09/05/09 LABORless MAGICal Meanderers

[aussieinvasion]

So we booked our first ever cruise today, and we are sooo excited.We ended up booking a CAT 6, and loving the double OBC with DU !! Anyone coming along too?

CRUISERS ON THIS THREAD:

aussieinvasion - Mel(32), Jay (34), Travis (5), Amelia (3)
UGAFan0829 - Missy (30), Mike (32) & DSIL Gayle, DN Brandi
ibela - Irene (32),Erik (33),DD Fallon(3) and new baby Asher
kvoit - Kurt (37), Laurie (36)
NYCDisneylovers - Stacy (40) DH-Scott (40) DD-Brittany (17) & DD-Madison (4) **now NYCDVClover2000
THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA - Karen (37), Dh (39),DD(11) and DD(8)
Tymatt - DS (7,11)
Kasidak - Karyn,Omar,Hayden (5)
Queenof2princesses - Angel, Bonita, DD Payton(12) DD Brooke(9)
EyeDisneyCruise - Trisha,Ben,Alexandra(4),Zachary (2)
mom2tcdx2
Scottly83 - Pat(50)Janet(51)Scott(25)charlie(26)
TLHB70 - DH, DD Courtney (age 14), DD Caitlin(age 10 but will turn 11 on the cruise), and friends DH, DW, and DD (age 13).
sbo123 - Sheila (61), Shlomo (62).
smilingmouse - DD Becky and DPapa Al
disney_minnie -Elizabeth (39),Geoffrey (39),Preston DS (9), Wilson DD (3).
idrivealumina - Me (Chris) 34, DW (Kim) 32, 2 of our 4 DS's 4yr (Aidan, will be 5yr at time of cruise) and ~5mo (Rylan, will be ~11mo at time of cruise)
pandaexpress
CarsFans - Anne,Glenn,Samantha (4), Phillip (turns 3).
LiseG - Lise, Chuck and Sabrina (8).
momof3poohlovers - DH(Dave,38)and I(Karen,39)
prdaniel
The Incredibles - James, Sara, London (DS3)
Keggy - Robert(30) and Kelly (31)
WDW Enabler - Michael 31 DH,Rose 32 DW,Taylor 4 DD
beachlover101 - Sharna DW,Walter DH, Cole DS(14), Austin DD(11).
DeeRest - DH Gil (51),Dee (46)
BeckyThane - John Mark (47) and Becky (43)
tomcat47 - Tom (36) DW Jen (30)
Douglas 711
mcarr1635 - Marlene,Brian,Jennifer, Shannah (9)
Meagon2222 - DH (45) DW (30) DS (4) DS (5)
CaliJMM - Jarrod, Melissa, DD Maya (4)
rlreags - Renee,Scott, McKenzie DD11, Spencer DS7
dibond38 - The Vassallo's, Diane,Steve and Emily (4)
WDWKevin
flspeedo
Hoagie Pie - Sandi 41,Darrell 40, Abby 12
p.laverty
carolynsanta
Ms Mary - Mary,Jeff,Meghan 8, Lily 4
blonda - DW,DH Critt, DS Gabe (4)
clubfig4 - DH Tony, DW Debbie ,DD10 Shelby,DS12 Zachary - friends DH Jay,DW Margaret,DD12 Elizabeth,DD7 Molly,DD4 Kelly



ONBOARD CELEBRATIONS

mum2tcdx2 - BF birthday Sept 5th
aussieinvasion - Amelia turns 3 on Sept 9
disney minnie - Preston turns 10 on Sept 11
UGAFan0829 - Missy and Mike 10th Wedding Anniversary, DSIL Birthday
TLHB70 - DD turns 11
queenof2princesses - DD Payton turns 12 on Sept 12
pandaexpress - GETTING MARRIED ON BOARD WOO HOO!!
CarsFans - Phillip turns 3 on Sept 11.
LiseG - Celebrating our 15th Anniv (9/3) at WDW, Sabrina's Bday (a little early - it's 9/21)
DeeRest - 25th Wedding Anniversary
BeckyThane - Becky's 44th birthday and 24th wedding anniversary
tomcat47 - 7th Wedding Anniversary
Ms Mary - Getting married onboard 09.10.09 WOO HOO!
UGAFan0829 - Gayle's Bday on 9th



FISH EXTENDER PARTICIPANTS **NOW CLOSED**
Stateroom lists to be given to participants prior to departure - 1 treat per person per cruise.

ibela 6050
sbo123 6015
disney minnie 6542
idrivealumina 6101
smilingmouse
EyeDisneyCruise 7528
CarsFans 7530
prdaniel 2552
Queenof2princesses 6560
WDW Enabler
beachlover101 7503
Kasidak
DeeRest 6082 - Also we will have two other cabins participating in the FE exchange. John (36), Rebecca (36), Beau (8), Sarah (6) in stateroom #6083 , and Susan (55) and MaryEllen (34) in stateroom # 6081.
mcarr1635 - #7050
dibond38 7118
Ms Mary # 2130
LiseG #2572
rlreags #6512
clubfig #6532, #6526


Bracelet/FE join date. 8/7 8am. Please RSVP to queenof2princesses by the deadline if interested:

ibela 2 a 2 c
sbo123 2a
queenof2princesses 4 adult 4 child
kasidak 2a 1c
UGAFan0829 2a
WDW Enabler 2a 1c
beachlover101 3a 1c
smilingmouse 2a
disney minnie 2a 3c
keggy 2a
The Incredibles 2a 1c
prdaniel 1a
DeeRest 6a 2c
idrivealumina 2a 2c
BeckyThane 2a
tomkat47 2a
mcarr1635 3a 2c
UGAFan0829 4a
dibond38 2a 1 c
rlreags 2 a 2 c

PROPOSED DISMEET TIME
3pm on embarkation day at the Promenade Lounge.

Saturday: Cruise Casual
Sunday: Cruise Casual - day at Key West
Monday: Formal wear - day at sea
Tuesday: Cruise Casual - day at Grand Cayman, Master Chef Night
Wednesday: Pirate or Cruise Casual - day at Cozumel, Pirate Night
Thursday: Semi Formal - day at sea, Captains Gala
Friday: Cruise Casual - day at Castaway Cay, Til We Meet Again

SAT – Welcome Aboard - A teaser of shows to come that week
SUN – Featured Entertainer
MON – The Golden Mickeys – A DCL Classic
TUE – Twice Charmed – A twist on Cinderella
WED – Movie Night
THR – Disney Dreams – Another DCL classic (geared toward the youngsters)
FRI – Remember the Magic – Like the first show with several of that week’s performers

[aussieinvasion]

Anyone?

[UGAFan0829]

Hello aussieinvasion! The DH and I will be joining you!! Can't wait. We'll be celebrating our 10th anniversary on this cruise. I'm soooo excited. We've been wanting to take the 7 night Western for so long! Booked today!!
So far it looks like we may have the ship to ourselves!:cheer2:

[aussieinvasion]

Hi,
Nice to meet you!! Im shocked we are the only one's so far here. I know its supposed to be a quiet season, but Im sure it will fill up and we'll get a few more on here soon. Although, having the ship to ourselves sounds fantastic:rotfl: .. This is my families' first trip to the US or on a cruise for that matter. Ive been a couple of times when I was single to DW but I know it will be very different this time around. Being its for your anniversary, is it just you and DH going?
Now we have the very long and excruciating wait....luckily we can pass the time here:)
Mel

[UGAFan0829]

Nice to meet you as well!
I'm Missy, and the DH's name is Mike. It will be just the two of us. We don't have any little ones yet.
This will be our 3rd cruise, and I can't wait. We've taken the 3 and 4 night cruises, so I'm really excited about cruising on the Magic for the first time, and for 7 whole nights!
I'm glad that we have each other to talk to while passing the time!!
How exciting...your first time in the U.S., and your first time on a cruise. I think you will love it. So, how many family members are you bringing with you?

[aussieinvasion]

Morning Missy (well it is here anyway :) ..)

Well its me going, DH Jay, DS Travis who will be 5 1/2 and DD Amelia who will turn 3 onboard. Were gonna do 10 nights at DW prior to the cruise so no doubt we'll all be ready to collapse by the time we get on the boat!!
Hey I saw your other thread about booking. Did you end up booking with DCL or DU? We've booked with DU, but for us a major consideration was the fact that (apart from all the great reports Ive heard about them) that its harder for us to pick up the phone and call DCL. I totally understand wanting the control of booking it yourself though. I used to be a domestic travel agent over here and I am used to doing everything myself. Needless to say, Ive already pretty much figured out what shore excursions we'll be doing etc:rotfl: What about you guys? Have you started to think about any of that yet? So, this is your 3rd time then? You are so lucky. I wonder (no pun intended) if you notice much difference between the two ships.

Mel

[UGAFan0829]

Hi Mel!!
How exciting that your daughter will be turning 3 on the ship. I can't think of many other places that I would rather celebrate a birthday than on a Disney cruise!
Wow...10 days at WDW AND a cruise? I am SO jealous!:thumbsup2 That's awesome. I am sure that you are going to have a wonderful time. At least you'll have some time to relax on the ship.
I actually ended up booking directly through DCL. The thought of not having control scared me. Not to mention, I read some of the posts that others posted about feeling the same way as me, so I figured I should probably go with my gut feeling and book it myself.
I have no idea what shore excursions we'll be doing this time. I'd really like to be able to spend some time on some of the beaches, but I have no idea which ones are the best. I know there are several mentioned between Cozumel and Grand Cayman! I am open to any advice/recommendations you may have.
Do you know which stateroom you're in yet? We booked a CAT 6 as well, so maybe we'll be close to each other!

[aussieinvasion]

Hi Missy,

We'll be in stateroom 6562, what about you guys? I checked the stateroom number against my passporter (do you have one? theyre great:thumbsup2 ) and its right near the elevators and a little way down from the laundry room, which we will definately need after spending all that time at DW. We thought being this is our 'once in a lifetime trip' we may as well go the whole hog and book the 10 nights prior. I know it seems a little extreme but the airfares are so expensive to fly over that this will be our only time to go when the kids are so little - unless we win lotto or something:) . It can be up to about $3000 a ticket, but Im hoping to get an early bird deal.
Thats another reason why we booked a CAT 6, Im not travelling all this way and not have a verandah - now I just sound spoiled:laughing:
Anyway, we are debating over the shore excursions. Ive been doing a lot of research here and so far we are considering doing for Cozumel-Playa Mia, but booking on our own. You can get admission for $12 each if you book direct on their website.Lunch isnt included here but to be honest our little one's will probably get restless after spending a couple of hours on the beach and we will just grab lunch ourselves either there or at one of the recommended places Ive learned about here. They have all the facilities we want but the thing that I am also interested in is that I am sure I read here that they have a mini-zoo, which the kids will love. Also, I would love to see some ruins and a few people mentioned the San Gervasio ruins which are in town and a short cab ride away. And of course shopping, shopping,shopping:rotfl:
For Grand Cayman, I dont know about a beach break but I think were going to do a Stingray and Island tour with NativeWayWatersports. They dont have age restrictions on their Stingray tour and this one goes to the Stingray Sandbar only, not all the way out so its probably best for our littlies. I think this also has the option of getting dropped off at 7 Mile Beach, which we'll probably do.
For Key West we were also thinking of doing our own thing and maybe going to the Aquarium/Pirate Soul Museum and maybe the butterfly sanctuary - but Im not sure how to get to the last one yet.
Im sure this will be a hot topic for us over the next little while, all the shore excursion options. Its so exciting. My DH thinks I am crazy for having thought of all this stuff yet but I am just so excited that I cant help myself.
Are you guys flying in on the morning of the cruise?

[UGAFan0829]

Hi Mel! Hope you had a great weekend!
Wow, I am really impressed. It sounds like you have really been doing your homework on the shore excursions. I don't have a current Passporter, but it sounds like I need to get myself a current one.
To be honest, the DH and I are currently planning a trip to WDW for this September, and we've been busy trying to make some extra $$ to get it all paid for, plus pick out all the places that we want to eat.
On the past 2 cruises that we've been on, we always booked our excursions through Disney. To be honest, I've just never been brave enough to book on my own. I guess I don't feel like I know enough about the ports to make a good decision, especially now that we'll be going to ports that we've never been to before. But I have read lots of reviews where people book on their own and have a great time.
I had thought about trying to do Stingray City on Grand Cayman as well. I think that would be really fun. I'm not sure about Cozumel yet though. I would like to check out Senor Frogs and Carlos N Charlies though. As far as Key West, I would love to check out Margartiaville and Sloppy Joe's. And I've heard that the sunset celebration at Mallory Square is pretty nice as well. That is, if the ship doesn't leave port before then. I would also like to see the Southernmost point.
We still have a loooong way to go, but it is so exicting to have something to look forward to!!
It looks like we'll be just down the hall from one another, as we're in 6576!!
I don't blame you one bit for booking a verandah room! I am sure that you will love it. We had them on our past 2 cruises as well, and it was really nice. We actually had one of the solid walls on our first cruise, and then a navigators on the last one. So I'm hoping that we will get a regular one on this cruise.
We'll actually be driving down. We're only about 7 1/2 hours away from Port Canaveral. The DH doesn't fly anyway, so we are fortunate to be close enough to drive. More than likely, we will leave the day before and spend the night in a hotel so that we can get up early and drive straight to the port the next morning. On our last cruise, we stayed in a Hampton Inn in Titusville, FL. We got a great rate, and the hotel was very nice, and we were only about 30 minutes from Port, so it's very possible that we'll stay there again!
It definitely sounds like you are going to have the trip of a lifetime. I think it's great that you and your family are going to be able to experience it, and it sounds like you definitely deserve it!
Once again, I am so glad that we have each other to "talk" with to help pass the time.

[aussieinvasion]

Thats so lucky to be able to drive down, great that you are so close to be able to do it. Not to mention save money on the airfares. Ive been to Georgia before but Ive only ever been to Atlanta and Stone Mountain, at least thats all I remember of the trip - I did it when I was 17....
Have you decided where you're staying this September? I bet you're hoping to get one of those free DDP offers. That would be so great, and talk about save some money..... I hope they still have that kind of thing when we go.
Dumb question but is Senor Frogs and Carlos N Charlies a restaurant or a bar or both? Ive heard the names mentioned many times.
I know about Sloppy Joe's being that Ive also been to Key West before,or at least Ive heard the name and Margaritaville Im sure Ive read is also on Grand Cayman? or am I wrong? Im not sure. Is this another bar? A lot of people talk about it. Ive been to Mallory Square, the sunset is amazing and there are a lot of interesting people to see with different performing acts etc.
I just think this is so great to be able to meet up and chat about the cruise. Did you ever join a cruise meet group with your other cruises? Did you meet up with the people that you chatted online with?
I totally understand about earning the extra dollars to get it all paid for. We've got about 8 months until the early airfares will be released but you have to pay for them as soon as their booked so even in the best case scenario we're looking at an easy $8000 yikes..... OK Im scared now:scared1:
But you are so lucky to be able to go this year. I am so jealous:) Being that its a very long time since Ive been and also having the kids with me Ive got no idea what we are going to do about ADR's except 1 or 2 character meals, but I guess if we do get on the free DDP I may have to think about it a bit more because it may be busier at that time. More planning....yippee!
Are you planning anything special onboard for your anniversary? Palo, spa etc? I was thinking of adding the Romance At Sea package later but Im unsure if the extra money is worth it. But being able to go on this awesome holiday is mighty special in itself without adding anything extra. What a fantastic way to celebrate your anniversary.
Im so glad too that we have each other to chat to. To be honest, as excited as my DH is, he just is not the excitable type and he's never been to DW so he is yet to experiene the "magic" of it:rotfl:

[UGAFan0829]

You are right, Mel, we are very fortunate to be within driving distance of Disney. I am going to keep my fingers crossed that you'll be able to get a good deal on the airfare. I know that can be a HUGE expense.
That's pretty neat that you've been here to Georgia before. I live about an hour or so from Stone Mountain Park.
Carlos N Charlies, Senor Frogs and Margaritaville are all both restaurants and bars, I believe.
I did join a cruise meet for our other cruises, and we did have meets onboard, but I was only able to go to the 2nd one. It was really neat to meet all the people that I had been chatting with for so long. Hopefully we'll be able to do something like that for this cruise.
We are thinking of maybe doing some spa time for our anniversary, but I'm not sure yet. I had also thought of doing the Romantic Escape, but I haven't made up my mind. I guess I still have plenty of time to decide. I am sure that we will try and do something special to celebrate!!
Maybe they will offer the free dining plan for the WDW portion of your trip. I am sure that it would be a big help for you. We were able to take advantage of the bounce back offer that was being offered when we were there next year, so we do have free dining, but I went ahead and upgraded to the Deluxe dining so that I wouldn't have to worry about paying out of pocket. We love doing the table service restaurants, so I thought the Deluxe plan would work better for us. We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge, and I am really excited about it. This will be our first time staying in a Deluxe. Last year we stayed at Caribbean Beach, and the year before was at All-Star Movies. The DH has wanted to stay at the WL from the very first time that we talked about going to Disney, so I'm excited that he's getting to stay where he wants. It really is a beautiful place. We were able to eat breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe, and it was really good!
So what restaurants do you have in mind for your ADR's?

[ibela]

Um, sorry but you won't be getting the ship to yourselves!

I'm travelling with my dh and dd3 (by then). We went on our first DCL 9/29/07. We're going to WDW in May 2008, no current plans for WDW before the cruise. We're also booked for a verandah, I got one of the cat7 that used to be a cat5, don't remember the number though. We were in a cat5 our first cruise, honestly didn't really use the verandah much but hopefully this time with dd old enough to be in the kids club we'll be able to take advantage and have some wine and cheese on our balcony. :cloud9:

I'm a planner but you guys are REALLY planners! I'm nowhere near ready to start looking at excursions and stuff, I'm still trying to plan our WDW trip (1st WDW trip ever so I need it to be amazing, of course).

So there it is, I'm officially joining you guys in the planning excitement!

Missy- you can check online (passporter?) to confirm that you'll have a regular wall for your verandah.

[UGAFan0829]

Oops, duplicate post!

[UGAFan0829]

Hi and welcome, ibela! Glad that you are joining us!
I think we'll still have plenty of room on the ship with just our 3 families!!:rotfl2:
To me, having something to plan for gets me through all these days of waiting!
Good luck planning your first WDW trip! I am sure it will be amazing!:thumbsup2 We are going on our 3rd trip this September!
Which cruise did you take in 07?

[aussieinvasion]

Hi Ibela!!

Nice to meet you, fantastic to see our little group is growing. My DD will be 3 then too (or at least will turn 3 onboard). I am hoping my kids both like the Oceaneers Club, those cheese platters sound to die for!! I am definately looking forward to that. Where are you from? I am here in Sydney, Australia.
I saw that you wrote that you can check what type of balcony you have online - I'll definately have to check into that.
Have you worked out where you're staying at WDW? Im jealous you guys get to go this year, its going to be a very long wait for me.....

Missy I saw you're planning to stay at the WL, thats were we are thinking of staying when we get there so you'll have to let us know how it is. Im sure its going to be beautiful. DH and I both love the look of it and we thought if we stayed there it would be a radically different theme from the cruise. Ive heard stories of Whispering Canyon Cafe, sounds like fun. Did you ask for ketchup? I didnt realise if you had the free DDP you could upgrade to the Deluxe...hmmm now that is a thought.Can I be rude and ask was it much to upgrade? Correct me if Im wrong but does the Deluxe include breakfast and tips? Im still trying to figure this all out. So far the only thing I think we've decided is to try and book Cinderella's Royal Table for breakfast (if we can get in), and either Chef Mickeys or Hollywood & Vine Play and Dine.

Anyway, I could ramble on all day but I better save myself for the next 19 or so months:rotfl:

Have a great day guys!!
Mel

[ibela]

Hi and welcome, ibela! Glad that you are joining us!
I think we'll still have plenty of room on the ship with just our 3 families!!:rotfl2:
To me, having something to plan for gets me through all these days of waiting!
Good luck planning your first WDW trip! I am sure it will be amazing!:thumbsup2 We are going on our 3rd trip this September!
Which cruise did you take in 07?

Thanks for the welcome! I love the planning, it really gets me through the 600 or so days before the trip. :rotfl2:

We took the Eastern in Sept and loved it. Here's a link to my TR, it was mostly focused on the baby but that was really the reason why we chose DCL to begin with, I did try to give an overall though. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1605878

Hi Ibela!!

Nice to meet you, fantastic to see our little group is growing. My DD will be 3 then too (or at least will turn 3 onboard).


Nice to meet you too!

On my first DCL our DIS group was great. I even sat with 2 DISers and their families for our dining rotation and all the kids got along great and played together at the clubs. She was too little then but I'm hoping the same happens this time around and I'm happy to know there will be at least 1 other in her age group already (last time she was the youngest).


I am hoping my kids both like the Oceaneers Club, those cheese platters sound to die for!! I am definately looking forward to that. Where are you from? I am here in Sydney, Australia.

They ARE really good and we didn't order it until the last night although I intended to EVERY night. And I intend to every night on this cruise too. To enjoy with some wine on the balcony. :)

We're from New Jersey, USA (originally from NY) and still commute there for work everyday.


Have you worked out where you're staying at WDW? Im jealous you guys get to go this year, its going to be a very long wait for me.....

10 days at WDW and a 7 day cruise, you'll be on Disney overload! :woohoo:

We own DVC so we'll be staying at Saratoga Springs, currently scheduled for May 9th - May 17th but may shave a day off at each end if we drive. Dh and his bright ideas. :rolleyes:

Maybe you guys can help with my WDW plans if you don't mind! We only plan on eating a few meals onsite so I wanted to schedule a few key ADRs. For Mother's Day dinner I booked California Grill, and for some character interactions (which she LOVES) I reserved Chef Mickey's for a 'brunch' and then Tusker House for their new character breakfast. Anything else I *really* need or will that give me a good flavor of WDW dining (pun not intended)?

Btw, I'm Irene, dh is Erik, dd is Fallon. :goodvibes

[UGAFan0829]

Hi Ibela!!

Missy I saw you're planning to stay at the WL, thats were we are thinking of staying when we get there so you'll have to let us know how it is. Im sure its going to be beautiful. DH and I both love the look of it and we thought if we stayed there it would be a radically different theme from the cruise. Ive heard stories of Whispering Canyon Cafe, sounds like fun. Did you ask for ketchup? I didnt realise if you had the free DDP you could upgrade to the Deluxe...hmmm now that is a thought.Can I be rude and ask was it much to upgrade? Correct me if Im wrong but does the Deluxe include breakfast and tips? Im still trying to figure this all out. So far the only thing I think we've decided is to try and book Cinderella's Royal Table for breakfast (if we can get in), and either Chef Mickeys or Hollywood & Vine Play and Dine.


