that you weren't able to arrange for Main Seating initially for your upcoming cruise. Although you were assigned to Second Seating, there's still an excellent chance you will be able to switch your
assigned dining time. I’d suggest you talk to a Disney Cruise Line Cast Member prior to departure to see if you can switch (or have your Travel Agent do this for you). We recently found out that we got our request to be moved to Main Dining for our Mediterranean cruise this summer, so it does happen! Keep checking either via phone or using the
Planning Center portal online because Guests do change their plans all the time.
Finally, if you arrive at port and still really want the alternate seating, there is a time on embarkation day to request the change. The
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or the paper Personal Navigator from Guest Services will tell you exactly where to go, typically one of the lounges or main dining rooms. Cast Members will let you know if they can accommodate your request...fingers crossed!
Although it sounds like switching would be the best scenario for you, I will say that the Second Seating does offer a Dine and Play feature that we enjoyed when our now teenage kids were younger. Young sailors ages 3-12 will have their meal expedited, so they can leave early to go to the
Oceaneer Club or
Oceaneer Lab. The youth counselors will come around to each dining room to pick up the kiddos and take them to the Youth Clubs. Tell your servers that your Mouseketeers are participating in Dine & Play, and they will make sure your kids are fed and ready to roll!
Sending you pixie dust that you will get the seating selection you desire. Sail back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel for help with the planning process as you countdown the days until your adventure at sea!
Bon Voyage!
Sherry