Ahoy, Weslyn!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I think you've chosen a WONDERful sailing for your first journey with Captain Mickey! Your new year will definitely be off to a pixie-dusted start when you ring in 2018 at sea. A New Year's Eve Extravaganza will be planned, and you'll celebrate the night away Disney Cruise Line style! Doesn't that sound magical?
I'm excited you've chosen a 7-night cruise for your inaugural voyage especially on the newly reimagined Disney Wonder! There will be four cruise casual nights planned, one formal night (Day Two), one semi-formal night (Day Six) and a pirate-themed night (Day Four). The specific days I mentioned in parentheses are always subject to change, but this is what has been scheduled in the past. Your 7-night rotation will give you at least two opportunities to dine at each main dining room including my new favorite restaurant aboard Disney Cruise Line, Tiana's Place. You don't want to miss this lively dinner with the most delicious buttermilk beignets you've ever tasted for dessert!
You'll find out your specific dining rotation schedule when you check-in with a Cast Member at the terminal. (it will be listed on the front of your "Key to the World" card). My advice is to go ahead and make your
Palo reservation when your online booking window opens up (75 days since you are a first-time cruiser). Palo does hold back a few reservations for embarkation day, so there will be an opportunity to change your reservation once you are aboard. The directions to make a dining change will be listed on the front page of your first cruise newsletter that you'll receive at check-in. We had to make an adjustment to our Palo plans on a recent cruise, and it took about 10 minutes to change our day and time.
I hope this helps, Weslyn! Please keep us posted with any other cruise questions!
Nancy