Yes, we are staying at the WL. We had planned to stay there last year, but ended up at Caribbean Beach instead. We loved it there as well, but we are really looking forward to the WL. The DH has always had his heart set on staying there.
I don't remember how much $ it cost to updrade to the Deluxe dining. But I figured that it would be worth it since we were getting the regular dining for free anyway. The Deluxe does not include tips. The deluxe actually includes 3 meals a day, regardless of whether they are all counter or table service. If you wanted to use all 3 of them for table service you could. It also includes an appetizer and a dessert for the table service meals, 2 snacks a day instead of 1 and each person in your party also gets a resort mug.
I think there's been a lot of debating here on the boards as to whether it's really worth it or not, but I think it's different for everyone. I think for us, it would be beneficial because there are several days that we want to eat breakfast and dinner at a table service. If we went with the regular plan then we would end up having to pay out of pocket for a lot of those.
I will keep my fingers crossed that you'll be able to get something at Cinderella's Royal Table. I had thought about trying for it, but we decided to wait this time. We love Chef Mickey's as well. On our past 2 trips we ate there for dinner, but we're thinking of trying it for breakfast this year. Picking my restaurants is one of my favorite parts of planning!

[UGAFan0829]

Thanks for the welcome! I love the planning, it really gets me through the 600 or so days before the trip. :rotfl2:

We took the Eastern in Sept and loved it. Here's a link to my TR, it was mostly focused on the baby but that was really the reason why we chose DCL to begin with, I did try to give an overall though. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1605878



We own DVC so we'll be staying at Saratoga Springs, currently scheduled for May 9th - May 17th but may shave a day off at each end if we drive. Dh and his bright ideas. :rolleyes:

Maybe you guys can help with my WDW plans if you don't mind! We only plan on eating a few meals onsite so I wanted to schedule a few key ADRs. For Mother's Day dinner I booked California Grill, and for some character interactions (which she LOVES) I reserved Chef Mickey's for a 'brunch' and then Tusker House for their new character breakfast. Anything else I *really* need or will that give me a good flavor of WDW dining (pun not intended)?


Sorry for the multiple posts, but I haven't figured out how to put more than 1 quote in a post...

I'm definitely going to check out your TR. I love reading them.

Lucky you, owning DVC. I really do think it's a wise investment. The DH and I took the tour at Saratoga a couple of years ago when we got off our last cruise. It's a beautiful resort. We almost bought in, but decided that we needed to wait a few more years.

Have you eaten at California Grill before? We ate there last year for our anniversary and loved it. We are going to try and go there again this trip. I don't know if you're looking for another character meal or not, but Crystal Palace is really good. We've eaten there the past 2 years for breakfast. Pooh is my favorite, so we always have to eat there!

[UGAFan0829]

Just a little something for us to look forward to:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/UGAFan0829/100_0209.jpg

[aussieinvasion]

Hi Ladies,

Missy, thanks for that little teaser photo. That would be great for scrapbooking...Im so excited. I see what you mean about the DDP being debated. Im still a little confused about that side of things. Luckily I have a while to work it all out. Thanks for straightening out the inclusions for me, now I can tell DH. I like your way of thinking with not being out of pocket. We would also be inclined to do both TS breakfast and dinner so it does make a lot of sense. DH is an insulin dependant diabetic so he has to watch what he eats, and make sure he has a proper meal and snacks.This will be a major consideration for us so I do think what you are saying makes a lot of sense. Wish they could include the tips though. Im sure that is another hot topic. We dont tip here in Australia so its another thing thats a bit confusing to me.

Irene thats great that you have had the chance to do the Eastern and now the Western. I'll be interested to hear afterwards what your thoughts are on the comparison. I must admit when I saw your DD age I thought that was wonderful, and hopefully they will get along and can play. Thats excellent about your previous experience with meeting up with DISers, do you still keep in touch? How far is New Jersey from New York? Ive been to NY before, but it was only for a short while (a week) and of course I did all the touristy things:rotfl: I was over there for christmas when I was 17 - boy that was a while ago:rotfl2:

I really hope that we get a DISmeet going once were onboard. I would love to make some friends, and would love my kids to do the same. I wonder how fast our little group will fill up. I still havent worked out to copy and paste other peoples quotes yet so Im a bit slow with it all...:rotfl:

[UGAFan0829]

Hi Ladies,

Missy, thanks for that little teaser photo. That would be great for scrapbooking...Im so excited. I see what you mean about the DDP being debated. Im still a little confused about that side of things. Luckily I have a while to work it all out. Thanks for straightening out the inclusions for me, now I can tell DH. I like your way of thinking with not being out of pocket. We would also be inclined to do both TS breakfast and dinner so it does make a lot of sense. DH is an insulin dependant diabetic so he has to watch what he eats, and make sure he has a proper meal and snacks.This will be a major consideration for us so I do think what you are saying makes a lot of sense. Wish they could include the tips though. Im sure that is another hot topic. We dont tip here in Australia so its another thing thats a bit confusing to me.


I really hope that we get a DISmeet going once were onboard. I would love to make some friends, and would love my kids to do the same. I wonder how fast our little group will fill up. I still havent worked out to copy and paste other peoples quotes yet so Im a bit slow with it all...:rotfl:

I hope that I didn't confuse you more with my explanation of the DDP. I know that it can be a little overwhelming. Sometimes I still get confused when I think about it.
I agree that the tipping issue has definitely been a big debate. I didn't realize that you didn't tip there in Australia. I'm not sure how it works in other states, but here in GA, servers are only paid $2-$3 an hour, and everything else they make is tips.

I hope that we have a meet onboard as well. I've read some TR's where the DISers really went all out. I haven't kept in touch with any of the people from my other cruises, but it was still fun to have met them!

[ibela]

Sorry for the multiple posts, but I haven't figured out how to put more than 1 quote in a post...

I'm definitely going to check out your TR. I love reading them.

Lucky you, owning DVC. I really do think it's a wise investment. The DH and I took the tour at Saratoga a couple of years ago when we got off our last cruise. It's a beautiful resort. We almost bought in, but decided that we needed to wait a few more years.

Have you eaten at California Grill before? We ate there last year for our anniversary and loved it. We are going to try and go there again this trip. I don't know if you're looking for another character meal or not, but Crystal Palace is really good. We've eaten there the past 2 years for breakfast. Pooh is my favorite, so we always have to eat there!

Hi Ladies,

Missy, thanks for that little teaser photo. That would be great for scrapbooking...Im so excited. I see what you mean about the DDP being debated. Im still a little confused about that side of things. Luckily I have a while to work it all out. Thanks for straightening out the inclusions for me, now I can tell DH. I like your way of thinking with not being out of pocket. We would also be inclined to do both TS breakfast and dinner so it does make a lot of sense. DH is an insulin dependant diabetic so he has to watch what he eats, and make sure he has a proper meal and snacks.This will be a major consideration for us so I do think what you are saying makes a lot of sense. Wish they could include the tips though. Im sure that is another hot topic. We dont tip here in Australia so its another thing thats a bit confusing to me.

Irene thats great that you have had the chance to do the Eastern and now the Western. I'll be interested to hear afterwards what your thoughts are on the comparison. I must admit when I saw your DD age I thought that was wonderful, and hopefully they will get along and can play. Thats excellent about your previous experience with meeting up with DISers, do you still keep in touch? How far is New Jersey from New York? Ive been to NY before, but it was only for a short while (a week) and of course I did all the touristy things:rotfl: I was over there for christmas when I was 17 - boy that was a while ago:rotfl2:

I really hope that we get a DISmeet going once were onboard. I would love to make some friends, and would love my kids to do the same. I wonder how fast our little group will fill up. I still havent worked out to copy and paste other peoples quotes yet so Im a bit slow with it all...:rotfl:


OK, I had just typed this whole lengthy post then hit the wrong button AND LOST IT ALL so sorry, only have time for the condensed version now.

First time going to WDW in 10+ yrs so haven't seen Saratoga Springs yet much less eaten at California Grill. Heard mixed stuff about Crystal Palace due to crowds, as per this site so don't know.

To multi-quote click on the + button next to the quote button and then hit quote on the last one you want to include. '' opens a quote window within the post if you want to respond to individual portions of the post and '' closes that portion of the quote up.

We probably have a ways to go before we get busy since the cruise is so far away but other groups are big, probably peak vacation periods?

I can't see photos here at work (blocked) but I'm sure it was a very nice one.

Deluxe DDP isn't for everyone I think, depends on the crew. For us with dd it wouldn't work b/c no way could I get her seated that frequently and meals just take too long. If we just me and hubs then I'd want to do it and enjoy nice meals daily.

Open and close quotes you use a [] and in between that the word 'quote' to open and '/quote' to close, LOL I thought adding the ' would help but instead it opened up the quote window . . .

[aussieinvasion]

I didn't realize that you didn't tip there in Australia.

We dont tip here as a custom but it is always optional if you want to. This usually only happens at restaurants though. It very rarely happens over here, usually only in high-end restaurants or mainly in the city where there are more travellers.In saying that though, our basic wages for a server or waitstaff in a restaurant start at about $14/15 hour and up, based on age and experience I guess.

Thanks Irene for the lesson on how to include quotes. Was going to try a mulit-quote but will have to do it next time. I see what you mean about some of the other DISmeet groups and how big they are already. Its pretty amazing , but I guess we are travelling in value season and so as you say we are not in a peak holiday time. If it wasnt for the hubby being a diabetic we would probably just stick to just the normal DDP (hopefully free at that time), but he has quite a bad time with it so we have to be careful with him. It will be a challenge getting my then 51/2 and 3 yo to behave though. I can see us trying to reserve a lot of character meals so they will be 'entertained':rotfl:

Missy you didnt confuse me, if anything you clarified it for me-thanks for that!! The thing that confuses me is all the options that are available and all the opinions that people have, and make such good arguments for having this or that. I guess I just dont want to mess this up. I am a major planner and want it to be perfect. Im generally not the perfectionist type but seeing as I used to be a domestic TA I feel a certain pressure to make sure my family has the best vacation ever. Im sure it will be, but why do we put such pressure on ourselves??:rotfl: But I must admit, it is an awful lot of fun planning it all...

[ibela]

We dont tip here as a custom but it is always optional if you want to. This usually only happens at restaurants though. It very rarely happens over here, usually only in high-end restaurants or mainly in the city where there are more travellers.In saying that though, our basic wages for a server or waitstaff in a restaurant start at about $14/15 hour and up, based on age and experience I guess.

Your tips are already built in, ours aren't. That's another whole big debate here on the DIS on the restaurant board, people think the service goes down if the tips are already included. Dunno.


If it wasnt for the hubby being a diabetic we would probably just stick to just the normal DDP (hopefully free at that time), but he has quite a bad time with it so we have to be careful with him. It will be a challenge getting my then 51/2 and 3 yo to behave though. I can see us trying to reserve a lot of character meals so they will be 'entertained':rotfl:

You know, if the dining plan isn't free it'll be expensive for you since both kids have to get it as well. Also, I'm not sure how much easier it would be on the dining plan if he's diabetic. If you gets get stuck waiting for a table, you'll need to carry snacks around with you anyway just in case. Also, the menu may be limited for him, there are some complaints about that over on the restaurant board as well. We're going to rent a car and plan on eating most of our meals offsite. Within a few miles are all the American staples/chain restaurants that I expect to be much cheaper, faster, and offer a bit more variety for her. You may want to consider it. I plan on bringing bottles of water and snacks with us into the parks and then leaving for lunchtime since I want to go and unwind by the pool during the afternoon anyway.


Missy you didnt confuse me, if anything you clarified it for me-thanks for that!! The thing that confuses me is all the options that are available and all the opinions that people have, and make such good arguments for having this or that. I guess I just dont want to mess this up. I am a major planner and want it to be perfect. Im generally not the perfectionist type but seeing as I used to be a domestic TA I feel a certain pressure to make sure my family has the best vacation ever. Im sure it will be, but why do we put such pressure on ourselves??:rotfl: But I must admit, it is an awful lot of fun planning it all...

I've never been a TA but I could probably be 1 with all the research I do. :headache: :rotfl2: It IS a lot of fun! :banana:

So Missy, you're going this Sept and Mel, you're going before the cruise?

Hey - did you guys see the increase in Palo prices? It doesn't bother me so much since we tipped extra anyway, it may be harder for some though, I don't know. I didn't go onto the main cruise forum to see what people thought about the increase, maybe I should check before I write something controversial . . . :eek:

[ibela]

I don't remember how much $ it cost to updrade to the Deluxe dining. But I figured that it would be worth it since we were getting the regular dining for free anyway. The Deluxe does not include tips. The deluxe actually includes 3 meals a day, regardless of whether they are all counter or table service. If you wanted to use all 3 of them for table service you could. It also includes an appetizer and a dessert for the table service meals, 2 snacks a day instead of 1 and each person in your party also gets a resort mug.
I think there's been a lot of debating here on the boards as to whether it's really worth it or not, but I think it's different for everyone. I think for us, it would be beneficial because there are several days that we want to eat breakfast and dinner at a table service. If we went with the regular plan then we would end up having to pay out of pocket for a lot of those.
I will keep my fingers crossed that you'll be able to get something at Cinderella's Royal Table. I had thought about trying for it, but we decided to wait this time. We love Chef Mickey's as well. On our past 2 trips we ate there for dinner, but we're thinking of trying it for breakfast this year. Picking my restaurants is one of my favorite parts of planning!

Deluxe is cool, if you do the DDP, because some specialties (ex. Cinderella's Royal Table, California Grill) require 2 credits, this way you're always (should be) covered.

People debate about it (I'm on the Restaurants thread a lot :scared1: ) because not only are taxes no longer included this year, neither is an appetizer with your table meal, just entree and dessert. So now if you want an app you pay for it out of pocket, and the tip is out of pocket, what used to be all included now requires more budgeted money. If you plan on eating each meal onsite, it's probably still worth it though, just my 2 cents.

[UGAFan0829]

So Missy, you're going this Sept and Mel, you're going before the cruise?

Hey - did you guys see the increase in Palo prices? It doesn't bother me so much since we tipped extra anyway, it may be harder for some though, I don't know. I didn't go onto the main cruise forum to see what people thought about the increase, maybe I should check before I write something controversial . . . :eek:

Yes, we are going this September. We'll be there for our anniversary...same as lasy year!:) So I'm having fun planning it and getting started planning things for the cruise. We have wanted to take a 7 night for a long time, but we decided that it would be perfect for our 10th anniversary!

I haven't seen the increase for Palo. I'll have to check that out. Thanks for letting us know!

[UGAFan0829]

Deluxe is cool, if you do the DDP, because some specialties (ex. Cinderella's Royal Table, California Grill) require 2 credits, this way you're always (should be) covered.

People debate about it (I'm on the Restaurants thread a lot :scared1: ) because not only are taxes no longer included this year, neither is an appetizer with your table meal, just entree and dessert. So now if you want an app you pay for it out of pocket, and the tip is out of pocket, what used to be all included now requires more budgeted money. If you plan on eating each meal onsite, it's probably still worth it though, just my 2 cents.

Actually, with the Deluxe plan, the appetizer is still included. At least according to the dining portion of this website it is. The regular dining plan doesn't include it anymore.

We are actually planning to eat at Cali Grill for our anniversary, which like you mentioned, will take 2 credits. I think we also plan on eating at Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey's, 'Ohana (for breakfast and dinner), 50's Prime Time, Wishpering Canyon and Hoop Dee Doo (another 2 credits). To us, part of the whole experience is eating at all these great restaurants, which is why I think the Deluxe plan would work better for us.

[ibela]

Yes, we are going this September. We'll be there for our anniversary...same as lasy year!:) So I'm having fun planning it and getting started planning things for the cruise. We have wanted to take a 7 night for a long time, but we decided that it would be perfect for our 10th anniversary!



I can't imagine taking a cruise for a shorter time, you'll love the 7 night! :cheer2:

Actually, with the Deluxe plan, the appetizer is still included. At least according to the dining portion of this website it is. The regular dining plan doesn't include it anymore.

We are actually planning to eat at Cali Grill for our anniversary, which like you mentioned, will take 2 credits. I think we also plan on eating at Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey's, 'Ohana (for breakfast and dinner), 50's Prime Time, Wishpering Canyon and Hoop Dee Doo (another 2 credits). To us, part of the whole experience is eating at all these great restaurants, which is why I think the Deluxe plan would work better for us.

Oh, yeah, Deluxe includes appetizer! You're hitting a lot of the 2 credit ones so if you went with the regular plan you'd run out! :scared: I'm considering Crystal Palace too . . .

[aussieinvasion]

OK, well thats just sealed it for me with the Deluxe DDP. Thats assuming we can get the normal DDP for free and just upgrade;) . I didnt realise so many places required 2 credits. I mean, I knew about the biggies like CRT but not so many of the others. All the places you mentioned missy are the one's we were thinking of going to.

[aussieinvasion]

We're going to rent a car and plan on eating most of our meals offsite.

We thought about this but DH is too nervous about driving on the opposite side of the road than we do here:rotfl:

[ibela]

We thought about this but DH is too nervous about driving on the opposite side of the road than we do here :rotfl2:

My dh thinks he may want to DRIVE all the way to Florida! Why would I want to drive 16hrs when the flight is a mere 2.5hr?! He says it's something he's always wanted to do. :headache: There's still time for him (me) to change his mind, keep your fingers crossed for me you guys . . .!

Oh, I also booked Crystal Palace for dinner. That makes it a total of 4 onsite reservations now for me, 3 character meals and California Grill for Mother's Day. :goodvibes

And my theory about this being off-season and therefore less postings doesn't work, the chat group for the week after us is already up to page 10 or something. New theory: we have the ships to ourselves! :woohoo:

[UGAFan0829]

:rotfl2:

And my theory about this being off-season and therefore less postings doesn't work, the chat group for the week after us is already up to page 10 or something. New theory: we have the ships to ourselves! :woohoo:

Wow! I'm wondering if we should be scared or not!!
Is the cruise after us the one that goes to Tortula? Maybe everyone wants to do the special inten.

[UGAFan0829]

Something else for us to look forward to:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/UGAFan0829/DCLSunset1.jpg

[aussieinvasion]

New theory: we have the ships to ourselves! :woohoo:

Awesome:cool1: Now we can get Palo when we want !!! Also thinking about the couples massage... Im happy:dance3: Im not fussed being Ive never done a cruise,let alone DCL. If I had done the Western before then I can understand the attraction. I bet its a lot of repeat cruisers going.

Wow a 16 hour drive is tough, especially with your DD being the age she is. I'll be sending you lots of luck on that one:wizard: :wizard: How many nights would you stop off on the way? I did a 12 hour drive from Sydney to Brisbane (two capital cities here) with my DD 13 mnths and DS 3 without any stops recently and it nearly killed me. The kids were angels until the last hour, and we'd all had enough by then. Never again:upsidedow

Missy Im loving the pictures.....it brightens my day and gives me something to really look forward to.

[aussieinvasion]

I just realised were under the 600 day mark now:dance3:

[UGAFan0829]

Missy Im loving the pictures.....it brightens my day and gives me something to really look forward to.

Glad that you like them...That's the exact reason that I'm posting them...I just thought it would be a little something to help us get us through!!

[ibela]

Wow! I'm wondering if we should be scared or not!!
Is the cruise after us the one that goes to Tortula? Maybe everyone wants to do the special inten.

Good point, we're on the regular itinerary so maybe a lot of people are like "been there, done that".

I have to wait until I get home to see the picture you posted. :sad1:

Awesome:cool1: Now we can get Palo when we want !!! Also thinking about the couples massage... Im happy:dance3: Im not fussed being Ive never done a cruise,let alone DCL. If I had done the Western before then I can understand the attraction. I bet its a lot of repeat cruisers going.

Wow a 16 hour drive is tough, especially with your DD being the age she is. I'll be sending you lots of luck on that one:wizard: :wizard: How many nights would you stop off on the way? I did a 12 hour drive from Sydney to Brisbane (two capital cities here) with my DD 13 mnths and DS 3 without any stops recently and it nearly killed me. The kids were angels until the last hour, and we'd all had enough by then. Never again:upsidedow

Missy Im loving the pictures.....it brightens my day and gives me something to really look forward to.

Yay - Palo and spa ressies when we want! :banana: :rotfl:

13hrs and no stops?! :scared1: I think we would (will?) stop overnight but he thinks if we alternate we should be able to go straight through (um, sure, keep on dreaming). You're lucky they were angels up until the end, I know I'd be cranky! Just to be on the safe side, I don't have anything planned until Crystal Palace dinner that Sat night. We plan on leaving Friday, early morning I guess. :headache:

You know, I think we can fill up hundreds of pages here between just the 3 of us. :rotfl:

[aussieinvasion]

My computers on the blink this morning, I cant seem to quote people grrr... maybe its just me:rotfl:

Anyway, Missy they certainly are helping getting us through. Well, were under the 600 day mark now. Do you have 600 photos? :idea: Only joking:lmao:

Irene, you're gonna be so tired you poor thing. Lucky you'll have Winnie to keep you entertained on the Saturday night at Crystal Palace. Is your DD a good sleeper in the car? Hopefully she is for you. Do you save a lot by driving instead of flying? Im guessing a 2 1/2 hour flight will still be pretty expensive.

Im sure we'll have no trouble filling up the pages amongst us:rotfl: I know this is supposed to be a DCL thread, but its great we can talk about DW too and lucky we are all in the same boat (no pun intended :) ) that we are all going.

Question, do either of you have any experience of Boardwalk Villas? Im just looking at the prices and it seems to be $10 cheaper a night for a studio V a standard room and you get basic kitchen facilities too.

[ibela]

Yes, fortunately DD is a good sleeper in the car but that's still a lot of time! The flight from here to Orlando is pretty cheap normally. It's a bit higher that particular weekend because we're going the Friday before Mother's Day but I don't think there will be any significant cost savings by driving vs flying (b/c we'd rent a car, not drive ours to Fla), I think it'll work out to being about the same (unless we bring a parent with us for babysitting purposes, then we save on their flight I guess). He says it's just something he's always wanted to do?!

I have a friend that stayed at Boardwalk Villas and said it was amazing. If by standard room you mean 1 bedroom, take the 1 bedroom for that $10/night difference. It's much bigger and offers a full kitchen and laundry facilities. The studios have a kitchenette (mini-fridge vs full, toaster oven not regular) and don't have an inside washer/dryer but there are free laundry rooms by the pool. If by standard you mean a non-DVC resort, then definitely Boardwalk Villas! My 2 cents.

[aussieinvasion]

Thanks Irene, yep the price comparison was with a standard hotel room V a studio room at the villas. I just checked my passporter and on the map it looks a great location for the villas being close to the boardwalk etc. I was worried because Ive noticed at some of the places the villas seem to be quite a walk from the main lobby or entrance.

