Welcome aboard, Lauren! Hooray! Your second sailing with Disney Cruise Line! That means that you're now officially a Silver
Castaway Club member, which comes with some special perks! You'll get to begin your online check-in 90 days prior to sailing, which means you'll have earlier access than first time guests to some of the fun extras like Port Adventures, Special Character Greetings, and lots more! Plus, you'll receive a special Castaway Club gift in your stateroom as you arrive! Be sure to log in as soon as you're able!
You're correct that some changes have been made since you last sailed, including regarding autographs at Guest Services. Disney used to allow guests to leave a couple of items at Guest Services to be signed by their favorite Disney friends and be returned to the stateroom at the end of the sailing. However, that is no longer the case. They now encourage all guests to meet their favorite Disney characters in person while onboard! As you'll remember from your last cruise, the lines aren't too long and there are a plethora of opportunities to meet so many different characters! So, bring along an item to be autographed, and check your Personal Navigator for the times and locations of the Meet and Greets!
Another new addition since you last sailed is the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. This can be downloaded for free to your mobile devices before you set sail. Enjoy the cruise countdown on it from home, and then once onboard, you can access it free of charge to see the ship's schedule of activities, character greetings, menus, maps, a texting feature to keep in touch with family and friends who also have the app onboard, and more! Download it before you arrive at port and you'll be ready to go, Lauren!
Happy cruising!
Marcy