Hi there, Kate! Welcome to planDisney!
I'm ecstatic that your daughter’s open-heart surgery was successful! This is indeed a tremendous cause for celebration, and a Disney cruise ship is the perfect and most magical backdrop! Therefore, I am SO excited to share my tips to make your family’s Disney cruise extra special!
Your celebration can begin before you set sail, with a
Character Call! To arrange this, log in to your reservation using either the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App or the Disney Cruise Line website, and scroll down to “Complimentary Character Call”, where you can schedule a beloved Disney Pal to call her and announce your upcoming magical sailing!
One of the best “Disney” ways to celebrate
anything is with a “Celebration” button. As long as they’re available, you can request one from the Guest Services Desk on board, as well as any message you’d like written on it, making for an adorable souvenir she can wear all cruise long!
I highly suggest making a reservation at
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, as this is the magical spot I immediately turn to commemorate any special celebration for my kids. You can make a reservation either in the “My Plans” section of the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App or on the Disney Cruise Line website, once your
booking window opens. This entire experience will be a memorable one for both of you, as will the beautiful photos she’ll take around the ship afterwards!
Speaking of photos, my next suggestion is to purchase the
Unlimited Digital Photo Package at least 3 days before your sail date, once your booking window opens. By purchasing it at home, you’ll receive a discount, plus you’ll ensure that you get to keep all the amazing family photos you’ll take on board to commemorate this special cruise. You also have the option to schedule a special private photo session in the "My Plans" section of your reservation.
From
Onboard Gifts, you can purchase special gifts, souvenirs and have your stateroom decorated! A suggestion I have is the Minnie Cake (which can be delivered to your
Rotational Dining location!) as well as the Non-Alcoholic Cloudem-Blue drink (sparkling apple cider), which my own kids adore!
You can also visit the dessert shop on board,
Sweet On You, to purchase celebratory cupcakes, ice cream, or special souvenir sundae cups!
Lastly, one of my family's favorite ways to announce a celebration to our fellow shipmates is on our stateroom door.
Door Decorating is an entire magical culture on the Disney Cruise Line! To stay within the required policy, you should decorate with magnets on your door only, without lights, sounds, or adhesives.
Kate, I hope your family has the most beautiful celebratory cruise! I wish you joyful memories together, always! Please sail back to planDisney if you have any other questions!
You’ve Got a Friend in Me,
Rana