Well, all the special airfares have been released for '08. We are so tempted to change our ressie and go early because we could save on paying for DD airfare but then we have the issue of her not remembering anything being that she is so young. When all is said and done we would save about $2000. Its very tempting but I worry that if we went early that it would be for selfish reasons and not for her. Also, that would mean having to pay for the trip a whole year earlier than expected:scared1: What would you guys do?

[aussieinvasion]

Question, how come Im not getting an email notification when people have posted here like I do on a normal thread Im subscribed to?

[UGAFan0829]

Question, how come Im not getting an email notification when people have posted here like I do on a normal thread Im subscribed to?

Good question...I was wondering the same thing!!

[aussieinvasion]

Oh well, lucky Im on here everyday checking anyway:rotfl: Well, we are going to resist temptation to switch and just stay with our original booking. The thought of having to come up with the money a whole year earlier is just unachievable for us and too scary to even contemplate:scared1: . Im sure there will be more specials closer to the time for us, Im just going to have to learn to be a bit patient which is hard to do when we have all this great stuff to look forward to:dance3:

[ibela]

Question, how come Im not getting an email notification when people have posted here like I do on a normal thread Im subscribed to?

When you post, check on the bottom of the page to make sure that 'Notification Type' is set to the frequency you want. It's working because I'm getting them.

Thanks Irene, yep the price comparison was with a standard hotel room V a studio room at the villas. I just checked my passporter and on the map it looks a great location for the villas being close to the boardwalk etc. I was worried because Ive noticed at some of the places the villas seem to be quite a walk from the main lobby or entrance.

Well, all the special airfares have been released for '08. We are so tempted to change our ressie and go early because we could save on paying for DD airfare but then we have the issue of her not remembering anything being that she is so young. When all is said and done we would save about $2000. Its very tempting but I worry that if we went early that it would be for selfish reasons and not for her. Also, that would mean having to pay for the trip a whole year earlier than expected:scared1: What would you guys do?


Two different thoughts here:
1) If they have special airfares for '08, they'll probably have them next year for '09 too.
2) You also have an older child so they'll have memories plus you'll still have the family time and photos/videos too. When we went on our first DCL last year dd was only 18 months, she won't remember but I will. And besides, I really just wanted a vacation.

[aussieinvasion]

Two different thoughts here:
1) If they have special airfares for '08, they'll probably have them next year for '09 too.
2) You also have an older child so they'll have memories plus you'll still have the family time and photos/videos too. When we went on our first DCL last year dd was only 18 months, she won't remember but I will. And besides, I really just wanted a vacation.

Thanks Irene, It makes sense what you have said. If there was any way I could possibly see us getting there again anytime soon then I would just go for it. Yes , I agree that I would remember and we'd have the family photos etc. I really want a vacation too, I want it now:rotfl: But, seeing as this is a once in a lifetime thing I'll just have to be patient I think. I was just tempted for a little while.

[aussieinvasion]

Ive got another silly question. How long has the pirate night theme been going and is there any chance you think they will change it before we go? :confused:

[ibela]

I really want a vacation too, I want it now:rotfl:

That's what I kept telling everyone when they asked wasn't dd too young to go on the previous cruise. I would say "but I need a vacation . . . !"

Ive got another silly question. How long has the pirate night theme been going and is there any chance you think they will change it before we go? :confused:

Hmm, that is a good question. I think it's been about 2 years now. Do you want them to change it or leave it as is? I really enjoyed it so I hope they still keep it so dd can enjoy it this time around (we left her in Flounders the 1st time).

[aussieinvasion]

I really hope they keep it, the kids will love it. Plus, as you've probably already noticed, I like to plan for things WAAAAYYYY in advance:rotfl: !! Also, if they change it then I may want to change when I was thinking of doing Palo. It is hard to know what to skip for Palo though, but thats a whole other topic.

[UGAFan0829]

Hey y'all! Hope you had a great weekend, and a good Monday!
I've been busy doing chores around the house lately, so I feel like I haven't been on much!

Speaking of Pirate Night...If I remember correctly, when we cruised on the 3-night in 2005, I think we were one of the first, if not the first Wonder cruise to have Pirate night. We didn't take part of the festivities that year. And then the next year, we had fully planned on going to the party...but we had Palo that night, and I ended up getting sick, so we didn't make it then either. Hopefully, we'll be able to this time around!!!

Well, here's another something to get us through...
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/UGAFan0829/DSC01415.jpg
(Sorry about the quality of this one, I actually took it with my camcorder and not my actual camera!)

[aussieinvasion]

Oh Missy, you poor thing!! I bet you were annoyed to miss it the second time.Oh well third time lucky I guess!!! The photo you took is of the sail away party isnt it?? ... I just cant wait.
OK, Ive got another question for you guys to see what you are doing. Jay and I were doing the budget and talking about how much money we will need onboard. We have $200 OBC already, so considering we will buy Shutters photos, hopefully do a couples massage, a few drinks and some souveniers how much do you think would be a reasonable amount?
I said I thought we needed at least $1000.00 taking all that into consideration. What do you guys think, and how much are you planning on taking?:confused3

[kvoit]

Hello Fellow Disney Cruisers!!! Will book our first cruise this weekend. The cruise will just be myself(36) and wife(35) no kids. Some people think I am crazy because I am not a big kid lover, (I am a kid at heart though) but I am convinced that there will be enough quite areas. It is just too long to wait though. I look forward to chatting with you all between now and then. Someone is going to have to help me on some of these abbreviations that I keep coming across in these forums. Talk to you all soon!!!:cool1:

[ibela]

Hello Fellow Disney Cruisers!!! Will book our first cruise this weekend. The cruise will just be myself(36) and wife(35) no kids. Some people think I am crazy because I am not a big kid lover, (I am a kid at heart though) but I am convinced that there will be enough quite areas. It is just too long to wait though. I look forward to chatting with you all between now and then. Someone is going to have to help me on some of these abbreviations that I keep coming across in these forums. Talk to you all soon!!!:cool1:


WELCOME!! Just let us know which abbreviations you need more info on. And there are plenty of quiet adult areas and shows that you guys can enjoy. :thumbsup2

:welcome:

[ibela]

Jay and I were doing the budget and talking about how much money we will need onboard. We have $200 OBC already, so considering we will buy Shutters photos, hopefully do a couples massage, a few drinks and some souveniers how much do you think would be a reasonable amount?
I said I thought we needed at least $1000.00 taking all that into consideration. What do you guys think, and how much are you planning on taking?:confused3

Hmm, did you figure out what your tips are? I don't know offhand but the suggested amount is on DCL's web site and figure you'll probably end up giving a little more (only if you want to, of course). Shutters packages - figure about $150. Couples massage - figure about $150. Drinks, depends if you're lushes . . :lmao: I'd say $1000 sounds about right. Then if you plan on doing DCL excursions that goes into the same account too. . . I know this will sound strange but we don't really budget. :scared1: We try to be cost conscious and whatever it is, it is. I know it sounds strange, but it works for us somehow.

[UGAFan0829]

Hello Fellow Disney Cruisers!!! Will book our first cruise this weekend. The cruise will just be myself(36) and wife(35) no kids. Some people think I am crazy because I am not a big kid lover, (I am a kid at heart though) but I am convinced that there will be enough quite areas. It is just too long to wait though. I look forward to chatting with you all between now and then. Someone is going to have to help me on some of these abbreviations that I keep coming across in these forums. Talk to you all soon!!!:cool1:

Welcome! It's great to finally have someone else join us!!! :woohoo: Glad to know that the DH and I won't be the only childless couple on board!!

[UGAFan0829]

Just another something to help us pass the time:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/UGAFan0829/DSC00021.jpg
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

[aussieinvasion]

Hi Kvoit!!

Welcome to our little group. With you included, that makes four families now!! Nice to see we are growing. Im sure you will find heaps of 'adult' things to do. I'll be jealous of you guys hitting those night spots when I am in the stateroom with my littlies!!

So is anyone going on the DCL party podcast? or been invited to a house party?

Irene, forgot to include your quote (inserting smilie for Doh!), but I know as much as I try and budget now it will probably all go out the door once were there. Im thinking of buying more OBC (onboard credit, Kvoit) in advance just to be on the safe side.

Missy, where was that photo taken? Is it on Castaway Cay? Im loving these photos.... :woohoo: so excited.
.

[UGAFan0829]

Missy, where was that photo taken? Is it on Castaway Cay? Im loving these photos.... :woohoo: so excited.
.

Yes, that is on Castaway Cay. The picture really doesn't do any justice...the landscaping there is so beautiful. I am glad that you are enjoying the pics. It's fun to post them...brings back memories and gives me a lot to look forward to!

[UGAFan0829]

Just thought I'd post one more for the weekend:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/UGAFan0829/DSC01477.jpg

[ibela]

Hi Kvoit!!

Welcome to our little group. With you included, that makes four families now!! Nice to see we are growing. Im sure you will find heaps of 'adult' things to do. I'll be jealous of you guys hitting those night spots when I am in the stateroom with my littlies!!

There are adult activities scheduled every night and some during the day. I kept meaning to go but it only worked out 1 night and I loved it!



So is anyone going on the DCL party podcast? or been invited to a house party?

Irene, forgot to include your quote (inserting smilie for Doh!), but I know as much as I try and budget now it will probably all go out the door once were there. Im thinking of buying more OBC (onboard credit, Kvoit) in advance just to be on the safe side.

Missy, where was that photo taken? Is it on Castaway Cay? Im loving these photos.... :woohoo: so excited.
.

I'm curious too, did anyone go to the party? Re: budget, you know you can bring your own alcohol on board, right? You can take a glass of wine and stroll on deck in the evening, bring a mug of beer to the pool, or whatever you prefer. The only shocker was Shutters because I knew I'd be snap happy and didn't intend on buying their photos, then thought I'd get maybe 1 or 2, then ended up getting a whole package and a couple of extras too. The pictures were just soooo cute, this time I know to expect to get a package going in.

Yes, that is on Castaway Cay. The picture really doesn't do any justice...the landscaping there is so beautiful. I am glad that you are enjoying the pics. It's fun to post them...brings back memories and gives me a lot to look forward to!

Your pictures are awesome. I'm going to add some of my own in too.

[ibela]

view of the ship from the skyride in st. thomas:
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd149/ibela/ship.jpg

the water at castaway cay:
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd149/ibela/ccocean.jpg

blurry photo of disney dreams (I think):
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd149/ibela/show.jpg

[UGAFan0829]

Wow, y'all have been quiet since Saturday!
Just checking in on my fellow cruisers...Hope everyone is having a good week so far!

[aussieinvasion]

Hi everyone,

Busy work at week, Ive been a bit of a slacker on the Dis..... loving the photos. That water at Castaway Cay looks beautiful. Cant wait!!!
The DCL virtual house party was absolute madness. So many people, it was so hard to keep up. Shame that none of us won anything, never mind. Anyway, something interesting that I only caught half the information of. Regarding the Character breakfast,are they stopping that now? I might have my wires crossed but I thought they said something about it.
I knew about bringing the alchohol on board. We plan to bring on water too and soft drink. This might sound ignorant, but do you guys have Pepsi Max over there? Thats the only softdrink DH drinks. He also has his heart set on buying Cuban Cigars. Dont know what the rules are, I know US citizens are not allowed to bring them back but wondering if it makes a difference that we will be flying out to Sydney on the day we come back from the cruise. Mmmmmmmmmm. I think Cigars stink, but he's got his heart set on it.
I just know we are going to spend a fortune at Shutters... Im scared:scared1: The lifestyle portraits that people have posted here look fantastic, and I couldnt think of a better time to get them done. Anyway, thats what our budget will go on being that we will have duty free alchohol that we'll be bringing on anyway.:woohoo:

[aussieinvasion]

Hey, maybe I have my wires crossed but I half caught a snippet of information that maybe there might be a discount code for those that had a DCL House Party. Anyone know anything?:confused:

[UGAFan0829]

Hi everyone,
That water at Castaway Cay looks beautiful. Cant wait!!!
The DCL virtual house party was absolute madness. So many people, it was so hard to keep up.

The water at CC is beautiful! I am hoping that it will be a lot warmer than the last time that we were there...but I'm sure that had a lot to do with the fact that we cruised in January!!!

I definitely agree with the house party being madness. It was almost impossible to be able to read everything. I had a hard time just finding out how to register to have a shot at the prizes! At least we made an effort though, right!

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!!:cool1:

[UGAFan0829]

Forgot to post this last night. This is one of my favorite pics from the cruise:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/UGAFan0829/funnel.jpg

[aussieinvasion]

That looks Awesome!!!:cool1: The weather looks absolutely perfect!! I hope we get some great weather when we go. Someone suggested packing a light cardigan or something but Im thinking it may be too hot.

[ibela]

Hey, maybe I have my wires crossed but I half caught a snippet of information that maybe there might be a discount code for those that had a DCL House Party. Anyone know anything?:confused:


Hi everyone,

Busy work at week, Ive been a bit of a slacker on the Dis..... loving the photos. That water at Castaway Cay looks beautiful. Cant wait!!!
The DCL virtual house party was absolute madness. So many people, it was so hard to keep up. Shame that none of us won anything, never mind. Anyway, something interesting that I only caught half the information of. Regarding the Character breakfast,are they stopping that now? I might have my wires crossed but I thought they said something about it.
I knew about bringing the alchohol on board. We plan to bring on water too and soft drink. This might sound ignorant, but do you guys have Pepsi Max over there? Thats the only softdrink DH drinks. He also has his heart set on buying Cuban Cigars. Dont know what the rules are, I know US citizens are not allowed to bring them back but wondering if it makes a difference that we will be flying out to Sydney on the day we come back from the cruise. Mmmmmmmmmm. I think Cigars stink, but he's got his heart set on it.
I just know we are going to spend a fortune at Shutters... Im scared:scared1: The lifestyle portraits that people have posted here look fantastic, and I couldnt think of a better time to get them done. Anyway, thats what our budget will go on being that we will have duty free alchohol that we'll be bringing on anyway.:woohoo:

Did I somehow miss the fact that you guys hosted parties? How'd that go?? Sounds like madness, I read a bit of the thread about the planning and people went all out, kinda made me wish like I had gone. Disney fans sure are hardcore! :goodvibes

I'm pretty sure that you can't bring Cuban cigars back onto US land but he can definitely smoke it on the islands and, I'd imagine, back on the ship. Our first cruise ever (non-Disney) some people were being arrested for bringing Cuban cigars through customs. :scared1: I think they had a lot that they wanted to sell so not just a few, but I really don't know the full story. :confused3

That looks Awesome!!!:cool1: The weather looks absolutely perfect!! I hope we get some great weather when we go. Someone suggested packing a light cardigan or something but Im thinking it may be too hot.

Definitely bring a cardigan. A few evenings were a little cool when strolling on deck plus the air conditioning may make you feel a little chilly. Also, don't forget to add an umbrella to your packing list. . .

I doubt that they're stopping the character breakfast entirely but there are a lot of people unhappy with the new format. DCL changed it last year so that instead of the characters going from table to table, kids are invited to go up and dance with the characters in the middle of the restaurant so everyone else feels left out.

Never heard of Pepsi Max . . .?

The NY area is hoppin' this morning after last night's Super Bowl win by the Giants. I only saw the last quarter but it seemed exciting, and tomorrow there's a parade. OK, back to our regular scheduled Disney planning, lol . . . popcorn::

[ibela]

The water at CC is beautiful! I am hoping that it will be a lot warmer than the last time that we were there...but I'm sure that had a lot to do with the fact that we cruised in January!!!

I definitely agree with the house party being madness. It was almost impossible to be able to read everything. I had a hard time just finding out how to register to have a shot at the prizes! At least we made an effort though, right!

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!!:cool1:

We went around the same time and it was very warm, about 80 degrees I'd say.

How did your parties go? Did you guys have many people?

[aussieinvasion]

We just went to the DCL Virtual House Party that DU ran in the chat room. It was crazy. Up to nearly 200 people at one point. Everyone typing so fast it was so hard to keep up. They gave away a free cruise on the Wonder and some gift cards but we didnt win anything unfortunately:sad1: They basically just stated facts about the cruises, the staterooms etc. No new information.I thought that DCL were going to make some sort of special announcement but it didnt happen.:confused3

Pepsi Max is like Diet Pepsi but has no sugar and no sweetners. OK I think its safe to say it wont be on the boat if no one's heard of it :rotfl: !!

OK now Im scared:scared1: about the whole Cuban Cigar thing. If he gets some, he's smoking them on the island. Im not taking the risk:sad2:

[ibela]

Pepsi Max is like Diet Pepsi but has no sugar and no sweetners. OK I think its safe to say it wont be on the boat if no one's heard of it :rotfl: !!

OK now Im scared:scared1: about the whole Cuban Cigar thing. If he gets some, he's smoking them on the island. Im not taking the risk:sad2:

Seriously, DON'T risk the cuban cigar thing!! You can probably take it back on the boat so he doesn't have to smoke it that day, just be done with them before debarking. I think the arrest we saw was because they had a fairly large quantity that they wanted (we assume) to sell in the US but it can't be worth the risk (says a non-cigar smoker) . . . :scared1:

I thought of you the other day! I only watched the last 45 minutes of the Super Bowl but the commercials are always a big deal and discussed for days (yet normally everyone skips through commercials, go figure). ANYWAY, my point is that someone on the radio mentioned a commercial for Pepsi Max. I guess it's entering the US market (in my Marketing classes they said often products are introduced elsewhere to tweak before coming to the US since it's such a big market) so, assuming it's liked here and kept around, it should be readily available by the time you guys come for your trip!

On a WDW note, I switched around my ADRs taking into account EMH and I started putting together a tentative 'touring plan'. Would you guys believe I wanted to change my breakfast Chef Mickey ADR to a Friday morning and the ONLY time they had available was 7:20? :eek: I'm not committing to having a 2yr old at CM that early so I ended up going with Thur. morning instead.

[UGAFan0829]

Just checking in on my fellow cruisers. Hope everyone is doing well. It's gottan quiet around here again, but I know that everyone's busy making $$ to spend on the cruise, right?? ;)
And while I'm here, I may as well add another picture:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/UGAFan0829/PC.jpg

[aussieinvasion]

Hey, how are you going? Its very quiet around here. I think this is the first time Ive gone days without checking the DIS:scared1:
I am so jealous you guys are going this year to DW. Ive been looking at your counter thinking wow, its not long now.
I love hearing about all your plans and ADR's etc that you and Ibela have got cooked up. Being able to check the EMH and make the reservations must be so exciting.
On that note, in April I would be able to book room only for our trip but what do you guys do? I know there is much debate that usually goes on about whether or not its worth booking room only then switching to a package? If it was Christmas or Thanksgiving or something I could understand but do you think its worth it for late August/Early Sept when we are going? Also, does it work out to be the same cost roughly if you book room only plus tickets or a package? Obviously if theres free dining offered when we go we would want to switch to this.
Anyway, hope you are all good. The whole trip still hasnt sunk in to hubby yet but in saying that he has never ever experienced anything Disney so its hard to explain to him my overwhelming excitement. He'll get it once were there. We organised our passports this week. A bit early but I wanted to get it out of the way. Have DCL asked for your passport numbers or does this only apply to us seeing as we are non US residents?

[NYCDisneylovers]

So we booked our first ever cruise today, and we are sooo excited.We ended up booking a CAT 6, and loving the double OBC with DU !! Anyone coming along too?

We will be there too :cloud9:

Myself-Stacy (40) DH-Scott (40) DD-Brittany (17) & DD-Madison (4). And we can't wait. :yay: We booked a cat. 4 on the 8th deck with our points from DVC.

Stacy

[aussieinvasion]

Hi Stacy,

Welcome aboard!! Its great that another family is joining us:cool1: That makes 5 families in total for our little group now.
For our family it will me me (Mel 31), DH (Jay 33), DS (Travis 3) and DD (Amelia 18 mnths) although they will be 5 and turning 3 onboard when we go.
Is this your first cruise with DCL? This is my first cruise ever so its all new to me. Great that you've got points to use. Will you be going to DW as well?

[aussieinvasion]

Hey everyone, I think Ibela suggested this before but does anyone mind if I edit my first post to list the members that are in this group?

[NYCDisneylovers]

Hi Stacy,

Welcome aboard!! Its great that another family is joining us:cool1: That makes 5 families in total for our little group now.
For our family it will me me (Mel 31), DH (Jay 33), DS (Travis 3) and DD (Amelia 18 mnths) although they will be 5 and turning 3 onboard when we go.
Is this your first cruise with DCL? This is my first cruise ever so its all new to me. Great that you've got points to use. Will you be going to DW as well?

Thanks for the warm welcome. This will be our second DC, the first one we went on was the 4 day and still had a great time but wanted something longer this time around. I'm not sure yet about DW because I don't know how much vacation my husband will have at that point. But we are going to DW this august for a few days after our RC cruise in August. And I can't wait.

[UGAFan0829]

I am so jealous you guys are going this year to DW. Ive been looking at your counter thinking wow, its not long now.
We organised our passports this week. A bit early but I wanted to get it out of the way. Have DCL asked for your passport numbers or does this only apply to us seeing as we are non US residents?
Well, it looks like you won't be the only one not going to WDW this year.:sad2: The DH and I have decided to take a break from Disney until our cruise next year. Granted, I'm not happy about it, but I think it's the best decision for us. I think we're just gonna head to the beach for a few days which should still make for a good vacation, but of course, nothing compares to Disney!! Of course, we still have the cruise to look forward to, thankfully!:banana:

We will be there too :cloud9:

Myself-Stacy (40) DH-Scott (40) DD-Brittany (17) & DD-Madison (4). And we can't wait. :yay: We booked a cat. 4 on the 8th deck with our points from DVC.

Stacy
Glad to have you here, Stacy!! Is this your family's first cruise?

Hey everyone, I think Ibela suggested this before but does anyone mind if I edit my first post to list the members that are in this group?
I think that's a great idea...espceially since our group is growing!!!

[aussieinvasion]

Well, it looks like you won't be the only one not going to WDW this year.:sad2: The DH and I have decided to take a break from Disney until our cruise next year. Granted, I'm not happy about it, but I think it's the best decision for us. I think we're just gonna head to the beach for a few days which should still make for a good vacation, but of course, nothing compares to Disney!! Of course, we still have the cruise to look forward to, thankfully!:banana:

I think that's a great idea...espceially since our group is growing!!!

Ahh well missy, never mind. Im sure you will still have a great time at the beach and it will just make planning the cruise all the more special and exciting. Now I have someone else to whine and complain to that we cant go just yet:laughing: I think Ive just about driven DH crazy with my impatience.

Well I adjusted the first entry so I hope thats ok.Its got all of our usernames on it but I didnt list numbers in parties or anything like that.

