Ahoy, Diana!
Happy Birthday to you! What a great way to celebrate your big 4-0 - a magical voyage with Mickey!
I've checked the Dining Rotation and Dress Code for your itinerary - hopefully I can make packing a little easier, and you'll have plenty of room for birthday hats and party horns!
Your first night aboard will be "cruise casual" - no swimwear or tank tops, and I usually recommend no shorts. Your second evening is "dress-up" night. I'd suggest a jacket for men, and a dress or nice pants for ladies. I usually choose something I'd feel comfortable wearing to a nice restaurant or party. Night three, you're back to cruise casual, with a twist: Arrgh, Matey, it's Pirate Night! Make sure to pack your pirate accessories for
Pirates IN the Caribbean - with a fun Pirate Deck Party and fireworks at sea! Night four, it's back to cruise casual for your final evening aboard.
Dining with Disney Cruise Line is an incredible experience. With Rotational Dining, you'll rotate through all three restaurants, and your servers will be the same at each meal. They'll learn your preferences, and treat you like a VIP throughout your cruise! Most seating in the dining rooms is communal, meaning you'll likely be seated with another family with kids the same ages as yours. We always enjoy meeting other cruisers and making new friends!
My family has always preferred the second seating - we like to see the shows first, then have our meal. Families with second seating can use "Dine and Play", where Youth Program Counselors come to the dining room to escort the kids to the Oceaneer Club/Lab at the end of your meal. Our kids love heading off to play with their friends after dinner!
I hope this helps! Happy Planning!
Diane W.