Stacey, welcome aboard! I love to see a fellow Ohioan getting ready to set sail with Disney Cruise Line! Since you'll sail in October next year, you get the extra magic of a
Halloween on the High Seas sailing!
As a first time cruiser with Disney, there is so much magic in store for you, but I understand you have a lot of questions about how it all works! All of your dining is
included in your cruise cost. You'll be assigned one of the restaurants each night, rotating you through all three of the Table Service restaurants onboard, so you won't miss a thing! The two Adult Exclusive restaurants, Palo and Remy, are optional and carry an additional cost. For lunch, you can dine in any of the Table Service restaurants, Cabanas Buffet, or any of the quick service spots on the pool deck. Plus, there is a complimentary room service menu as well! Just bring a few singles in cash to tip the Cast Member who delivers room service, as that's traditional.
At Castaway Cay, your lunch is included at Cookies BBQ or Cookies Too! There are plenty of beach chairs, loungers, hammocks, and umbrellas throughout the beaches at Castaway Cay, all for guest use with no additional charge, so you'll not have trouble finding the perfect spot to set up camp. A little tip: My family and I like to stay on the tram past the first beach stop at Scuttle's Cove, and wait to get off until the second beach stop at Pelican Plunge. Many first time guests automatically hop off at the first stop, so the beach gets a bit more crowded there first thing in the morning. Stay on and get off at Pelican Plunge a bit further down the beach and you'll have more space.
I'm about out of space, but I see you asked another question, so I'll give you more details there. Happy planning, Stacey!
Marcy