NYCDisneylovers, where are you going with RC? We almost went with them but decided DCL was better for our kids being the ages they are but it was tempting there for a while....

[NYCDisneylovers]

NYCDisneylovers, where are you going with RC? We almost went with them but decided DCL was better for our kids being the ages they are but it was tempting there for a while....

Last summer with RC we went to the western caribbean on the Mariner which went to: Ladadee, Haiti, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Caymen & Cozumel.

This summer we are doing the Eastern caribbean which goes to: Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Maarten on the Mariner too.

We all had a great time the boat was great and so was the staff.

[ibela]

Hey, how are you going? Its very quiet around here. I think this is the first time Ive gone days without checking the DIS:scared1:
I am so jealous you guys are going this year to DW. Ive been looking at your counter thinking wow, its not long now.
I love hearing about all your plans and ADR's etc that you and Ibela have got cooked up. Being able to check the EMH and make the reservations must be so exciting.
On that note, in April I would be able to book room only for our trip but what do you guys do? I know there is much debate that usually goes on about whether or not its worth booking room only then switching to a package? If it was Christmas or Thanksgiving or something I could understand but do you think its worth it for late August/Early Sept when we are going? Also, does it work out to be the same cost roughly if you book room only plus tickets or a package? Obviously if theres free dining offered when we go we would want to switch to this.
Anyway, hope you are all good. The whole trip still hasnt sunk in to hubby yet but in saying that he has never ever experienced anything Disney so its hard to explain to him my overwhelming excitement. He'll get it once were there. We organised our passports this week. A bit early but I wanted to get it out of the way. Have DCL asked for your passport numbers or does this only apply to us seeing as we are non US residents?

No idea about prices but definitely price it out online all different ways. Who knows how these things work?! :confused3

Yes, we need to provide our passport #s. Um, I think we do . . ? Anyway, we did. Now everyone needs a passport for cruise travel, unless they changed the date again . . . ok, sorry, this post was totally useless. :headache: :upsidedow


We will be there too :cloud9:

Myself-Stacy (40) DH-Scott (40) DD-Brittany (17) & DD-Madison (4). And we can't wait. :yay: We booked a cat. 4 on the 8th deck with our points from DVC.

Stacy

Welcome! We're thinking about rebooking to a cat 4, I'm waiting for the DVC point chart to come out b/c we're using our points too. And we're from your area too . . . anyway, welcome!
:cheer2:

[NYCDisneylovers]

Welcome! We're thinking about rebooking to a cat 4, I'm waiting for the DVC point chart to come out b/c we're using our points too. And we're from your area too . . . anyway, welcome!

Where are u from? What part of New York? And thanks for the welcome,I'm sure we will have a great time. Is anyone coming in the day before the cruise? I think we are staying at the Radisson the day before.

If you call member services they will give you the points for a cat 4. I think it was like 700ish for the 4 of us.

[ibela]

Where are u from? What part of New York? And thanks for the welcome,I'm sure we will have a great time. Is anyone coming in the day before the cruise? I think we are staying at the Radisson the day before.

If you call member services they will give you the points for a cat 4. I think it was like 700ish for the 4 of us.

We're from NJ actually, but commute to NY for work. The points are available?? I'll need to give them a call. We reserved but they were supposed to call us when the point charts came out (at time of booking they were still being finalized) to confirm and never did! :rolleyes:

What part of NY are you guys from?

And we're definitely flying in the night before. We did it for the last cruise and it was just so much better and more relaxing then rushing from the airport to the boat. We were still rushing b/c I wanted to make Palo ressies, but that's an entirely different story . . . :rolleyes1

How was everyone's weekend?

[ibela]

Called and rebooked to a cat 6. I just went back and checked your posts b/c I remembered you guys were in a cat 6, looks like we'll be right across the hall from you guys in 6064.

Hmmm, now I'm thinking if I'm on the wrong side of the ship?! I was in a rush b/c the call took forever (45 min) but wish I would've checked the other side before confirming, I think you guys get the view of the ports (according to some room reports I just checked) and we won't. :sad1:

[aussieinvasion]

Hello,

I cant say about the view, but I do know you're definately right across the hall from us so good as far as access to the elevator and everything goes. I just checked my Passporter. I do hope you guys get a good view. Do you know how to tell if the verandah balcony is see-through or not? I know people have mentioned the two different types of balconies on here before but Im not sure how to check....:confused3

[ibela]

Hello,

I cant say about the view, but I do know you're definately right across the hall from us so good as far as access to the elevator and everything goes. I just checked my Passporter. I do hope you guys get a good view. Do you know how to tell if the verandah balcony is see-through or not? I know people have mentioned the two different types of balconies on here before but Im not sure how to check....:confused3

You definitely have the plexiglass (see through) balcony. Almost all the verandahs are open, the only enclosed ones are the cat 7s and a few handicapped ones that are, I think, on the side.

I'm not going to sweat the view, the only difference would be the few days we're docked. Besides, now I'm thinking to change my room yet again, I think the difference to a cat4 isn't too much. :headache: I'm going to sleep on it for a week and then discuss with my husband. We had some bad news over the weekend, his best friend died (he had been sick for a while). :sad1: Needless to say, he really doesn't want to hear about any vacation plans right now.

Um, on a brighter note b/c I don't want to be Debbie Downer . . . . ummmm, it's Tuesday? One day closer to the weekend? And to switch topics . . . I'm planning another cruise -for work. It's one of those dinner cruises around Manhattan.

[NYCDisneylovers]

What part of NY are you guys from?

We are in Queens. Not that far out of Manhattan. So how is everyone doing?

[ibela]

Stacey - do you know if you can book a suite on points?

[aussieinvasion]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry to hear about your sad news Irene:flower3: Im glad to hear about the verandahs. I just could not figure it out so thanks for clarifying. Ive heard good things about the Cat 4's, if its not that much difference Id be inclined to go for it but we have too many people in our room:) A dinner cruise sounds nice. We not long did one around Sydney Harbour for DH birthday, it was lots of fun.

Well we just finished getting our passports. DD's picture is terrible, she looks so grumpy but then again when do passport photo's ever look good.

The aussie dollar is getting stronger here and its tempting to pay off our cruise a little quicker if we can. They're predicting dollar for dollar soon so Im hoping that means cheaper flights, but I doubt it.

Hope everyone is good. Counting down the days....:dance3:

[NYCDisneylovers]

Stacey - do you know if you can book a suite on points?


I'm not sure, I was going to call and ask but I have not had a chance with the this sweet 16 party on friday. Once everything calms down on Monday I'll call and ask.......... and then maybe we'll all be in suites. Is anyone on the 8th deck? We are and was just wondering.

[NYCDisneylovers]

I found out thru member services that you can book up to a cat. 3 with points. Cat. 3 is a 1 bedroom suite.

[NYCDisneylovers]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry to hear about your sad news Irene:flower3: Im glad to hear about the verandahs. I just could not figure it out so thanks for clarifying. Ive heard good things about the Cat 4's, if its not that much difference Id be inclined to go for it but we have too many people in our room:) A dinner cruise sounds nice. We not long did one around Sydney Harbour for DH birthday, it was lots of fun.

Well we just finished getting our passports. DD's picture is terrible, she looks so grumpy but then again when do passport photo's ever look good.

The aussie dollar is getting stronger here and its tempting to pay off our cruise a little quicker if we can. They're predicting dollar for dollar soon so Im hoping that means cheaper flights, but I doubt it.

Hope everyone is good. Counting down the days....:dance3:


cat 4 sleeps 5 so you should have more room in the 4 over the cat 6:cool1:

[ibela]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry to hear about your sad news Irene:flower3: Im glad to hear about the verandahs. I just could not figure it out so thanks for clarifying. Ive heard good things about the Cat 4's, if its not that much difference Id be inclined to go for it but we have too many people in our room:) A dinner cruise sounds nice. We not long did one around Sydney Harbour for DH birthday, it was lots of fun.

Well we just finished getting our passports. DD's picture is terrible, she looks so grumpy but then again when do passport photo's ever look good.

The aussie dollar is getting stronger here and its tempting to pay off our cruise a little quicker if we can. They're predicting dollar for dollar soon so Im hoping that means cheaper flights, but I doubt it.

Hope everyone is good. Counting down the days....:dance3:

Thanks. :hug:

As far as the cabins go, a cat4 is 30 sq ft larger than a cat6. Talked about it with dh yesterday, it'd be about 100 pts more for us to go to a cat4 so for this cruise we're leaving as is since dd is so young anyway. Once she's older though (and if we have more), we'll have to expand I guess. Maybe I'll bank the points and get a cat3 next time! :woohoo:

Unfortunately the dollar doesn't seem like it'll strengthen in the very near future so if you wait another couple of months, it'll probably be best to pay it off then.

I actually like my passport picture and dd's looks great. It's funny though b/c I think it's the only official picture I've ever liked. :goodvibes

The dinner cruise should be cool. I'm planning it for 200 and thought it'd be more fun being that it's not my $$ but if it was my personal budget I wouldn't need to stick to it so much so this is actually looking like it'll be MORE stressful than planning my own party! AND here I don't keep any fabulous gifts, just some thank yous from some co-workers. And a reputation for being a fabulous party planner . . . ;)

I found out thru member services that you can book up to a cat. 3 with points. Cat. 3 is a 1 bedroom suite.

Did they, by any chance, give you the breakdown of how many pts per adult that would be?

[ibela]

I'm not sure, I was going to call and ask but I have not had a chance with the this sweet 16 party on friday.

HAPPY PARTYING!!!!!!!

[aussieinvasion]

cat 4 sleeps 5 so you should have more room in the 4 over the cat 6:cool1:

Silly me, Im confused... not too hard to do:lmao: I dont know what I was thinking.We are on deck 6.

Well the Australian Dollar climbed to nearly 95 cents overnight, the highest it has been since 1982!!!So for every dollar of ours, we get 95 cents of yours. I couldnt believe it. So we ended up paying a chunk off our cruise this morning. I dont want to risk it falling again. If it goes up more even better, but we'd be annoyed if it fell again and we didnt pay some more off. I remember when I travelled about 12 years ago and the dollar was at 68 cents. What a difference.

Does anyone know if you pay your balance early do they send out documents early?

Irene that is some party you are planning. It sounds like a lot of pressure but Im sure they will love it and you will be a fabulous hostess:) Im guessing you will be the one stuck with all the event organising from now on;)

Well our trip is officially less than 18 months away now, being that we are staying at WDW before the cruise. I am so excited. Im sure DH is so sick of me already:rotfl:

[ibela]

Well the Australian Dollar climbed to nearly 95 cents overnight, the highest it has been since 1982!!!So for every dollar of ours, we get 95 cents of yours. I couldnt believe it. So we ended up paying a chunk off our cruise this morning. I dont want to risk it falling again. If it goes up more even better, but we'd be annoyed if it fell again and we didnt pay some more off. I remember when I travelled about 12 years ago and the dollar was at 68 cents. What a difference.

Does anyone know if you pay your balance early do they send out documents early?



They don't send the documents any earlier but at least you get an unexpected 'discount'.



Irene that is some party you are planning. It sounds like a lot of pressure but Im sure they will love it and you will be a fabulous hostess:) Im guessing you will be the one stuck with all the event organising from now on;)

Well our trip is officially less than 18 months away now, being that we are staying at WDW before the cruise. I am so excited. Im sure DH is so sick of me already:rotfl:

I planned a small party last year (corporate murder mystery, 40 attendees, huge success they asked me to do another one for this year) so I went up a notch this year to the company cruise. Next - holiday party!! Oh, and I already told them it'll be too difficult to stay within their anticipated budget and that I'll need to go a bit over so they said ok. :)

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

Hello Everyone! I'll be joining you all on the Magic. I'm Karen (37), Dh (39),
DD(11) and DD(8). We are so excited to be on the Western! We sailed the Eastern last year and it was gorgeous. It really seams so far away....but hopefully it will be here in no time! I just booked for this trip on Friday......got one of the SPH rooms! Yay!:cool1:

[ibela]

Hello Everyone! I'll be joining you all on the Magic. I'm Karen (37), Dh (39),
DD(11) and DD(8). We are so excited to be on the Western! We sailed the Eastern last year and it was gorgeous. It really seams so far away....but hopefully it will be here in no time! I just booked for this trip on Friday......got one of the SPH rooms! Yay!:cool1:

Welcome! :welcome:

[UGAFan0829]

Hello Everyone! I'll be joining you all on the Magic. I'm Karen (37), Dh (39),
DD(11) and DD(8). We are so excited to be on the Western! We sailed the Eastern last year and it was gorgeous. It really seams so far away....but hopefully it will be here in no time! I just booked for this trip on Friday......got one of the SPH rooms! Yay!:cool1:

Welcome! Glad to have you here! Can't wait to cruise with you and your family!:)

[UGAFan0829]

Well, we're now at the 550 day mark!!! The days are ticking away!
I haven't posted a pic lately, so here's one to start off the week:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/UGAFan0829/DSC01423.jpg
I hope everyone had a great weekend!
I've been putting some thought into the shore excursions...I know it's still a long ways away, but now that I don't have a WDW trip to plan, I have to focus my planning skills on something. We are taking a week long trip to the beach in July, but there's not much to plan for there!! Anyone else have any thoughts on their shore excursions yet?
Hope y'all have a great week!

[aussieinvasion]

Hi Karen and family,

Welcome Welcome Welcome:cool1: :cool1: Great to have some more people aboard.

Missy I cant believe its under 550 days!! Loving the picture, its such a tease. Ive put plenty of thought into my shore excursions. I am totally obsessed and lay in bed at night thinking of what to do. This is roughly what we've thought of:
Key West: Do our own thing. Trolley,Aquarium,Pirate Soul Museum,Butterfly Sanctuary. Any or all of those things and try some Key Lime Pie of course.We've never tried it so its one of those things on the must do list.
Grand Cayman:NativeWayWatersports Stingray Sandbar and Island tour. Probably get them to drop us off at Seven Mile Beach rather than the port. This tour company doesnt have an age restriction so perfect for our DD (will be 3).
Cozumel: Maybe (??) go with Island Marketing and book a tour to take us to San Gervasio ruins in town. The only ruins in Cozumel. Island Marketing provides a guide. Then on to famous bars/beach areas. Considering Playa Mia as Ive heard they have a miniature zoo for the kids but not sure. And of course, shopping.
Castaway Cay:Nothing planned but relaxing...

What about everyone else??

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

Thanks for all the hearty welcomes!:goodvibes

I have started thinking about excursions, too. All I know for sure, is that I want us to see the ruins in Cozumel. We'll probably Trolley hop in Key West. I have no clue about Grand Cayman! Castaway Cay is usually a Serenity Bay day for me.:cloud9: Dh and the kids prefer to swim in the empty pools onboard all day. Sometimes they join me for a little while on the family beach.

Those posted pictures are great! Thank you for helping to build our excitement! (Like we need more....hahaha!):lmao:

[UGAFan0829]

Well, I am certainly glad to know that I'm not the only one who's already thinking about the shore excursions. I was talking to my husband this morning, and he just laughed at me. I told him that the OCD part of me really needed something to plan. He did make it clear though, that I was NOT allowed to make any plans for the beach...that we just had to go with the flow. So I guess researching and picking out condos for that trip was enough!!!
So...on with the shore excursion discussion. For Key West, I think we will probably do our own thing as well. Someone else here on the boards had mentioned doing the konk train tour, and then going back and hitting the places that we wanted to. That's an idea, but I'm not sure yet. I know that we want to check out Sloppy Joe's, Margaritaville, the Key Lime pie place, Hemingway's House and the Southernmost Point. I'd also like to check out the sunset celebration that they have, if the boat doesn't leave too early. I've read lots about Key West having really beautiful sunsets, so I'd love to be able to take one in.
As far as Grand Cayman, I have no idea. I'd love to be able to experience one of the beaches, but as far as which one I have no clue. I think everyone has their own opinion as to which is best. I do know that I would like to try out Stingray City and maybe snorkel.
I really don't know about Cozumel. When I looked at the shore excursions available through DCL, there were a couple that sounded interesting. I think I would like to do the horseback riding, but I'm not crazy about visiting a live ranch. The dune buggys sound fun too. But then there are all the beaches too.
So I guess I still have a lot to figure out.

[ibela]

Wow you guys don't mess around with the OCD! :scared1:

I haven't even considered shore excursions yet but once my WDW trip has passed (2 months to go, woohooooooooooooooo) and my corporate activity planning has passed (3 months) then I may start thinking about this. :goodvibes I too need SOMETHING to plan. :upsidedow

[aussieinvasion]

Missy Ive heard the boat is actually a great place to get pics of the gorgeous sunset at Key West, but then you miss all the fun and games down at Mallory Square and all the crazy street performers.:cool1:
For Grand Cayman I hear a lot of people and tour operators refer to Seven Mile Beach but I dont know about the others. We will definately do Stingray City but the sandbar only as it will be too much for my DD to do the snorkelling. The tour we are considering does the sandbar first,stops off at the Rum Cake Factory,Governor's House, Turtle Farm, Hell rock formation and drop off at 7 Mile Beach. It goes from 10am-2pm and is $60 pp. Dont know about kids prices. I think after all that we'll be just about ready to collapse on the beach:rotfl: Anyway, I think we get in relatively early so my idea was to do a bit of souvenir shopping at the port and then they pick us up on the bus at 10am. A lot of people on the disboards have mentioned Blue Iguana at the port as a cheap souvenir outlet as apparantly its pretty pricey on the island.
I would love to do horseback riding. Maybe next trip when kids are older:laughing: Considering this is supposed to be our 'once in a lifetime, we'll never be able to afford to go back again' trip:thumbsup2
Irene I think Im starting to scare myself with the OCD:scared1: I just read over what I have written and I think I need help. I cant believe its only 2 months until you go now. How exciting. I bet your family cant wait. Can you fit me in your car? Are you still driving by the way? Did you talk hubby into stopping over or are you still driving straight through?? Well this will keep you pre-occupied for a few months. Im sure we will grill you when you get back for info:rotfl:
Has anyone considered the Romance At Sea package? I know its not available to book yet but I was wondering if anyone here has had it before or is considering it?

[ibela]

For Grand Cayman I hear a lot of people and tour operators refer to Seven Mile Beach but I dont know about the others. We will definately do Stingray City but the sandbar only as it will be too much for my DD to do the snorkelling. The tour we are considering does the sandbar first,stops off at the Rum Cake Factory,Governor's House, Turtle Farm, Hell rock formation and drop off at 7 Mile Beach. It goes from 10am-2pm and is $60 pp. Dont know about kids prices. I think after all that we'll be just about ready to collapse on the beach:rotfl: Anyway, I think we get in relatively early so my idea was to do a bit of souvenir shopping at the port and then they pick us up on the bus at 10am. A lot of people on the disboards have mentioned Blue Iguana at the port as a cheap souvenir outlet as apparantly its pretty pricey on the island.
I would love to do horseback riding. Maybe next trip when kids are older:laughing: Considering this is supposed to be our 'once in a lifetime, we'll never be able to afford to go back again' trip:thumbsup2

We went to Grand Cayman once on a cruise and went swimming with the stingray b/c 'everyone' says that's the best place in the world for it. Personally, not my cup of tea. I was scared of them (ok, so kids weren't but I still was!) and after the guide said they never hurt people I got scratched by 1, apparently I unexpectedly moved in its way. :confused: Not sure what we'll do this time around, need to finish with my WDW trip and the corporate cruise. :yay:



Irene I think Im starting to scare myself with the OCD:scared1: I just read over what I have written and I think I need help. I cant believe its only 2 months until you go now. How exciting. I bet your family cant wait. Can you fit me in your car? Are you still driving by the way? Did you talk hubby into stopping over or are you still driving straight through?? Well this will keep you pre-occupied for a few months. Im sure we will grill you when you get back for info:rotfl:
Has anyone considered the Romance At Sea package? I know its not available to book yet but I was wondering if anyone here has had it before or is considering it?

So far we're still driving. :headache: No idea about straight or stopping though. I ordered our customized WDW maps and we're ordering our WDW tickets tonight. Oh, and I want to pre-order the photopass (save $25, good tip from the DIS) but I'll do that later. I'm about 65% through with my plans.

I considered the Romance at Sea package our last cruise and decided against it. IMHO, it's really expensive for what you get. I think if you order the stuff separately it'll still cost you less, it seems like the biggest perk you get from it is the ability to make your online reservations earlier so to me it wasn't that big a deal so we didn't do it.

Did you guys see the thread on the main forum about people having a meltdown over not docking in CC? :scared1:

[UGAFan0829]

Has anyone considered the Romance At Sea package? I know its not available to book yet but I was wondering if anyone here has had it before or is considering it?

The DH and I actually did the REAS package on our last cruise. I have to say that I was a little disappointed, but it was still nice. We happened to cruise at the first of January, which was right after they had changed the package to include the robes and other stuff. We actually ended up getting the old basket, which did not include the robes. I went to Guest Services to ask about it, and they told me that the robes were still on backorder from the company in which DCL ordered them from. So, they had to actually mail us the robes and the picture frame in the mail, and we didn't get it until almost a month after we were home from the cruise. What we did get was the pretty wire basket, a bottle of champagne, a certificate for a free 8x10 from Shutters, and a box of chocolate. We also got a menu to order a champagne breakfast and passes for the rainforest room for the length of the cruise. (Which was only 4 nights by the way.) We also we able to make our reservation for Palo a bit earlier as well.
Because it was a shorter cruise, we never got the chance to check out the rainforest room, or the spa. We did get our 8x10 from Shutters, and we did dine in Palo. And we ordered our breakfast on our at sea day, which was really nice.
The basket really was nice even though some of the stuff wasn't included. I think it probably would have been more worthwhile if we had actually used the rainforest room (which we are going to try and do this time around).
The only thing that I had a complaint about, wasn't really a complaint, but more of kinda being made to feel a little uncomfortable when we went to Palo. When we were seated, the waiter brought me a beautiful rose, and told the DH and I "Congratulations on our marriage"...We kinda looked at him weird and told him that we weren't on our honeymoon. He then went on to tell us that he noticed that we had booked the Romantic Escape package, and that the package was normally for cruisers who were on their honeymoon. It was like he was scolding us for ordering the package and not being newlyweds. It was definitely very strange and uncomfortable!!!
Personally, I had heard of lots of people booking the REAS just because, and that was exactly why we had booked it!
So after saying all this...I have to say that I would probably book it again!!!
Hope this helps!

[ibela]

He then went on to tell us that he noticed that we had booked the Romantic Escape package, and that the package was normally for cruisers who were on their honeymoon. It was like he was scolding us for ordering the package and not being newlyweds. It was definitely very strange and uncomfortable!!!
Personally, I had heard of lots of people booking the REAS just because, and that was exactly why we had booked it!
So after saying all this...I have to say that I would probably book it again!!!
Hope this helps!

