First Disney Cruise-Fantasy

[CNMomma]

We set sail on our first Disney Cruise on Fantasy in about 3 months. My husband and I have cruised before. This time, we are bringing our 4 and 6 year old as well as both our moms. We have also been to Disney World 3 times in the past couple of years. With what I know about Disney World and about cruises, I have a couple of questions.
Should I buy an autograph book ahead of time?
Should I pack the girls princess dresses and do girls wear princess dress for the formal nights or regular dresses?
Do adults dress up for the pirate themed night?
Are there photopass people on board the ship like there are in Disney or are their photographers running around like on most cruise ships and you pay a huge price for pictures?
Do people do pin trading on board the ship?
Is it worth renting a cabana on the Castaway Cay? (We have heard from a friend that it is.)
Any other tips for packing for a Disney cruise specifically?

[DisneyTech]

I'll do my best to answer some questions.

- they do sell autograph books on the ship if you want to buy them there.

- the princess dresses are very popular on board, especially during the big princess meet and greet in the lobby. I have also seen lots of smaller kids wear their princess outfits during formal night.

- many adults dress up for pirate night, but there are also plenty that don't. You won't feel out of place either way.

- no photopass on board. Typical cruise photographers and prices.

- many of the crew members wear pin lanyards and there are also organized officer pin trading events.

- I have never rented a cabana so I can't speak to that.

Hope this helps.

[robhawk]

bring a pillowcase for each of the kids and some sharpies. Drop it off at guest services at the beginning of the cruise. They will have all the characters sign it!
I would buy books before you leave.

Cabanas are very hard to get as a first time cruiser. They are also 500$ for the day! Ouch!

There are photo packages that you can buy at Shutters. They are also expensive. The CM with the characters will also help you with pictures with your camera.

As far as packing goes, we wear same shorts/ pants with different shirts. That saves some room. Less is better

Have a great time!!!

[CarnivalGirl3]

-You can, or make one or buy one there or use a notepad/book[/color]
Should I pack the girls princess dresses and do girls wear princess dress for the formal nights or regular dresses?

-if they want them. both. I saw on girl wearing a princess dress every night. some wore them during the day as well.

-Many do, many don't. We did and lots dressed up more than we did, and some less[/color]
- You have to use your key to the world card, pictures are $20 for 8x10 (cheap photopaper, poor quality print imo), or you can buy a package for prints/digitals, still $$$ However, they will allow you to use your own camera or will take a picture with your camera. SO if you kids see Mickey, you can take the picture.

- yes. I have no idea what that is, but I saw it listed and saw the men in white coats with a box type thing with pins[/color]

-Disney is less formal in mdr. So no need for tux/ball gowns (unless you want) and I even wore jeans to dinner on two nights. Next year I'm skipping the dress shoes and slacks for me!