Questions from first timer - need help with general info and excursions on Magic 5 day from Miami

1. Are we assigned a time to embark on the ship?
2. Excursion recommendations for any of the above ports? It is myself, husband, kids 11 & 14
3. Characters - are we assigned tickets to meet all of the characters on the ship? Do we choose the time or assigned? Do kids have autograph books?
4. Pictures - is there a picture bundle that can be pre-purchased before going? Is this booked at the 120 day mark?
5. Is it hard to get seats at the evening shows? (I still have images of the Disneyland b'day parade and people lining up 3 hours in advance to watch it.....)
6. Cost of internet on the ship?
7. Hotel recommendations close to port in Miami?
8. Feedback on Concierge - tips, tricks, things you love (or dislike....I am good with either - want honest feedback!)
9. Is 11:30am too early for my flight out of Miami on our final day? Itinerary says ashore at 7:30am (how long does it take to get off, transportation to airport, etc?)

crowls said:

I will open with an apology.....I have some questions. ALOT of questions..I have been reading the boards but still..........with my type-A over-planning personality I am already working on details. Hoping all the experts out there can help me out

Cruise: 5 day from Miami (Jan 2018), Concierge room on Disney Magic, stops in Key West, Nassau, CC

Here we go,

1. Are we assigned a time to embark on the ship?
2. Excursion recommendations for any of the above ports? It is myself, husband, kids 11 & 14
3. Characters - are we assigned tickets to meet all of the characters on the ship? Do we choose the time or assigned? Do kids have autograph books?
4. Pictures - is there a picture bundle that can be pre-purchased before going? Is this booked at the 120 day mark?
5. Is it hard to get seats at the evening shows? (I still have images of the Disneyland b'day parade and people lining up 3 hours in advance to watch it.....)
6. Cost of internet on the ship?
7. Hotel recommendations close to port in Miami?
8. Feedback on Concierge - tips, tricks, things you love (or dislike....I am good with either - want honest feedback!)
9. Is 11:30am too early for my flight out of Miami on our final day? Itinerary says ashore at 7:30am (how long does it take to get off, transportation to airport, etc?)

I appreciate any info the DIS'ers can share! Thanks in advance!!

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dcassetta said:

The only slight correction I'd make to Shmoo's excellent post, is that the port of Miami tends to open a little later than Canaveral. Doors opening about 11, and so boarding may begin later than 11:30.

There are lots of hotels in the Miami area, what kind of a stay at you looking for? Is it just the night before the cruise are you planning to stay a few days?

The airport is only about a 15 minute ride from the port itself, so I would be comfortable with an 1130 flight.

What kind of activities is your family interested in? That may help with recommendations on excursions.

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PrincessShmoo said:

1. When you do your online checkin, you will select a Port Arrival Time. This is not the time you will be actually getting on the ship, but could be close, depending on what time you select. EDIT: I see you're Concierge, you won't be selecting a PAT. You may arrive at the port at any time after it opens for new guests (10:30). Boarding begins around 11:30 with Concierge guests being first, then boarding numbers (you won't have one). If you arrive after boarding has already started, you may board at any time after you've completed your checkin at the port.

3. The only ticketed Meet & Greets are the Frozen one and the Princess Gathering (typically around 4 princesses). You book these tickets once your activities booking window opens. All other Meet & Greets, you just line up for. Times and locations of the characters will be in the Navigator.

4. Yes there photo packages. You can find out what packages are available for your cruise here: https://www.mycruisephotos.com/DCL/...hy&utm_medium=Disney&utm_campaign=Photography

5. No, it's not hard to get seats. Typically, if you are in line 20-30 minutes prior to the show, you get seats. Now, if you want specific seats, you need to start lining up around 30-45 minutes prior to the show (doors open 30 minutes out).

6.

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TigerLaw said:

How long has this new internet access pricing been offered? It Is the first time I've seen these promotional prices - how did you get that?

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