That's saying you can only have romance on your honeymoon? :confused3

Happy Wednesday!

[UGAFan0829]

That's saying you can only have romance on your honeymoon? :confused3

Happy Wednesday!

That is what he was implying, which certainly is not true!

[aussieinvasion]

Ummm people who have been married a while still want romance too.....that's crazy. You poor things. Heck, this maybe the only romance we get on this family holiday:rotfl: I am seriously thinking of taking it 'just because'. I figure hubby and I deserve something nice for ourselves too. The kids will be spoilt rotten, so why cant we be too?

On another note, Cruise is fully paid today:dance3: :dance3: :dance3: !! Im so excited. The dollar went up again so we decided to pay off the balance. Now we just need to save for the airfares and our 10 night stay at WDW - eeek:scared1: The cruise is actually turning out to be the cheapest thing in this holiday. Cruise $3500, airfares $8000 roughly !! Dont know about hotel and park passes yet but Im guessing it will be the same or more than the cruise.

[NYCDisneylovers]

We have not even thought of stuff to do on the islands yet :scared1: . I'm trying to get thru this summer's cruise first.

[aussieinvasion]

Lucky you've got that to distract you Stacy:thumbsup2 Ive got nothing better to do than obsess about it:rotfl:

[NYCDisneylovers]

Lucky you've got that to distract you Stacy:thumbsup2 Ive got nothing better to do than obsess about it:rotfl:

We booked this cruise when we were on Mariner last summer, and then we are staying in Animal Kingdom villa's for a few days after that. As soon as that vacation is over then it will be full steam ahead for the Disney Cruise.

[NYCDisneylovers]

Happy Easter All

[aussieinvasion]

Happy Easter everyone. I have had wayyyy to much chocolate....:rotfl:

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

Happy Easter everyone. I have had wayyyy to much chocolate....:rotfl:

Ha! I have to ease off the jelly beans. I'm one bean away from a jelly bean butt! :lmao:

[UGAFan0829]

I haven't posted a pic lately, so here ya go:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/UGAFan0829/AP.jpg
I hope everyone had a Happy Easter! Just a little over 500 more days to go!!!!

[NYCDisneylovers]

I just love that picture. I can't wait to be there.

[aussieinvasion]

Love it, Love it, Love it!! Cant wait. Seems to be forever away. Time is going so slowly... this is torture:lmao:

[UGAFan0829]

Seems to be forever away. Time is going so slowly... this is torture:lmao:

No kidding!!!

[ibela]

It's been a while. WHY does work have to get in the way of my vacation planning? :confused3

Happy Monday!

And thanks for the AP pic! :cloud9:

[ibela]

Got a little panicky that I had booked a connecting room RIGHT by the elevator and worried it'd be noisy. I called and asked if they could just shift me down a few b/c of my concerns and they did to 6050! :cheer2: I briefly considered asking to switch sides of the ship too so I could have a view off CC when docked but didn't want to press my luck b/c I wasn't being charged a penalty and we plan on being off the ship for the whole day anyway. :banana:

My WDW trip is less than a month away!! :dance3:

[Tymatt]

Hi everyone!
I am a newbie to this, so bear with me please lol! A lady at my son's diving practice told me about this site and I haevn't really gotten the feel for it yet. It's just my 2 boys and I going on this Cruise (I'm a single Mom). My boys will be 7 and 11 by the time this Cruise rolls around. We just did the Eastern Caribbean in Nov/07 and loved it so much, that I booked another 3 days into the sailing! We've been to Disney World every year for the last 12 years...stayed on site 3 times. Planning on going to DW again in August for 12 days (staying on site). Disney is the best - they do everything right!:yay:

[ibela]

Hi everyone!
I am a newbie to this, so bear with me please lol! A lady at my son's diving practice told me about this site and I haevn't really gotten the feel for it yet. It's just my 2 boys and I going on this Cruise (I'm a single Mom). My boys will be 7 and 11 by the time this Cruise rolls around. We just did the Eastern Caribbean in Nov/07 and loved it so much, that I booked another 3 days into the sailing! We've been to Disney World every year for the last 12 years...stayed on site 3 times. Planning on going to DW again in August for 12 days (staying on site). Disney is the best - they do everything right!:yay:

Welcome! This site is an amazing wealth of knowledge (Disney and beyond, countless vacation tips on this board), I'm sure you'll love being on here!

:welcome:

[NYCDisneylovers]

Welcome Tymatt :welcome:

[aussieinvasion]

Welcome Tymatt!! Great to have you join our little group:) Sounds like you have a wealth of info yourself. You are lucky to be going in August!! Im so jealous. Did you get free dining and are you staying onsite?? Love to hear all the details:banana:

Hope everyone is good. Been a bit quiet lately. I guess everyone is busy working to pay off our trip :rotfl:

[ibela]

Hope everyone is good. Been a bit quiet lately. I guess everyone is busy working to pay off our trip :rotfl:

:rotfl2:

Btw, WE LEAVE FOR WDW IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This time 3 weeks from now, um, we'll probably still be in the car driving. :rolleyes: But by the evening we'll be there for sure! :cool1:

[NYCDisneylovers]

:rotfl2:

Btw, WE LEAVE FOR WDW IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This time 3 weeks from now, um, we'll probably still be in the car driving. :rolleyes: But by the evening we'll be there for sure! :cool1:


Do you have any room in your suitcases because I want to go too :sad2:

[kasidak]

Hi,

Just wanted to say hello and join this group. We will be sailing along with you. We booked this onboard in February and can't wait to be back on the magic!

[UGAFan0829]

Hi everyone!
I am a newbie to this, so bear with me please lol! A lady at my son's diving practice told me about this site and I haevn't really gotten the feel for it yet. It's just my 2 boys and I going on this Cruise (I'm a single Mom). My boys will be 7 and 11 by the time this Cruise rolls around. We just did the Eastern Caribbean in Nov/07 and loved it so much, that I booked another 3 days into the sailing! We've been to Disney World every year for the last 12 years...stayed on site 3 times. Planning on going to DW again in August for 12 days (staying on site). Disney is the best - they do everything right!:yay:

Hi,

Just wanted to say hello and join this group. We will be sailing along with you. We booked this onboard in February and can't wait to be back on the magic!


Wow, our little group is getting bigger and bigger!! Welcome, tymatt and kasidak..Glad to have y'all here!

[aussieinvasion]

Hi Karyn!!!
Welcome, welcome!! Great to have you join. Which itinerary did you do last time? The Eastern or the Western??? Did you manage to get a good saving by booking onboard? I bet you did, you lucky thing!!

Irene you must be sooo excited by now. I cant remember where you are staying but would love to hear all of your plans and ADR's if you want to share. Do you have your days set out or do you like to be a bit more spontaneous ?? I see you are still driving. Im sure it will pass quickly enough. Wish I could come with you.... is there room in the car for me:rotfl: ??:upsidedow

[kasidak]

Hi Karyn!!!
Welcome, welcome!! Great to have you join. Which itinerary did you do last time? The Eastern or the Western??? Did you manage to get a good saving by booking onboard? I bet you did, you lucky thing!!

Irene you must be sooo excited by now. I cant remember where you are staying but would love to hear all of your plans and ADR's if you want to share. Do you have your days set out or do you like to be a bit more spontaneous ?? I see you are still driving. Im sure it will pass quickly enough. Wish I could come with you.... is there room in the car for me:rotfl: ??:upsidedow


We did the Eastern in February. It was a blast!

I totally recommend rebooking on board. We did save a ton - this cruise will be over a $1000 less for two categories higher! I booked the Feb cruise at only seven months out so that is part of it. Booking so far in advance is wayyy cheaper. I went on with the intention to rebook on board, just had to convince DH. He enjoyed himself so much and saw how much cheaper it would be he agreed. I hope to rebook again. ;)

[NYCDisneylovers]

Welcome aboard Kasidak :welcome:

[ibela]

Hi,

Just wanted to say hello and join this group. We will be sailing along with you. We booked this onboard in February and can't wait to be back on the magic!

:welcome:



Irene you must be sooo excited by now. I cant remember where you are staying but would love to hear all of your plans and ADR's if you want to share. Do you have your days set out or do you like to be a bit more spontaneous ?? I see you are still driving. Im sure it will pass quickly enough. Wish I could come with you.... is there room in the car for me:rotfl: ??:upsidedow

Do you have any room in your suitcases because I want to go too :sad2:

I sure am excited!!!!!!! :banana: :cool1: :banana: :dance3: :woohoo: :banana: :dance3: We leave exactly 1 week from today!!

Also, I sure am still driving! :headache: That's OK though because yes, we have room for 1 (or 2) more! (My mil almost came with us . . :scared1: , fortunately I knocked some sense into dh before she could get *too* excited about coming.)

I kinda have a schedule. My mornings are pretty set, afternoons are flexible. Not sure how much we'll be able to do with dd, I don't want to exhaust the poor thing too much at age 2. princess:

We're staying at Saratoga Springs. I have ADRs for Crystal Palace lunch (on a MK AM EMH day, so I figured after lunch we'll be ready to collapse anyway), Chef Mickey late breakfast, Tusker House breakfast (before park opens), and my Mother's Day dinner will be at California Grill. :cheer2: No other ADRs for us since we plan on eating most of our meals outside the park, although I'm sure we'll hit a few CS places.

Oh, and on our first night I'm planning on us attending the campfire sing-along with Chip and Dale because I figured that'll be a nice, low-key start to our trip. The movie schedule was just posted and that night is Little Mermaid which I think will be perfect for us. :lovestruc

Have I mentioned HOW EXCITED I AM?! :banana: :dance3: :banana: :dance3:

[aussieinvasion]

Hi Irene,

I bet you're excited now:banana: I wouldnt be able to sleep! LMAO about the mil, too funny!! Happy Mother's Day for sunday, hope you have a great time at the California Grill.... love to hear all the details and reviews when you get back!!

Have a great time:dance3:

Mel

[ibela]

Funny thing is, about 65% of the time dh kept saying how he likes the Disney cruise much better and can't wait to go back!

I'll be brief for now because I need to get back to work!

Drive: I was miserable. Dh and dd didn't mind so much, they had fun. I just wanted to get there (and back) already.

Crowds: AWESOME! Aside from a 45 minute wait for Dumbo on a day of EMH (but at 10am), our longest wait (using fast passes as well) was 10 minutes.

Weather: HOT!! How the heck do people go in the middle of the summer?! At 9pm at night, it was 90 degrees! :scared1:

Photopass: LOVED it! Pre-purchased and ended up with over 200 photos (82 of which were from our private photo session).

Meals:
California Grill was a disappointment. It may have been a combination of dd being super cranky (she missed her nap that day) and that we had a big lunch so weren't that hungry but I couldn't pass up ordering an appetizer AND entree. Having the privilege of going to some really good and fancy restaurants in NYC, this totally didn't stack up at all. We thought our food ok (but didn't justify the price tag) and our service was slow (they said he was overbooked). The waiter was very nice thought and we did leave him a 20% tip because dd made a mess (they sprinkled pixie dust on the table, nice thought but bad day to do that, sorry waiter :sad2: ) and he was patient with us/her. :goodvibes

Crystal Palace: I thought was just OK as well (some dishes were really good). Character interaction was pretty good.

Tusker House breakfast: Food pretty good but character interaction was just OK.

Chef Mickey's: Food pretty good and character interaction was great. DD wore her Minnie Mouse costume, her ears/headband fell off so Minnie got it and put it back on for her, talk about a cute photo! :goodvibes

Hollywood and Vine: Ended up getting a walk-up at 6pm for a 7pm ADR. Service was great and food was surprisingly good too, they were literally replenishing at least 3 dishes any time I was up there so the food was always hot and fresh. I would definitely book the Fantasmic package next time. HS was empty that day, 5 minute standby the whole day for every ride, but then 35 minutes before Fantasmic we went to the theater and it was 90% full! I seriously think people came from other parks that day just to watch the show because there's no way there were in the park that afternoon . . .

Overall really good time but exhausting!

By the way, saw Wishes from the Contemporary and since it was our first time I wish we would've watched by the castle so we could see the narration (you see that, right??) and we thought Fantasmic was AWESOME!

[UGAFan0829]

Just wanted to check in on my fellow cruise-mates. Hope everyone is doing well!!! It has been awful quiet here!!
I'd love to hear more about your trip, ibela!!!

[ibela]

In fact, I'm thinking to change my sail dates cuz you guys just don't seem fun! Just kidding on the reason, but I am cosidering postponing the trip a bit although dh wants to keep it as is. :duck: (I just thought this was a funny icon I hadn't noticed before.)

My brother is now planning a trip to WDW this July. Well, HE'S not planning it, I'm planning it for him because I like obsessing and planning trips and he's not. He has no problem following my itinerary, especially since I scared him into saying how the DIS always says July gets so crowded and he'll have to wait forever on every line. So he plans on being at the parks at rope drop but I need to list for him which rides to go on first because he's worried he'll end up "at some sucker ride that never develops a line" because he didn't know to go elsewhere. I immediately thought of him going on Living with the Land with the family instead of Soarin' . . . :rotfl:

Anyway, how is everyone else's planning going? NYC- when's your other cruise?

[ibela]

Just wanted to check in on my fellow cruise-mates. Hope everyone is doing well!!! It has been awful quiet here!!
I'd love to hear more about your trip, ibela!!!

Anything specific you're interested in?

Btw, I got my Photopass CD in the mail and LOVE IT!! :love:

[UGAFan0829]

Anything specific you're interested in?

Btw, I got my Photopass CD in the mail and LOVE IT!! :love:

Nothing in particular. It'd be cool to see some pics, if you're willing to share!!!

[ibela]

Nothing in particular. It'd be cool to see some pics, if you're willing to share!!!

I'll post some pics as soon as I upload them. HOW HORRIBLE AM I??

What's everyone else up to these days? :confused3

I think my favorite ride of the trip was Haunted Mansion. I couldn't go on any roller coasters or "wild rides" (I'm pregnant) but dh went on them while I stayed on kiddie rides with dd. Aquatica was his favorite park, I really like MK and HS. The shows at HS were soooooo good. I loved Beauty & the Beast (saw with dd while he went on RnRC and ToT) and thought Little Mermaid was good too. Did I mention we just loved Fantasmic?

We thought AK was too spread out for us to deal with in that heat. We spent 2 mornings there and still only did about 1/2 of what I wanted to. We did do the safari 2x though, that was pretty cool. And the Lion King show was great! I thought Epcot was just OK, we did walk around the World Showcase but didn't do much there except catch just a few shows. Soarin' was really cool though, I liked it a lot and it was probably my 2nd favorite ride of the trip.

I had read on here all about the Dream Team so I initially told dh to help me scope them out, but once we saw them I didn't want to stalk them or anything so since we didn't do anything, we stopped looking for them. I saw people walking with dream ears and fast passes but I never once saw them being given out. I had also read on here that sometimes they give prizes out to people sitting on the bench so if we saw them standing around, we'd park our butts for a minute - never got anything though. It didn't impact our trip but I did really want the ears (fast pass really wasn't necessary) for dd!

We didn't go back to our room midday like I planned to, instead we'd park hop and let dd sleep en route and walk with her sleeping in the stroller to the park from the lot instead of taking the tram. The extra time she slept let us look at the map and kinda plan out our afternoon. (And dh managed to sneak in some rides while I stayed with dd.) The pool at our hotel was really nice so it's a shame we only used it 1x. We were going to go a 2nd time but he said he preferred going back to Aquatica instead so we just did that (15 minutes from the hotel and we had free admission and parking). I stayed by the wave pool there which was more fun than the regular hotel pool and he and dd went on water slides and stuff. We had considered getting a babysitter and having an adult night out but we were so exhausted every day that we didn't do that. Mother's Day we had dinner at Contemporary Grill and then she fell asleep (we had the stroller with us) so we went to MK which have PM EMH that day and everything was a walk-on so that was a nice, kind of adult night out, lol.

Definitely had a blast and we're definitely going back . . . in 2010!

[queenof2princesses]

Hello all!!!!!! Sign me up for this cruise;)
The cast is me(Angel), Mom, DD(turning 12 on the cruise) and DD9. DH refuses to do more than 3 nights:confused3

We just booked a cat 6 with Mouse Fan Travel and got such an awesome deal that I got a close friend to book the cabin next to us!! Hello Mel, I am next door to you!!! The location is so good! Our DD's are both having Bdays, although there is a slight age difference:) Her very first trip to WDW was the same as you are doing for your DD. She was 'almost' 3. It was so incredible for her at that age, I know you will have an unforgetable trip.

This is our first verandah. I have booked cat 12's both times before and once got upgraded to a 9, then this past April we were upgraded to a 10. We decided if we book above a 12, it had to be all the way up to a verandah. I am so excited, I am about to explode. I was feeling a little weird telling my friends, "I just booked a Disney Cruise for Sept. 2009, yeah, not this September, next September":banana: :cool1: , you know the excitement and all. Well, they kind of look at me funny, and say, "Oh that's great". I know ya'll understand:goodvibes

I am so glad to have found ya'll!! Now, I am going to stop driving everyone around me crazy, and just start typing.

So, my latest trip was April 3night Wonder with family of 4. This was the beginning of our Spring Break week. (We left a little early) We then went to Disney for a week at SSR in a 2bed suite (a close friend has a gazillion DVC points). So we were there with another 2 families, 3 total. (Only mine and the DVC member sharing the villa..On Tuesday we sent all DH's home together:cool1: and moms with kids stayed until Sunday!
DVC friend/family and me and my girls arrived home from a magical 12 days just after midnight before the return to school after Spring Break!!! We partied (like kids) until the very last minute!

DVC friend and I are going to F&W sometime in OCt, haven't decided yet..
DH has decided (for now) that he wants to wait a few years to return, a little burnt out:confused3 So, I have recruited DM (is that right for mom?) to do a mom, daughter, granddaughter cruise. This is her first cruise!! We have assured her she will not be disappointed, or get too sick.

DDnow10 fell asleep with her Passporter a couple of nights ago, and our TA is sending a comp copy of the Passporter cruise edition in the mail today. DD is so cute, she's sitting beside me with her laptop reading the boards...while we're having family movie night..NEMOpopcorn:: I can't stop looking at pics/floor plan of the verandah rooms!

Sorry for such a long post, just really excited!

UGAFAN, I am also about 7 hrs away, on the Gulf Coast in Alabam, so we are driving down after school on Friday, picking up DM from airport, and staying somewhere at port. I'm thinking about a park/stay hotel. Anybody have any experience here?

My hands are now falling asleep, goodnight to all..

[aussieinvasion]

Welcome Angel and family!!!:banana: :banana:
Wow you are next door to me yay!! The location is so handy, isnt it? Near the elevators and near the laundry ( although hoping to not have to do too much of that while we are away!!) Have you thought about what you are going to do for your Daughter for her birthday? My DD's birthday is the day we are in Cozumel so I guess the pirate party is a bit hard to out do:rotfl: !! Thats if she stays awake long enough for it. I really hope she does!!
I am so glad to hear your own experience of taking your DD at the age mine will be. Its very reassuring considering we are travelling such a great distance to get over there.
I totally understand the thing about driving everyone crazy with talk of the holiday. I have just about sent everyone bananas here! DH thinks Im obsessed and when we are just about to go to sleep I wake him up with some odd fact about the holiday. Please tell me I am not the only freak ??:rotfl2:

Ibela, dont leave us!! Are you really thinking of switching ressies? When else were you thinking of going? I didnt know you were pregnant! Congratulations!! When is bub's due? Im guessing this is the reason for considering the change of date maybe? Another vote here for picspopcorn::
Can I ask a dumb question about the photopass? Are you able to get the disk at the parks at the end of your trip? Reason being I dont think they'll post out to us somehow:confused3

Missy how are you going? Long time no speak.... How is your beach holiday plan turning out?

Well not much has been happening over here. Its getting pretty cold now for us (15 degrees) and the kids have had the flu, which is never fun. I went to a concert during the week for Boyz II Men. That was fun hearing some of the (not so) old songs. Cant believe they've been going for 17 years!!

Anyway, Ive started thinking (obsessing) about excursions again and I go back and forth trying to make up my mind. I know its very early days and we've got heaps of time but still I cant help myself. Waiting to see what the REAS package will be (cost wise and inclusions) and hoping it will be released soon so we can add to the booking maybe. Any of you guys started to think about your excursions? Trying to work out how much OBC to cover the cost of things is confusing. Thinking of adding some extra OBC to our booking as the dollar is still so great for us at the moment.

[UGAFan0829]

Hello all!!!!!! Sign me up for this cruise;)
UGAFAN, I am also about 7 hrs away, on the Gulf Coast in Alabam, so we are driving down after school on Friday, picking up DM from airport, and staying somewhere at port. I'm thinking about a park/stay hotel. Anybody have any experience here?


Welcome to our little group, Angel!!
I'll be down close to your neck of the woods next week...We're going to PC Beach for a week. What part of Alabama are you in?
I know what you mean about people not understanding. That's why I love these boards so much! Everyone understands!!!


Missy how are you going? Long time no speak.... How is your beach holiday plan turning out?

It has been a while! We are down to less that a month to go before our beach trip now. I'm actually getting a little excited now. I think it's mainly due to the fact that I'm just ready for some time away from work!
I do have some exciting news regarding our trip next year...Since we aren't going to be able to make it to Disney this year like we had hoped, we are gonna TRY and go for a week after the cruise, so I am REALLY excited about that!:banana:

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[queenof2princesses]

Thanks for the warm welcomes:thumbsup2


Have you thought about what you are going to do for your Daughter for her birthday? My DD's birthday is the day we are in Cozumel so I guess the pirate party is a bit hard to out do:rotfl: !! Thats if she stays awake long enough for it. I really hope she does!!


Well, DDturns 12 the day we disembark. She is such a little planner that I have told her to plan that day as she wishes with 2 nights in the parks. We are not going to miss more than the following Monday of school/work. That will be 5 days missed since Labor Day is the Monday of our cruise. Originally she wanted to go to Contemporary and MK all day, with lunch at the castle and bibbidi bobbidi boutique, but she has decided not to do BBT because she wants to break in the day and swim at resort pool. Now, a few days later, but still 15 months away:rotfl: , she has changed the plans to AKL concierge because she wants to do the sunrise safari. Since it is only 2 nights, I am letting her decide. I am a budget girl, and prefer paying for the values!! But, if she wants this safari, and it looks really cool, I'll fork it out for a couple of nights. MK on the bday all day is the plan, with lunch at the castle, break after lunch at resort..Sunday she wants to hit the 3 others after the early safari...ikes
Unfortunately, I can talk about any surprises, because she reads these boards faithfully!!

Welcome to our little group, Angel!!
I'll be down close to your neck of the woods next week...We're going to PC Beach for a week. What part of Alabama are you in?
I know what you mean about people not understanding. That's why I love these boards so much! Everyone understands!!!


Sweet Home Beautiful Orange Beach. We've been here 3 years, came from just outside of Huntsville. I'll be coming to Atlanta at the end of the month!
Well, I will keeping the beaches nice and warm until you get here. Have fun on your trip!
Have a great day everyone, family is all off today, so we will play:)

[ibela]

Hello all!!!!!! Sign me up for this cruise;)
The cast is me(Angel), Mom, DD(turning 12 on the cruise) and DD9. DH refuses to do more than 3 nights:confused3

We just booked a cat 6 with Mouse Fan Travel and got such an awesome deal that I got a close friend to book the cabin next to us!! Hello Mel, I am next door to you!!! The location is so good!

Welcome aboard! Yes, few understand booking a vacation so far in advance let alone being excited about it! :hyper:

Welcome Angel and family!!!:banana: :banana:
Wow you are next door to me yay!! The location is so handy, isnt it? Near the elevators and near the laundry ( although hoping to not have to do too much of that while we are away!!) Have you thought about what you are going to do for your Daughter for her birthday? My DD's birthday is the day we are in Cozumel so I guess the pirate party is a bit hard to out do:rotfl: !! Thats if she stays awake long enough for it. I really hope she does!!
I am so glad to hear your own experience of taking your DD at the age mine will be. Its very reassuring considering we are travelling such a great distance to get over there.

Ibela, dont leave us!! Are you really thinking of switching ressies? When else were you thinking of going? I didnt know you were pregnant! Congratulations!! When is bub's due? Im guessing this is the reason for considering the change of date maybe? Another vote here for picspopcorn::
Can I ask a dumb question about the photopass? Are you able to get the disk at the parks at the end of your trip? Reason being I dont think they'll post out to us somehow:confused3



We actually did do our laundry on the last cruise. It's kind of nice to come home and be able to just relax and not have to do it while you're rushing to get ready for back to school and work.

Yes, I'm pregnant. That last post was my big "coming out". :) I'm due towards the end of Nov. so I'm thinking about postponing because I'm going to take all my vacation time to stay home with the baby longer in January. I'm also not sure how comfortable I'll be taking a 9 month old on a cruise for a week but dh says I'll need a break by then and he doesn't want to wait until the following Jan. so I think we'll stay with you guys. :thumbsup2

As for photopass, not a dumb question because I think you're right. With the pre-purchased photopass CD I think the only shipping included is US and UK, not sure if you can pay extra to have it shipped to you. You can pick up the CD in the parks before you leave but I don't think there's anywhere you can edit the pictures (zoom/crop/add icons) so it'd be whatever images the photographers take of you.


Since we aren't going to be able to make it to Disney this year like we had hoped, we are gonna TRY and go for a week after the cruise, so I am REALLY excited about that!:banana:

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

And the week after the cruise should fall right into Free Dining time so that's extra incentive for you to go then. :goodvibes

Happy Monday all!

[kasidak]

Hi Fellow Cruisers,

I was thinking about our cruise today. I am wondering if anyone would like to share their dining experience with us? Last cruise we were seated just our family of three and we would love to meet and chat with others this time around. Anyone interested? Of course, we have plenty of time to think about it. ;)

[queenof2princesses]

ibela,
congrats on the baby!! That is so exciting. I think your DH is right about you needing a break then. Do you pay full price for an infant? Our travel mates may have a baby to add to their ressie:) They are working on it. I would love to tell her she won't be the only one traveling with a little one, and at a reduced rate. I'm sure you won't regret. I nursed my baby in every restroom at MK when she was 8 weeks old!! We brought my parents along so that they could babysit, and we could enjoy disney with DDalmost3 (at the time). The spoiled baby refused a bottle!! Totally! She went straight to sippy cup..and weened early, which was a little confusing for me:confused3 . Anyway, the break was good for me (even though it was commando style disney in July) This baby just turned 8, and is now sorting through old disney pics to take tommorrow for her collage at art camp:lovestruc

I believe they can be a challenge at any age. This past cruise (April 3 nt ), she had me in tears on Pirate night. She was overtired, and had had enough. How could we miss anything!?! I pushed, and she melted... Hopefully, on this cruise, the extra 4 DAYS will be enough to relax a bit, and not feel so rushed. And that veranda is exciting me more every day....

Kasidak,
We have 8 at our table so far. I don't know how many they can seat together. We, too, have always been alone with our 4. I think a big table would be more fun, sharing with others about your day, and all. I have been reading my passporter cruise edition all weekend, and never realized what I've missed on the 3 nights! I am really looking forward to all the food, and excursions.

[UGAFan0829]

Hi Fellow Cruisers,

I was thinking about our cruise today. I am wondering if anyone would like to share their dining experience with us? Last cruise we were seated just our family of three and we would love to meet and chat with others this time around. Anyone interested? Of course, we have plenty of time to think about it. ;)

Wow, that's really sweet of you to ask. Are you guys doing the late or early dining time?

[kasidak]

We are doing early dining.

[ibela]

ibela,
congrats on the baby!! That is so exciting. I think your DH is right about you needing a break then. Do you pay full price for an infant? Our travel mates may have a baby to add to their ressie:) They are working on it. I would love to tell her she won't be the only one traveling with a little one, and at a reduced rate. I'm sure you won't regret. I nursed my baby in every restroom at MK when she was 8 weeks old!! We brought my parents along so that they could babysit, and we could enjoy disney with DDalmost3 (at the time). The spoiled baby refused a bottle!! Totally! She went straight to sippy cup..and weened early, which was a little confusing for me:confused3 . Anyway, the break was good for me (even though it was commando style disney in July) This baby just turned 8, and is now sorting through old disney pics to take tommorrow for her collage at art camp:lovestruc

I believe they can be a challenge at any age. This past cruise (April 3 nt ), she had me in tears on Pirate night. She was overtired, and had had enough. How could we miss anything!?! I pushed, and she melted... Hopefully, on this cruise, the extra 4 DAYS will be enough to relax a bit, and not feel so rushed. And that veranda is exciting me more every day....

Kasidak,
We have 8 at our table so far. I don't know how many they can seat together. We, too, have always been alone with our 4. I think a big table would be more fun, sharing with others about your day, and all. I have been reading my passporter cruise edition all weekend, and never realized what I've missed on the 3 nights! I am really looking forward to all the food, and excursions.

Thanks on the congrats! It's funny because I had to reserve for the baby too but I don't even know the gender much less the name so the 4th place in our cabin is under "Baby", lol. Tell your friends if they're working on it they should add the baby now. Even though September is a slow time there's a slight chance of the under 3 category filling up at some point so if DCL reaches their limit (whatever that is) then they won't be able to add the baby on to their reservation. If they do add them on now and pay, they have until 90 days before the cruise to cancel if they change their mind about um, working on it, lol. Also, you only pay taxes and port charges for an infant. We're cruising on DVC points so I don't remember how much they said it'd be if we wanted to pay cash for the baby but I'm thinking it was somewhere around $300 (regardless of the category).

I guess we'll just have to make creative use of Flounders. Here I was getting excited that ddnow2 will be able to use the kids clubs and that I'd finally get a chance to do all the adult activities I had wanted to last time and didn't get a chance to - NOT!

We're on early dining as well, we haven't requested a rotation yet. On our last cruise we linked reservations and sat with 2 other DIS families so we were a total of 11 (they had to put 2 tables together for us). It was fun to see how we all had COMPLETELY different experiences on the boat as if we were on totally separate vacations!

[NYCDisneylovers]

Anyway, how is everyone else's planning going? NYC- when's your other cruise?

Sorry guys have been lost for awhile. The other cruise is Aug. 17, 2008 and then 4 days in Animal Kingdom Villa's. We have been getting ready for that trip, and then we have 1 more cruise before Disney to Bermuda in May 2009 for my 40th Birthday. I promise I won't be lost again.

[UGAFan0829]

We are doing early dining.

That's what we have booked as of now...But, I can't decide if I want to leave it that way, or change it to late. And y'all can give me your thoughts on this...on the last 2 cruises we did the later seatings. We don't mind eating late at all, but the problem was that we were usually late getting out of the dining room which meant we ended up missing the beginning of some of the activities. And we totally missed out on "Til We Meet Again" on the last night, which was really disappointing to me. So, I thought that by having the early seating this time, that wouldn't be a problem. BUT...I'm kinda worried about having to be back on the ship so early in order for us to get ready for dinner each night. Of course this won't be an issue on the at sea days, but it will when we're in port. Yes, I'm one of those who take forever to get ready, so I don't want to have to cut our time off the boat short and have to rush back to get ready for dinner...especially on formal night. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[ibela]

That's what we have booked as of now...But, I can't decide if I want to leave it that way, or change it to late. And y'all can give me your thoughts on this...on the last 2 cruises we did the later seatings. We don't mind eating late at all, but the problem was that we were usually late getting out of the dining room which meant we ended up missing the beginning of some of the activities. And we totally missed out on "Til We Meet Again" on the last night, which was really disappointing to me. So, I thought that by having the early seating this time, that wouldn't be a problem. BUT...I'm kinda worried about having to be back on the ship so early in order for us to get ready for dinner each night. Of course this won't be an issue on the at sea days, but it will when we're in port. Yes, I'm one of those who take forever to get ready, so I don't want to have to cut our time off the boat short and have to rush back to get ready for dinner...especially on formal night. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

We did early when we went last time so I can't speak from experience, but that's a common post on the DIS that late seating means missing some evening activities. Regarding having enough time to get ready, do you go to the shows in the evenings? If so, they're before dinner for the late diners so I think you'd need to be ready by the same time anyway, wouldn't you?

[UGAFan0829]

We did early when we went last time so I can't speak from experience, but that's a common post on the DIS that late seating means missing some evening activities. Regarding having enough time to get ready, do you go to the shows in the evenings? If so, they're before dinner for the late diners so I think you'd need to be ready by the same time anyway, wouldn't you?

We do go to the shows, but there are some things that they only do once, like Match Your Mate (that we were late for) and 'Til We Meet Again (that we totally missed out on).

[aussieinvasion]

Wow you guys have been chatty in the last week! I would love to sit with any of you guys but I have no idea how to arrange this. Do you just put in a request to DCL?
We are on early dining. I think they may give early dining preference to those with younger kids, at least thats what Ive read on here before. I requested a dining rotation of APLAPLA. Whether or not that happens will be another thing but it means we will be in Lumiere's for formal night.
Missy, I am worried also about being back in time on the boat for early dining and hope I dont rock up looking like a fright:eek:
If I can score an appointment at the Salon for formal night I will be very happy.
Just so you guys know, my DD who is 2 when checking in was a total of $389 and I was told this was for taxes. She is classed as an infant apparantly.
Anyone doing Palo, and if so which night are you thinking?

[UGAFan0829]

Missy, I am worried also about being back in time on the boat for early dining and hope I dont rock up looking like a fright:eek:

Anyone doing Palo, and if so which night are you thinking?

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get you all worried. I am sure that it will work out fine for all of us!

We haven't decided on Palo yet. We had a bad experience last time, but are thinking of trying it again...still haven't made up our minds.

[NYCDisneylovers]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get you all worried. I am sure that it will work out fine for all of us!

We haven't decided on Palo yet. We had a bad experience last time, but are thinking of trying it again...still haven't made up our minds.

How bad was your experience at Palo's? We were thinking of doing it but not sure. Fill me in please.

[UGAFan0829]

Oh great...Here I go again...I think I'm just gonna keep my mouth shut from now on!! LOL

Well, first off...I had booked the REAS for the DH and I, which included the surcharge for Palo. When we were seated at our table, our server brought me a very pretty rose and told me "Congratulations on your marriage". I guess I must have given him a "HUH?" look because he said, "Oh, you mean you aren't on your honeymoon?". I told him no, and he said that he noticed that we had booked the REAS, and usually only honeymooners booked that package. The way that he said it made the DH and I feel as though we were in the wrong for booking the REAS and not being on our honeymoon. Anyway, we just brushed it off.

Then once dinner started, we plainly told him several times that even though our package included wine, we weren't wine drinkers and were fine without it. He insisted that since we didn't like wine that he had something "special" that he was going to bring us to try. At this point we were like "Ooookay". We just wanted him to leave us alone about it, so we agreed. Then through out the meal he insisted that "our experience at Palo had to be PERFECT...Good was not acceptable". I can't tell you how many times he repeated that to us. So, he kept brining us more food that what we ordered. I think we ended up with 3 or 4 appetizers and extra entree and an extra dessert. And believe me, as much as I wanted to tell him "NO, I DON'T WANT ANYMORE, I AM FULL!", he kept insisiting that it had to be perfect. I think that he was really trying to hard and his insistance made the experience awful. We did try the "wine" that he was telling us about. As usual, I couldn't stand the taste and couldn't make myself finish the glass that he had poured for us.

I don't know if it was all the food or the little bit of "wine" that I drank...but once we had made our way back to the stateroom to change clothes for the Pirate party, I was feeling terrible. I had the worst "sick to my stomach" feeling I had ever felt. So needless to say, we sat in the room for the rest of the night praying that I didn't get sick. Thank goodness I never did, but it ruined our whole image of Palo.

I really think that this was more of the waiters fault than the restaurant. And I know that I probably should have spoke up and said something, but he made it almost impossible. Not to mention, it's not really in my or the DH's nature to say anything.

So, that is pretty much why I think we should give it another try.

[queenof2princesses]

I really think that this was more of the waiters fault than the restaurant.
So, that is pretty much why I think we should give it another try.

I think that is totally true. Don't let a pushy waiter keep you from trying it again. We've never been, and I'll be cruising with my DM (who is totally attached to my kiddies) so Palo for dinner is out of the question. I was thinking about a brunch while the kids are in activities.

As for dining preference, we have done both. I prefer early dining, because not only do you not miss anything, but if you eat late, you miss out on the dessert buffet, and desserts are my favorite:yay:

I am also going to request APLAPLA for the same reasons, Lumiere's on Formal night. We have skipped Lumiere's on both of our cruises (at DH's request), so I would like it to be our special night. I am so excited about dressing up the girls:)

We are thinking about doing
1)a dolphin excursion in Cozumel
2)a Stingray/snorkeling in Grand Cayman
3)the trolley? in Key West
4)Banana boat, water trikes in Castaway Cay


We NEED to plan our F&W girls trip for THIS October. We don't have dates or ressies yet:confused3
DF is a DVC member with a gazillion points, so hopefully she'll get us something. She said yesterday if we get a 2bedvilla we can sleep 8. That is 8 women, 3 nights away from family and all responsibility, a desperately needed trip. Can't wait for this one. :hug: I love her for thinking of this....

Oh, boy, I better get to work so I can pay for this:)

And 5 of us are going to Atlanta Friday, that is 2 days away...We are going to see Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, somebody else and it is sold out. We have an extra ticket if anyone wants to go:) Well, if you happen to be in Atlanta that is..
DF booked 2- 3* rooms months ago for 149 each, I asked her at church Sunday if she would mind if I looked for something with a better rate...She said OK, so I headed over to Priceline and got 2- 4* rooms for 80 each!!! We are staying nicer, for MUCH cheaper.
OK. time for work. Have a great day!

[UGAFan0829]

As for dining preference, we have done both. I prefer early dining, because not only do you not miss anything, but if you eat late, you miss out on the dessert buffet, and desserts are my favorite:yay:


And 5 of us are going to Atlanta Friday, that is 2 days away...We are going to see Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, somebody else and it is sold out. We have an extra ticket if anyone wants to go:) Well, if you happen to be in Atlanta that is..
DF booked 2- 3* rooms months ago for 149 each, I asked her at church Sunday if she would mind if I looked for something with a better rate...She said OK, so I headed over to Priceline and got 2- 4* rooms for 80 each!!! We are staying nicer, for MUCH cheaper.
OK. time for work. Have a great day!

Ooooh, good advice about the early dining and not having to miss the dessert buffet. That's all the more reason to keep early dining!:thumbsup2

I hope that you have a great time in "Hotlanta". Where are y'all staying if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks again for the advice!:goodvibes

[ibela]

We do go to the shows, but there are some things that they only do once, like Match Your Mate (that we were late for) and 'Til We Meet Again (that we totally missed out on).

I meant if you go to the shows then they start at about the same time as the early dinner so you still have to be ready at the same time so you'd might as well do early for the one time shows like Match Your Mate (which we missed last time but I really want to see this time).

Wow you guys have been chatty in the last week! I would love to sit with any of you guys but I have no idea how to arrange this. Do you just put in a request to DCL?
We are on early dining. I think they may give early dining preference to those with younger kids, at least thats what Ive read on here before. I requested a dining rotation of APLAPLA. Whether or not that happens will be another thing but it means we will be in Lumiere's for formal night.
Missy, I am worried also about being back in time on the boat for early dining and hope I dont rock up looking like a fright:eek:
If I can score an appointment at the Salon for formal night I will be very happy.
Just so you guys know, my DD who is 2 when checking in was a total of $389 and I was told this was for taxes. She is classed as an infant apparantly.
Anyone doing Palo, and if so which night are you thinking?

We did LAPLAPL last time and were in AP for formal night which was kinda nice too (and had a 6pm dining time so it was early but not TOO early). I think anything but PC on formal night is nice, that one might be a little weird. To link reservations you need to call DCL with the other person's reservation # and ask to be linked, that's it.

I think that is totally true. Don't let a pushy waiter keep you from trying it again. We've never been, and I'll be cruising with my DM (who is totally attached to my kiddies) so Palo for dinner is out of the question. I was thinking about a brunch while the kids are in activities.

As for dining preference, we have done both. I prefer early dining, because not only do you not miss anything, but if you eat late, you miss out on the dessert buffet, and desserts are my favorite:yay:

I am also going to request APLAPLA for the same reasons, Lumiere's on Formal night. We have skipped Lumiere's on both of our cruises (at DH's request), so I would like it to be our special night.

I agree, don't let the waiter ruin your experience, he was just a bit overzealous in his efforts. We loved our experience in Palo (brunch and dinner) and can't wait to do it again. Then again, we were excited to have all that food within our reach and rolling out of there. :rotfl2: Just because it's there doesn't mean you have to finish it, just sample. Actually I couldn't decide between entrees so I asked for side orders so that worked out really well.

As for desserts on the boat, I thought they were all mostly a bust and I'm normally a big fan of desserts. The best thing were the chocolate chip cookies and at the dessert buffet the only thing we thought was edible was the chocolate fountain and stuff we dipped in so I wouldn't plan my dining time around that one for sure!

I am so excited about dressing up the girls:)

We are thinking about doing
1)a dolphin excursion in Cozumel
2)a Stingray/snorkeling in Grand Cayman
3)the trolley? in Key West
4)Banana boat, water trikes in Castaway Cay


We NEED to plan our F&W girls trip for THIS October. We don't have dates or ressies yet:confused3
DF is a DVC member with a gazillion points, so hopefully she'll get us something. She said yesterday if we get a 2bedvilla we can sleep 8. That is 8 women, 3 nights away from family and all responsibility, a desperately needed trip. Can't wait for this one. :hug: I love her for thinking of this....

Oh, boy, I better get to work so I can pay for this:)



Sounds like a really nice girls trip. I wish I could go!!!!!!!!!! She must have a gazillion points because I can't imagine having enough left over for a 2bd girls trip! GET TO PLANNING!!

[UGAFan0829]

Well, it looks like we may have 2 more cruisers joining us.:thumbsup2 My DSIL and Niece are planning on coming with us on the cruise! I'm so excited. :banana: :woohoo: :dance3: :cheer2: My DSIL has cruised on Carnival before, but this will be her first time on DCL. It will the first time ever cruising for the DNiece. They are both really excited, and the DH and I really excited to have them with us! They've been wanting to do a Mother/Daughter cruise for a while, and they've also been wanting to do Disney. They recently asked us when we were cruising again, and the DH told them about this cruise. We knew they wanted to come, so we invited them along. I think DSIL was a little hesitant at first since it's our anniversary cruise, but we've never been the kind to want to do things with just ourselves, so told them that we would love to have them along!! Did I say how excited we are??:banana: I've never been real close to the DSIL or DNiece, so I'm excited about spending this time with them and bonding through Disney.
We are leaving for the beach this weekend, so as soon as we get back, we're gonna get them all booked and start getting their plans rolling!! Can't wait, and I just had to share my excitement with my fellow cruise-mates!

[aussieinvasion]

Thats awesome Missy! How old is your DNiece? Im sure they will have an absolute blast:thumbsup2 I bet you cant wait to get away to the beach this weekend. Ive been dreaming of the beach myself at the moment because its winter here and pretty cold. It doesnt snow where I live but it is snowing about an hour away. Hearing that you are going on your holiday this weekend makes me realise how much time has past since we started planning the cruise.
Have a wonderful time away!

[UGAFan0829]

Thats awesome Missy! How old is your DNiece? Im sure they will have an absolute blast:thumbsup2 I bet you cant wait to get away to the beach this weekend. Ive been dreaming of the beach myself at the moment because its winter here and pretty cold. It doesnt snow where I live but it is snowing about an hour away. Hearing that you are going on your holiday this weekend makes me realise how much time has past since we started planning the cruise.
Have a wonderful time away!

Thanks! My DNiece just turned 22 last week. I am so excited about it! The DH and I were discussing it today, talking about the shore excursions that we could do with them!
We are at the beach and now and having a great time. It's very different in that we are actually relaxing when we've been used to be so fast-paced in Disney!

[queenof2princesses]

Ooooh, good advice about the early dining and not having to miss the dessert buffet. That's all the more reason to keep early dining!:thumbsup2

I hope that you have a great time in "Hotlanta". Where are y'all staying if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks again for the advice!:goodvibes

OMGoodness! I can't believe it has been a month since I posted!! well almost.. Our Atlanta trip was at the Hyatt Regency Downtown. This place was so-so, not great, but much cheaper, which was the goal. Keep in mind if you do priceline, you are only guaranteed a room for 2 (double bed). Luckily they bumped us to a king and gave us a rollaway since it was 3 women.. The conference more than made up for it, though.

Hope you are having fun at the beach!! I am here everyday and can't get my kids to go...:confused3 Yeah I could say..We are going to the beach, and force them..how much fun is that. Oh well.

DD10 is still planning the cruise and her birthday trip for us, she is now thinking about staying at Poly, and with the economy the way it is..which affects my income directly:mad: we may be staying at POP again, which is really not a problem as that is probably their favorite place anyway. I will stop ranting now.:)

Glad to hear about your addition to the cruise list!! That is exciting!
I don't know if I have mentioned it before, DBFF and her family of 4 are traveling in the stateroom next to us.
We are going to have some fun. I am glad that the time is moving, don't want to wish it away, but I can't wait for this cruise. :dance3:

[UGAFan0829]

OMGoodness! I can't believe it has been a month since I posted!! well almost.. Our Atlanta trip was at the Hyatt Regency Downtown. This place was so-so, not great, but much cheaper, which was the goal. Keep in mind if you do priceline, you are only guaranteed a room for 2 (double bed). Luckily they bumped us to a king and gave us a rollaway since it was 3 women.. The conference more than made up for it, though.

Hope you are having fun at the beach!! I am here everyday and can't get my kids to go...:confused3 Yeah I could say..We are going to the beach, and force them..how much fun is that. Oh well.

DD10 is still planning the cruise and her birthday trip for us, she is now thinking about staying at Poly, and with the economy the way it is..which affects my income directly:mad: we may be staying at POP again, which is really not a problem as that is probably their favorite place anyway. I will stop ranting now.:)

Glad to hear about your addition to the cruise list!! That is exciting!
I don't know if I have mentioned it before, DBFF and her family of 4 are traveling in the stateroom next to us.
We are going to have some fun. I am glad that the time is moving, don't want to wish it away, but I can't wait for this cruise. :dance3:

Glad that you had a great conference in Atlanta! But sorry to hear that the hotel wasn't so great...some of the downtown hotels can be very deceiving in that they look great from the outside, but the rooms aren't as nice.

We had a great time at the beach. Much better than I thought since I was so sad about not going to Disney this year. The water was nice, and the food was wonderful! We didn't want to come home at all!!

As for my sister-in-law and DNiece cruising with us...it's official. They came over just this morning and we got them all booked!:banana: I am sooooo very excited. We showed them the planning DVD and then got online and got everything booked. (I have to say that even though we've watched the video lots of times before, seeing it again got me really excited!) They decided to go with the Cat. 6 room, and are going to be just a few rooms down from us! My DSIL is going to be celebrating her birthday while we're onboard, so the DH and I are trying to think of something special to do for her. Of course we want to do something special for DNiece too, since this is her first cruise.:dance3: They are both VERY excited, as we are too. But I can tell that DNiece is a little nervous.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend...Just had to share my news of getting DSIL and DN booked!! Woohoo!:cheer2: :woohoo:

[aussieinvasion]

I just read on another thread that the '09 DW rates should be out on Sunday. We are soooo excited, its all starting to come together:cool1: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[EyeDisneyCruise]

Please add us to the roll call!

We'll be doing a back to back with the August 29th cruise!

We can't wait!

Sailing with us, all from Canada will be:

Trisha
Ben
Alexandra 4
Zachary 2

Anne
Glenn
Samantha 4
Phillip 2

Any word on organizing a roll call for Fish Extenders?

[UGAFan0829]

Please add us to the roll call!

We'll be doing a back to back with the August 29th cruise!

We can't wait!

Sailing with us, all from Canada will be:

Trisha
Ben
Alexandra 4
Zachary 2

Anne
Glenn
Samantha 4
Phillip 2

Any word on organizing a roll call for Fish Extenders?

Welcome!!:welcome: :sail:
How lucky are you, doing 2 cruises, back to back! I bet it's going to be an awesome trip for you.

I don't think anyone has mentioned anything about Fish Extenders. I've seen them mentioned lots here on the boards, but I really don't understand them!

[aussieinvasion]

Welcome EyeDisneyCruise !!! Great to have you join our growing group:yay:
Being that this is my first cruise, I have no idea what a Fish Extender is. Would you mind please explaining to this newbie???
:dance3:

[ibela]

Please add us to the roll call!

We'll be doing a back to back with the August 29th cruise!

We can't wait!

Sailing with us, all from Canada will be:

Trisha
Ben
Alexandra 4
Zachary 2

Anne
Glenn
Samantha 4
Phillip 2

Any word on organizing a roll call for Fish Extenders?

Welcome!! 2 7-day cruises back to back sounds :cloud9:

My little girl will be 3 so looks like our girls will all be in the kids club together.

Welcome EyeDisneyCruise !!! Great to have you join our growing group:yay:
Being that this is my first cruise, I have no idea what a Fish Extender is. Would you mind please explaining to this newbie???
:dance3:

Fish extender is right outside each cabin. On my 1st cruise we didn't do fish extender gifts but did make little goodie bags for the kids. No idea what goes in the fish extenders - stuff the whole family can use??

[aussieinvasion]

So is it something that you stick on the stateroom door then? Some sort of decoration, Im guessing?
Anyone got a picture of one? Sorry to sound like such a dummy, this is all new to me:rolleyes1 :laughing:
Wow, you're right Irene about the girls - with mine does that make 4 girls about the same age now? Correct me if Im wrong anybody and if there's more, Im starting to lose track:laughing:
Well we ended up adding the REAS package to our booking last week, I think it was $359. I know this is waaaay early but I managed to pick up the kids pirate costumes here on the weekend for $7 each, thats the full outfit. Im pretty happy about it, and being that they are so small they wont take up much room in the suitcase. Did I read somewhere that you have to be careful about what sort of accessories you bring?? ie no fake swords etc? Not that I have any, just checking.

[ibela]

So is it something that you stick on the stateroom door then? Some sort of decoration, Im guessing?
Anyone got a picture of one? Sorry to sound like such a dummy, this is all new to me:rolleyes1 :laughing:
Wow, you're right Irene about the girls - with mine does that make 4 girls about the same age now? Correct me if Im wrong anybody and if there's more, Im starting to lose track:laughing:
Well we ended up adding the REAS package to our booking last week, I think it was $359. I know this is waaaay early but I managed to pick up the kids pirate costumes here on the weekend for $7 each, thats the full outfit. Im pretty happy about it, and being that they are so small they wont take up much room in the suitcase. Did I read somewhere that you have to be careful about what sort of accessories you bring?? ie no fake swords etc? Not that I have any, just checking.

The fish extender is right outside your door, think of it as an open mailbox. I got my DVC 'mail' in there. :goodvibes

I know it may be a lot of trouble but do you want to include ages of guests on the first page?

I'll admit it, I plan on keeping an eye open for pirate costumes after Halloween this year. No one else gets how I can plan this stuff so far in advance. I don't get how they can NOT want to plan so far in advance? :confused3

And yep! No plastic swords because that can be dangerous. Interestingly enough, on my last cruise a DISer got his taken away but then was able to purchase almost the exact same thing on board . . . :headache:

I'm trying to get a friend of mine to come sail with us (and her dh and twins which will be 2). She really wants to go but needs to talk her dh into it, we're both keeping our fingers crossed!

[aussieinvasion]

So is the idea to give things to each other in the fish extenders then?
Ok, I can add the ages no problems. Just the kids? or all of us?
Hubby thinks Im crazy for buying the kids costumes so early:rotfl: ...now Ive just got to find ours.
That will be fun if you could get your friend to come too. Have they ever sailed before? Our little group is growing bigger and bigger.....:cheer2:

[aussieinvasion]

Ok, Ive updated the first page guys to include our names and some ages. Anyone else wanting to 'fess up their age, just let me know and I will add it:rotfl2: Kvoit and Tymatt, I dont have your names so if you wanted me to add it on there just let me know.
Anyone else's details I have forgotten just message me and I will add it.:flower3:

[ibela]

So is the idea to give things to each other in the fish extenders then?
Ok, I can add the ages no problems. Just the kids? or all of us?
Hubby thinks Im crazy for buying the kids costumes so early:rotfl: ...now Ive just got to find ours.
That will be fun if you could get your friend to come too. Have they ever sailed before? Our little group is growing bigger and bigger.....:cheer2:

Thanks for adding the extra info!

I'll be . . . argh, Monday mornings . . . I'll be 32, Erik will be 33, DD is Fallon, and 'Baby' will be under 1. So far looks like we're all similar in age. And if my friend comes, this would be her first cruise ever!

We bought DD her costume for Halloween this year because we saw it at a good price, actually hubs saw it and she wanted it so he bought it for her. Sam's Club was having Disney costumes for $20 each so she will be Tinkerbell this year. I thought Cinderella would be more fun but she chose it and she's the one that needs to wear it! (First she chose it, then she said she wanted one of each including Cinderella, Snow White, and Ariel too. :lmao:

[aussieinvasion]

Thanks Irene and Missy, have updated the details..... wow, isnt that funny the three of us are so close in age:thumbsup2
How are things going with the baby, Irene? How far to go now? Whats Sam's Club? Is it like Target? We have Target here which I know you guys have because its always mentioned on Oprah :rotfl:
We havent bought any princess costumes yet. Im holding out on that and my DS tux which Im hoping to pick up cheap on ebay or something. I thought it would be like pulling hens teeth to get DH into a pirate costume but he's told me he would as long as its the Jack Sparrow look. :banana: Are all of you adults dressing up for pirate night, too?

[UGAFan0829]

Are all of you adults dressing up for pirate night, too?

I was going to ask the same thing. The DH and I and the DSIL were just talking about Pirate Night this past weekend. She didn't realize that there was such a thing. So I'm not sure if she and the DN will want to dress up or not. If they go for it, then the DH and I will too. I just don't want them to feel left out or like they have to dress up, so I'm gonna leave that up to them!!

[ibela]

:eek: Thanks Irene and Missy, have updated the details..... wow, isnt that funny the three of us are so close in age:thumbsup2
How are things going with the baby, Irene? How far to go now? Whats Sam's Club? Is it like Target? We have Target here which I know you guys have because its always mentioned on Oprah :rotfl:
We havent bought any princess costumes yet. Im holding out on that and my DS tux which Im hoping to pick up cheap on ebay or something. I thought it would be like pulling hens teeth to get DH into a pirate costume but he's told me he would as long as its the Jack Sparrow look. :banana: Are all of you adults dressing up for pirate night, too?

:rotfl: at the Target on Oprah comment, yet we have Target! Sam's Club is very similar except that they sell everything in BULK and you need to have an annual membership to shop there. We have one very close to our home and get some great buys there (just this past weekend my other half went for essentials like milk and eggs and came home with a tv too! :eek:

Things with the baby are good, thanks. I'm 6 1/2 months now (and this kid to be already has 2 vacations planned - this cruise and I just waitlisted for a timeshare exchange at Atlantis in the Bahamas) so it's exciting!

I was going to ask the same thing. The DH and I and the DSIL were just talking about Pirate Night this past weekend. She didn't realize that there was such a thing. So I'm not sure if she and the DN will want to dress up or not. If they go for it, then the DH and I will too. I just don't want them to feel left out or like they have to dress up, so I'm gonna leave that up to them!!

For pirate night we all wore our bandanas. I tried to wear a 'pirate-like' shirt but not quite as it was part of my regular wardrobe and definitely not costumey. At most, 1/2 of the crowd was dressed up. It looked cool but they definitely stood out, I'd say 85% wore their bandanas though - at least for the party (we wore ours during dinner too).

[aussieinvasion]

Things with the baby are good, thanks. I'm 6 1/2 months now (and this kid to be already has 2 vacations planned - this cruise and I just waitlisted for a timeshare exchange at Atlantis in the Bahamas) so it's exciting!

Wow, I cant believe you're that far already. Time has gone so quickly! This baby is one lucky kid, with all these wonderful holidays planned:)



For pirate night we all wore our bandanas. I tried to wear a 'pirate-like' shirt but not quite as it was part of my regular wardrobe and definitely not costumey. At most, 1/2 of the crowd was dressed up. It looked cool but they definitely stood out, I'd say 85% wore their bandanas though - at least for the party (we wore ours during dinner too).


Ok, Im really on the fence about us adults dressing up now. On the one hand, its our DD birthday on that day and we want to make it special for her and get into the spirit of things but on the other hand I just know when Jay see's that not everyone will be dressing up he'll probably feel a bit silly. Hmmmm, what to do.

[ibela]

Ok, Im really on the fence about us adults dressing up now. On the one hand, its our DD birthday on that day and we want to make it special for her and get into the spirit of things but on the other hand I just know when Jay see's that not everyone will be dressing up he'll probably feel a bit silly. Hmmmm, what to do.

If you want to dress up then I think you should! There will be other people dressed up, just not everyone. Same as formal night - just because everyone doesn't dress up doesn't mean I won't (and make dh dress up too, lol).

[aussieinvasion]

Ok, why not. I really think it is the right thing to do for my DD to celebrate her birthday and it will definately make it more memorable and its not like we will have the opportunity to cruise DCL again, well not for a very long time at least:sad1: If it wasnt for the expense of the airfares, I might have been able to convince DH to book again. Maybe if we win the lotto....:rotfl:

Im waiting for the airfares to be released... dreading it because of the money aspect, but anxiously waiting on it to satisfy the planner in me:) At this stage looks like us adults will be about $2500 each and the kids about $2000 each. Very scary:scared1: :eek:

[NYCDisneylovers]

Hi all,

Just got back from our RC cruise, and our few day in Animal Kingdom we all had a awasome time. We have 1 more cruise planned before this cruise. But we are all looking forward to meeting you all.

[ibela]

Ok, why not. I really think it is the right thing to do for my DD to celebrate her birthday and it will definately make it more memorable and its not like we will have the opportunity to cruise DCL again, well not for a very long time at least:sad1: If it wasnt for the expense of the airfares, I might have been able to convince DH to book again. Maybe if we win the lotto....:rotfl:

Im waiting for the airfares to be released... dreading it because of the money aspect, but anxiously waiting on it to satisfy the planner in me:) At this stage looks like us adults will be about $2500 each and the kids about $2000 each. Very scary:scared1: :eek:

:scared1: That can't be the best rate, right?! What about miles from a credit card or something? :scared:

Hi all,

Just got back from our RC cruise, and our few day in Animal Kingdom we all had a awasome time. We have 1 more cruise planned before this cruise. But we are all looking forward to meeting you all.

Welcome back! Which ports did you go to?

[ibela]

The cruise is exactly 1 year from tomorrow! :upsidedow

[UGAFan0829]

Woohoo! One year from today!! :banana:
I can't believe that it was all the way back in December that this thread was started! I guess posting here and talking about the trip with everyone really does help pass the time!!
Hope everyone is doing well!!

[kasidak]

I can't believe one year from today! I hope the weather cooperates for us. ;)

[UGAFan0829]

I hope the weather cooperates for us. ;)

The DH and I were just talking about that the other night. After all the hurriances that we've had this year, I think he's a little nervous about it being the same way next year. He asked me what would happen if one were to come about before our cruise. I told him that Disney watches the weather VERY closely, and that if need be, we would probably change our routes, which means that we may end up in different ports. I don't know if it reassured him any, but it made me worry a little as well!:eek:

[kvoit]

It's been a while since I been on thread. I am glad to see that we have had more join us. A request came in for our ages.
Kurt 37
Laurie 36
No children
Is anyone else traveling with no kids? This is our first cruise and for someone who is not a big kid lover some think I am crazy but after doing the comparision shopping we liked what disney offered. Everyone, our cruise is less than a year away!!! :banana:

[UGAFan0829]

It's been a while since I been on thread. I am glad to see that we have had more join us. A request came in for our ages.
Kurt 37
Laurie 36
No children
Is anyone else traveling with no kids? This is our first cruise and for someone who is not a big kid lover some think I am crazy but after doing the comparision shopping we liked what disney offered. Everyone, our cruise is less than a year away!!! :banana:

Our group is going to be the DH, myself, DSIL, and DNiece (who's 23), so no kids for us either.

[aussieinvasion]

[QUOTE=ibela;27356051]:scared1: That can't be the best rate, right?! What about miles from a credit card or something? :scared:



Yep, sorry to say that IS the special rate. Mileage rewards over here in Aus are not very good at all so we would not qualify for any free or discounted travel with that. Very,very scary.... :scared1:

Well I was moving house when we reached our 1 year to go milestone! Just got everything unpacked and back online. Cant believe its less than a year away now! I kept saying to hubby, this time next year we'll be in boarding, this time next year we'll be in Key West etc etc.....
Thanks Kurt for updating me with your details, will add it now:flower3:

[aussieinvasion]

Anyone get the email about the new taxes or surcharges? Anyone know what these are yet?

[ibela]

Anyone get the email about the new taxes or surcharges? Anyone know what these are yet?

No but if the cruise is already paid for, I don't think they charge you additional fees.

[aussieinvasion]

The thing Im wondering is that we added on the REAS package and now there is an additional amount on our booking we haven't paid for. We paid the balance off earlier in the year but now there is an outstanding amount. Hmmm, I guess time will tell:confused3

[mom2tcdx2]

Hi, I booked this cruise for my BF and myself for next year. His birthday is Sept. 5. This past August I took him to Disney World for the first time and he loved it. He knows I have a cruise booked for his birthday but he doesn't know what ship. My kids will hate me though as they are not coming along, but I myself am a huge Disney fanatic. However unknown to my kids we booked a 4/3 package for Thanksgiving so they will get a 4 day cruise then - that will be a wonderful surprise.

[aussieinvasion]

Hi mom2tcdx2,

Welcome welcome welcome:dance3:
Great to have you onboard. Your BF is a very lucky guy!! He's going to get an awesome surprise. If you give me your deets I'll pop your names on the front page. We're a friendly little group. :)
Have you cruised DCL before, or will this be your first time?

[ibela]

The thing Im wondering is that we added on the REAS package and now there is an additional amount on our booking we haven't paid for. We paid the balance off earlier in the year but now there is an outstanding amount. Hmmm, I guess time will tell:confused3

Well if it were up to me, I certainly wouldn't add on extra fees. It's an add-on package, the cruise is technically still fully paid up . . .

Hi, I booked this cruise for my BF and myself for next year. His birthday is Sept. 5. This past August I took him to Disney World for the first time and he loved it. He knows I have a cruise booked for his birthday but he doesn't know what ship. My kids will hate me though as they are not coming along, but I myself am a huge Disney fanatic. However unknown to my kids we booked a 4/3 package for Thanksgiving so they will get a 4 day cruise then - that will be a wonderful surprise.

Welcome aboard!

[UGAFan0829]

Hi, I booked this cruise for my BF and myself for next year. His birthday is Sept. 5. This past August I took him to Disney World for the first time and he loved it. He knows I have a cruise booked for his birthday but he doesn't know what ship. My kids will hate me though as they are not coming along, but I myself am a huge Disney fanatic. However unknown to my kids we booked a 4/3 package for Thanksgiving so they will get a 4 day cruise then - that will be a wonderful surprise.

Welcome!:welcome: So glad to have you as part of our group!!
I am very jealous that you are getting to sail on the Wonder in a little over a month! You'll definitely have to let us know how it is!!!

[ibela]

So what do you guys think of the 2010 itineraries? Anyone planning anything? I'm personally not going to Europe with 2 little ones until they're MUCH older and can appreciate/keep up with their surroundings but it sounds on the main board like many are.

[UGAFan0829]

I think it has created a lot of talk, that's for sure!!! I don't think the DH and I would really have any interest in the European ports, and I know for sure that we couldn't afford it anyway!!!

[ibela]

I think it has created a lot of talk, that's for sure!!! I don't think the DH and I would really have any interest in the European ports, and I know for sure that we couldn't afford it anyway!!!

No kidding, have you SEEN some of the quoted prices on the main board?! :scared:

Not for nothing but if/when we do go on a European cruise, I'm pretty sure it won't be with DCL . . . :scared1:

[kvoit]

We agree the prices are a little high:confused: Ok, really high. We are considering the westbound transatlantic cruise. We will probably wait to see how the the cruise goes 9/5/09 (this will be our first cruise) and if all goes well, we will book it on board.

[aussieinvasion]

When Jay saw the 2010 itineraries he was a bit upset, being that we'll only really get to do this once and thought the itineraries looked great. I agree with you Irene though. Not until kiddies are older. Much older:rotfl2: We liked the look of the transatlantic too kvoit....its nice to dream:cloud9: Thats about as close as we'll get Im afraid.
We went to the UK and Italy for our honeymoon though, so I cant really complain. Maybe thats why Jay's upset, he knows what we'll be missing out on:rolleyes:
Booked our flights to LA last week and got to book the LA to Orlando portion soon but they arent released here yet in Aus. Just to LA it was $2200 for us adults. That was very scary:scared1: The aussie dollar has taken a total dive. We've lost 30 cents in the dollar, so we'll really have to watch it now with paying off our WDW part of the trip. I guess its the ripple affect from whats happening over there with you guys.
Can any of you guys recommend a cheap good domestic airline? You have such a choice over there. We only have 3 carriers.

[ibela]

I thought the transatlantic cruises were actually priced well, it's all the others that are out of hand. Including the 5 night cruises which cost as much as the 7 nights in 2009!

Southwest is a good domestic one (I've heard). Why not go to one of those travelocity or hotwire or expedia or something and see what flights you get. We like Continental, they have a lot of direct flights.

[aussieinvasion]

Thanks for the tip:flower3: I went on to travelocity and had a look. American Airlines seem to have some good direct flights. Im a little worried though that the return flight will be ok. It departs at 1.20 pm. Does anyone think that is risking missing the flight if we book it?

[Scottly83]

Thanks for the tip:flower3: I went on to travelocity and had a look. American Airlines seem to have some good direct flights. Im a little worried though that the return flight will be ok. It departs at 1.20 pm. Does anyone think that is risking missing the flight if we book it?
That my be cutting it a little close, if you dont mind getting up early to get off and be ready, you should have no problem. This will be my fourth cruise with disney and haven't had anything go wrong yet. However, it is disney so the lines for everything will be a bit lengthy.

I appologize if this is not how to reply to a post i'm new to DIS Boards

[ibela]

Thanks for the tip:flower3: I went on to travelocity and had a look. American Airlines seem to have some good direct flights. Im a little worried though that the return flight will be ok. It departs at 1.20 pm. Does anyone think that is risking missing the flight if we book it?

Sept is not a busy season, for domestic flights prices should get better a few months out. For us, I haven't even considered booking a flight. There will be plenty of flights and the prices will go down, at least that's the way it's been in the past. Personally, I'm holding off.

As for times - I think they say it has to be at least noon. We had a 12:30 flight and just made it because we did have delays but if they know you have a flight to catch they'll put you in the first group off (including your luggage).

That my be cutting it a little close, if you dont mind getting up early to get off and be ready, you should have no problem. This will be my fourth cruise with disney and haven't had anything go wrong yet. However, it is disney so the lines for everything will be a bit lengthy.

I appologize if this is not how to reply to a post i'm new to DIS Boards

Welcome! :cheer2:

[Scottly83]

So excited, Just booked our family's fourth Disney cruise on the magic. there wil be four of us. I'm hopeing it will be a good anniverary for them.
Pat(50)Janet(51)Scott(25)charlie(26)

[UGAFan0829]

So excited, Just booked our family's fourth Disney cruise on the magic. there wil be four of us. I'm hopeing it will be a good anniverary for them.
Pat(50)Janet(51)Scott(25)charlie(26)

Welcome!!:welcome: How exciting that this will be your 4th cruise on the Magic! Have you already done the Western? If so, I would love to hear your opinions on all the ports!

[Scottly83]

ibela, your right about that prices are deffinetly cheaper for some reason a few months out. It's probobly just me, but one would think that flights would be cheaper the further out you booked. thankfully they do run online specials as long as you catch them. We are also holding off.

[ibela]

September is hurricane season so prices will go down. Now if it was Thankgiving Week or Christmas Week . . . :scared1:

Welcome Scottly!

[aussieinvasion]

:dance3: Welcome Scottly83:dance3:

Thanks for the great tip guys, I'll hold off then. Amazing, I would have thought as you said Scottly that the further you book the cheaper it is. Suits me fine to hold off longer and give me a chance to save a bit more $$$$$. The poor Visa has taken a beating with our other airfares we just had to book.
Im so thankful that I have all of you wonderful people to sort me out with all of this:flower3: :grouphug:

[ibela]

So would you believe that I didn't realize up until last week that our cruise is over Labor Day weekend? According to trusty DIS sources though, still no reason to book flights now. I posted to ask on Transportation board and they said they got great deals about 2 months out!

I'm officially home waiting for the baby to come, just over 2 weeks away from my due date . . . sleepless nights here I come! :banana: :yay: lol

[UGAFan0829]

So would you believe that I didn't realize up until last week that our cruise is over Labor Day weekend? According to trusty DIS sources though, still no reason to book flights now. I posted to ask on Transportation board and they said they got great deals about 2 months out!

I'm officially home waiting for the baby to come, just over 2 weeks away from my due date . . . sleepless nights here I come! :banana: :yay: lol

Wow, I didn't even realize it either!!!! Too funny!
Good luck with waiting for the little one!:love:

[aussieinvasion]

Wow Irene I cant believe you only have two weeks to go!! That time has gone so quickly, although I bet not so much for you:goodvibes
Good luck in this last couple of weeks, I hope you get to cram in as much sleep as possible before the big event. If you disappear off the boards for a while we'll know its because your little one has arrived. Best of luck with the birth if I dont speak to you before then.:flower3: :flower3:

Is the labour day weekend a national holiday? Im assuming yes. Is it the first weekend of the cruise or the last weekend?

[UGAFan0829]

Is the labour day weekend a national holiday? Im assuming yes. Is it the first weekend of the cruise or the last weekend?

Labor Day is a holiday here...The actual day falls on Monday, the 7th, so that would make Labor Day weekend the first weekend of the cruise. Hope that makes sense! Now I'm really glad that we're going to Disney after the cruise, instead of before!

[UGAFan0829]

Wow, it's awful quiet here! Just wanted to check in and see how everyone's doing...and sending sweet baby thoughts to ibela!:lovestruc

We're only 290 days away y'all!!:thumbsup2

[aussieinvasion]

Hi Missy!!

It is verrrrryyy quiet here! Im wondering how ibela is going, or if there is a new little cruiser amongst us yet!! How exciting.
How is your planning going? You guys decided to book DW after the cruise didnt you?? Are you still planning on staying at Wilderness Lodge? We ended up booking 5 nights at Wilderness Lodge and 5 nights at Boardwalk Villas. Hanging out now until April to see if they are gonna offer free dining or a room discount for that time of year.
Well not much is happening here, just came back from an extra long weekend away to the beach and of course it rained most of the time:rolleyes: Didnt stop Jay and Travis going fishing though.
Have you guys thought about shore excursions yet? We have talked about it a bit and changed our minds so many times. I am driving Jay crazy with my obsessive talk about it all. Id love to hear your plans or anyone elses' popcorn::

[UGAFan0829]

Hi Missy!!

It is verrrrryyy quiet here! Im wondering how ibela is going, or if there is a new little cruiser amongst us yet!! How exciting.
How is your planning going? You guys decided to book DW after the cruise didnt you?? Are you still planning on staying at Wilderness Lodge? We ended up booking 5 nights at Wilderness Lodge and 5 nights at Boardwalk Villas. Hanging out now until April to see if they are gonna offer free dining or a room discount for that time of year.
Well not much is happening here, just came back from an extra long weekend away to the beach and of course it rained most of the time:rolleyes: Didnt stop Jay and Travis going fishing though.
Have you guys thought about shore excursions yet? We have talked about it a bit and changed our minds so many times. I am driving Jay crazy with my obsessive talk about it all. Id love to hear your plans or anyone elses' popcorn::

Hello, Mel!!:)
I just sat here and typed a long reply to you, and when I hit the submit button, my internet went haywire! That figures!!

Anyway...I think we are all anxious to hear from ibela! Maybe she will get a chance to post soon...but I am sure that her life is super busy right now. I'm sending her pixie dust though!:wizard:

We are planning to try and do Disney World after the cruise. I'm not 100% sure about that part of the trip yet, though. I've booked a package for us, staying at the Wildnerness Lodge, but I won't know until a few more months whether or not we'll actually be able to do it. The cruise is a definite though! The majority of my planning for Disney World consists of figuring out which parks we are going to on which days, and then what restaurants we'll eat when we're there. We know where we want to eat, it's just a matter of figuring out the parks to know when we'll be able to do it. I'm mainly waiting for Tour Guide Mike to release his crowd charts so that I can figure all that out.

I've not really made many plans for the cruise portion either. We're still trying to decide if we want to try Palo again. I've looked at the shore excurions a couple more times, and have been able to narrow it down a little more. In Key West, we're thinking of renting one of the little cars and touring the city on our own. We haven't made up our minds on Grand Cayman, but I'm leaning towards the Grand Cayman tour. The Jeep Tour sounds really fun for Cozumel, but I'm not 100% sure about it yet. I've read some good reviews about it though. And lastly, for Castaway Cay, we're planning on relaxing and hanging out at Serenity Bay for the day...maybe taking a bike ride around the island, but that's about it.

So what about you--how are your plans coming for both WDW and the cruise. I too like reading about others' plans!

I hate to hear that it rained on your beach getaway, but I'm sure that it was still nice to get away!

[ibela]

Wow Irene I cant believe you only have two weeks to go!! That time has gone so quickly, although I bet not so much for you:goodvibes
Good luck in this last couple of weeks, I hope you get to cram in as much sleep as possible before the big event. If you disappear off the boards for a while we'll know its because your little one has arrived. Best of luck with the birth if I dont speak to you before then.:flower3: :flower3:



Wow, it's awful quiet here! Just wanted to check in and see how everyone's doing...and sending sweet baby thoughts to ibela!:lovestruc

We're only 290 days away y'all!!:thumbsup2

Aww, thanks you guys! Unfortunately, this kid has NOT arrived yet!! I'll be the full 40 weeks this Sunday. I guess my belly must be comfortable because dd was 10 days late! :upsidedow

We're going to WDW too but are not planning on hitting the parks. We'll be staying at Saratoga Springs the night before and the night after and I plan on using ME and the DCL transfers for to and from WDW and the pier. I'm not planning on (m)any excursions, probably just beaches. We did swimming with stingrays on Grand Cayman years ago, not for me! Probably just go for a walk on Key West (or do that trolley tour) and haven't even thought about Cozumel yet!

[UGAFan0829]

Aww, thanks you guys! Unfortunately, this kid has NOT arrived yet!! I'll be the full 40 weeks this Sunday. I guess my belly must be comfortable because dd was 10 days late! :upsidedow

We're going to WDW too but are not planning on hitting the parks. We'll be staying at Saratoga Springs the night before and the night after and I plan on using ME and the DCL transfers for to and from WDW and the pier. I'm not planning on (m)any excursions, probably just beaches. We did swimming with stingrays on Grand Cayman years ago, not for me! Probably just go for a walk on Key West (or do that trolley tour) and haven't even thought about Cozumel yet!

It's good to hear from you, ibela! I'm disappointed that the little one isn't here yet! Maybe it will come soon...I am sure you are hoping so, too!;)

Did you not like the swimming with stringrays in Grand Cayman because of anything in particular, or did you just not like the stingrays? I'd love to know more of what you thought about it since we're *thinking* about it.

What do y'all think about the addition of Photopass? I think it's long overdue, and am very excited about it. I wonder if the Lifestyle portraits will be part of that as well?!

[aussieinvasion]

No baby yet eh??:confused3 I feel for you ibela, I remember that last week when I was pregnant with Amelia and the waiting seemed to drag on forever. Im not helping, am I ??!!:rotfl: I hope you have some good news soon and that baby arrives quickly and in good health, and to echo missy lots of sweet baby thoughts:lovestruc

Do you know what beach you're planning to go to in Cozumel? Its hard to know whats best. We were leaning towards Paradise Beach as there seems to be good reports but I noticed Playa Mia has a mini zoo and I thought that might be fun for the kids. Anyone done either?
Anyway, we thought we'd do that and the San Gervachio ruins if we have time. Ive looked at hiring a driver with Island Marketing but it works out to be about $60 per person for a private driver for 4 hours. We would see all the sights and choose our itinerary but not sure if we want to pay that for the four of us.

We were also thinking about doing the Stingrays in GC Missy, Im wondering if it will be worth it. We cant book the DCL excursion because of the age restriction for Amelia but Ive noticed lots of recommendations for Native Way Watersports and Moby Dick who will both allow us to take her. We were thinking of doing this or the semi-sub, I think its the Nautilus. It only goes for about an hour and then I thought we'd head out to the beach maybe. I am really confused as to what the best thing to do is.
Dont you hate it when you write an essay and then you lose it?? arrgghh so frustrating:sad2: Ive been thinking about ADR's too Missy. What are you guys planning? I know its a long shot but we are going to try for CRT for breakfast, our agent said she will try and book this for us. Can I ask a silly question? What or who is Tour guide Mike?

I was very intrigued to read about the Photopass. Its all still a little new to me but I get the general idea of the pass. At the end of your trip do you buy the pictures on a disk? I understand you need to give the photographers your photopass to add all of your photos to it but Im not sure what happens at the end of my trip.

Anyway, hope everyone is well. Im hoping the next few weeks will hurry with the lead up until Christmas. I need to get myself a ticker:dance3:

[UGAFan0829]

No baby yet eh??:confused3 I feel for you ibela, I remember that last week when I was pregnant with Amelia and the waiting seemed to drag on forever. Im not helping, am I ??!!:rotfl: I hope you have some good news soon and that baby arrives quickly and in good health, and to echo missy lots of sweet baby thoughts:lovestruc


We were also thinking about doing the Stingrays in GC Missy, Im wondering if it will be worth it. We cant book the DCL excursion because of the age restriction for Amelia but Ive noticed lots of recommendations for Native Way Watersports and Moby Dick who will both allow us to take her. We were thinking of doing this or the semi-sub, I think its the Nautilus.

Ive been thinking about ADR's too Missy. What are you guys planning? I know its a long shot but we are going to try for CRT for breakfast, our agent said she will try and book this for us. Can I ask a silly question? What or who is Tour guide Mike?

I was very intrigued to read about the Photopass. Its all still a little new to me but I get the general idea of the pass. At the end of your trip do you buy the pictures on a disk? I understand you need to give the photographers your photopass to add all of your photos to it but Im not sure what happens at the end of my trip.

I don't have any children myself, but my sister has 4, and I remember how uncomfortable she was at the end of all her pregnancies. Still sending pixie dust, ibela!:wizard:

I know what you mean about the stingrays, Mel. My DSIL has already mentioned to us that she definitely doesn't want to do it, so if we did decide to go for it, it would just be the DH and I. I'm hoping to be able to find some reviews of it so that I can get a better idea of whether it's something we want to try for or not.

I certainly hope that you get the ADR for CRT. I think that would be so awesome!!:thumbsup2 As far as what we're thinking about for ADR's, you may be sorry that you asked. (I love talking about these kind of things, if you can't tell!!::rolleyes1 )
'Ohana for breakfast AND dinner...I so want to see Lilo and Stitch, so I would love to eat there for breakfast.:stitch2: I think it would be a blast. And I have heard SO many great things about dinner, so we want to try that out as well.
Chef Mickeys...We've eaten there on both trips, but it's always been for dinner. We want to change it up a little next time and try it for breakfast.
Crystal Palace...This is another place that has become a tradition for us. We've only eaten breakfast there before, so we want to try it for dinner this time. I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but Pooh is my most favorite character, so eating there is a real treat for me!pooh: The DH likes it pretty good, too!
50's Prime Time...We had dinner there fore the first time on our last trip, and really liked it alot. I could probably do without it and try some place new, but the DH really wants to eat there again. I'm thinking that we may try it for lunch this time and then have something quick for dinner so that we can hopefully make it to Fantasmic since we've not been able to see it yet.
Whispering Canyon Cafe...We had breakfast there last year and really, really liked it. We also had an ADR for dinner, but ended up cancelling, so we want to try it for dinner again this time.
I think that's pretty much it. Of course that could change a lot between now and then, but that's what we're planning on now.

Tour Guide Mike is a great service that I love to use. Not everyone likes it, but it works great for me. You do have to pay for it to be able to access all the info, but to me it is well worth it. When you sign up, it will ask you several questions about your trip, like when you're going, where you staying, etc. Then once he publishes his calendars for each month, he will have a Crowds calendar. He tells you which parks are best to go to on each day, and which ones he thinks you should avoid. He also has specific touring plans for each park, as far as which ride he thinks you should go to first and then everything after that. I don't neccessarily follow that part, I just like to see his recommended parks for each day. I have used him for both our trips and loved it. I know that going in September is usually low crowds, but it makes it even nicer when you can avoid what crowds there are. They also have message boards there as well. And when you join, you'll gain access to the message boards that are specific to the month that you'll be traveling in. So you can chat with all the others who are going at the same time as you. You'll also get messages about anything special that might be happening while you're there, along with notifications about discounts and codes. Like I said, some people like it, some don't...I LOVE it!:love:

As far as Photopass, I think there are a couple of options for getting your pictures. I'm not sure if the cruise line will offer this as the parks do, but you have the option of pre-purchasing the CD. I did this last year, and it saved me a little bit of money. You basically go online and enter a code, and pay for the CD then. Then when you get home, all you have to do it edit any photos that you want to, and then put in the info from your pre-purchase and that's it...they mail the CD to you with all your images on it. If you don't want to pre-purchase, you can always wait and buy it once you get home. I think the only advantage to pre-purchasing it is that you save some money. At least that's how it was last year...I'm not sure if they will be doing the same when we cruise or not. Besides buying the CD, you can order prints of the photos that you want. This is how it works in the parks, and I am guessing that it will work the same way on the ship. I'm super excited that they're offering it on the ship now...I think it will make it a lot easier than before!

Sorry about writing a short novel here...but I could go on and on about Disney!:upsidedow

[aussieinvasion]

Hi Missy,

I LOVE hearing about your plans:love: Feel free to write more short novels haha. I dont know where to start except that I had to laugh when I read a lot of the ADR's you are planning we also had in mind. This is what we are thinking:
Whispering Canyon for Dinner on the night we check in to WL - It makes sense being that we are staying there.
CRT for breakfast hopefully during the first 5 days when we will be staying at WL and will be closer to Magic Kingdom.
Crystal Palace - My DS loves Pooh and sleeps with his Pooh toy every night since he was 6 months old. DD loves Tigger, wants the same Tigger story read to her every night. We are going for lunch being that I dont know how attentive they will be by the time dinner rolls around and we will hopefully already have the CRT ADR (crossing fingers).
'Ohana for Dinner. We intend to do this on one of our 'days off' from the parks and I cant guarantee we would make it over in time for breakfast.
Chef Mickeys - still up in the air about which meal to do. Im open to anyone's suggestions!!! Will probably do this on a 'day off' also :rotfl:
Hollywood and Vine Play & Dine - The kids adore Little Einsteins and I didnt see anything else that particularly caught my eye for when we are at Hollywood Studios. Another hopeful lunch ADR here. Can anyone tell me do they have other characters there? ie JoJo and Goliath from JoJo's Circus?
Spoodles - We'll probably book a dinner ADR for when we are staying at BWV. I would love to go to the Flying Fish Cafe but not sure how expensive it may get being that I saw its one of the signature restaurants.
As for the Epcot ADR's, this I am really struggling with. There are just so many choices and I know its likely we will probably get to Epcot on 2 days of the trip. Anyone want to throw in their two cents worth, I am happy to listenpopcorn::

As for the Grand Cayman excursions I was thinking maybe instead of doing the Stingrays we might head for the Turtle Farm with our little one's and just catch a taxi over after doing the semi-sub. Does anyone know if one of the main beaches is over near the Turtle Farm? I keep changing my mind, Im sure I will probably change it again before we go.

Tour Guide Mike sounds great Missy. When do you get the info? Im guessing you need to wait until the park hours are released? If you get the jump on that info then it would be excellent in planning for your ADR's and such.

As for the Photopass, it got me thinking. Being that I am here in Australia I probably wont be able to get the CD sent out to me, or at least I would not want to risk it. Im also wondering if there is some sort of release that has to be signed/paid for so that I am able to print the photos once I get home at my local photo printing place?? I guess I'll find this out when I talk to them at DW. I think I read somewhere there are a couple of shops for it in Magic Kingdom and at Epcot. Am I right? Anyone know if there is anywhere else to get the prints/CD?

My kids watched the planning DVD again today for the 50th time. Travis, my 4 year old DS just informed me he wants a massage at Castaway Cay:scared1: :laughing:

[UGAFan0829]

Hi Missy,

Chef Mickeys - still up in the air about which meal to do. Im open to anyone's suggestions!!! Will probably do this on a 'day off' also :rotfl:

As for the Epcot ADR's, this I am really struggling with. There are just so many choices and I know its likely we will probably get to Epcot on 2 days of the trip. Anyone want to throw in their two cents worth, I am happy to listenpopcorn::


Tour Guide Mike sounds great Missy. When do you get the info? Im guessing you need to wait until the park hours are released? If you get the jump on that info then it would be excellent in planning for your ADR's and such.

As for the Photopass, it got me thinking. Being that I am here in Australia I probably wont be able to get the CD sent out to me, or at least I would not want to risk it. Im also wondering if there is some sort of release that has to be signed/paid for so that I am able to print the photos once I get home at my local photo printing place?? I guess I'll find this out when I talk to them at DW. I think I read somewhere there are a couple of shops for it in Magic Kingdom and at Epcot. Am I right? Anyone know if there is anywhere else to get the prints/CD?

My kids watched the planning DVD again today for the 50th time. Travis, my 4 year old DS just informed me he wants a massage at Castaway Cay:scared1: :laughing:

In the past we have always done Chef Mickey's on one of our Epcot days. It's just easier for us to take the monorail over. As far as other Epcot restaurants, Le Cellier and Coral Reef are the first that come to mind. We had Le Cellier last year and really liked it. We haven't tried Coral Reef yet, but hope to eventually.

I believe you are correct about TGM...He usually does his crowds calendar shortly after Disney releases their park hours. Waiting for that is always one of the worst parts for me, cause until then, I can't make any solid decisions!

I believe that there may be places in each park for you to view/purchase your Photopass pics. As far as the release, I was just looking at my CD from last year, and this is what the back of the CD case reads:
"Purchase of this CD includes a copyright release allowing you to reproduce the image files in the sizes and quantities that you wish. The copyright release is contained as an image file on the CD. The image files is named DisneyCopyrightRelease.jpg and can be found in the Autorun folder on your CD. You may need to show this image file to your photo retailer in order to purchase prints of your images."

Hope this helps!
Too funny that your DS is asking for a massage! Too cute!

[ibela]

Wow you 2 have been quite the chatterboxes, lol! My due date, yesterday, came and went and I'm still pregnant. That's ok though, can't be TOO much longer now . . . :rolleyes1

I wasn't a big fan of the stingrays in GC, they're big and all around and kinda scared me. About 10 minutes after our guide insisted no one gets hurt from them, one swam by and scratched me and of course I had somehow jumped in its way? Anyway, it was back on the boat for me but everyone else enjoyed themselves. And not for nothing but didn't that nature guy Steve something die from being stung by a stingray?? Not for me!!

Ooh, that beach with the mini zoo sounds nice, maybe I'll look into that.

I had our pre-trip all planned to stay at Animal Kingdom and was going to do an ADR at Boma to try it for the first time, but then we got developer points for SSR (for our BLT add-on through DVC) so that's why the switch so now I'm not planning on ADRs, just hitting DTD or something instead.

Tour Guide Mike gets mixed press around here. Honestly, we're not going to be there at a peak time so I'm not sure how much it's really needed. A lot of people also use the unofficial guide, they post their calendars for free 1 month out so I just planned my days around that and it was great when we went in May. I'm no expert though, just my 2 cents.

I'm excited about Photopass being added. I had pre-ordered the CD too and it was great. I spent a lot more on the package on our first cruise, they got some great shots and we just didn't want to say no! I'm pretty sure I'll pre-order the CD again, especially if we can add the WDW trips to it.

Btw, you can pre-order but I'm not sure if the shipping will be included to Australia as it is to the US, I believe someone before said it was still included to the UK but worst case you pay shipping costs, you'll still be able to pre-order the CD for the $99.95! :thumbsup2

Oh, regarding ADRs, we went to Crystal Palace for lunch and though it was great. Enjoy!

[aussieinvasion]

Hi Ibela!!

Just saw your post, any news yet??? Ive been a bit of a slacker and not been on here for a little while.

Steve Irwin did die from a Stingray Barb which was in his chest I believe, although I read on the website for Native Way Watersports they have a write up about it saying that the Stingrays there are very tame and not like the one Steve encountered but after you said you got scratched it did make me second guess it a bit. I am still on the fence:confused3

Someone reported that there have been some price drops lately, although I dont know if its for our cruise. Im about to check:thumbsup2

I am so glad to hear the great review about Crystal Palace, Im really hoping to get in there.

[ibela]

We have a new cruiser! My son Asher was born on 11/29.

Just popped on to post that. Chat with you soon!

[aussieinvasion]

:dance3: CONGRATULATIONS!!!:dance3:

Welcome new little cruiser Asher. Love the name, Irene. Hope all is going well with you, and your new little sweet bundle. :cloud9:

Enjoy every single second:flower3:

[UGAFan0829]

:cheer2: party: Congrats, ibela! How exciting. I agree with Mel...I love the name Asher!!!:lovestruc

[aussieinvasion]

Hey guys, just hoping for some advice and wondering if someone has any idea but just regarding airfares again if you guys think LAX to MCO for $189 pp each way is a fair price? Thats with American.

Thanks, hope everyone is well:cutie:

[ibela]

Mel, I think that's a great price from LAX to MCO.

Oh, and in Cozumel I think we're going to do a Dolphin Experience at Chankanaab. I kinda settled on that about 2 weeks ago before the excitement, I already told the big little one and she'd excited. If you do it on your own the min age is 1 and kids under 5 are free, btw.

[aussieinvasion]

Thanks for the tip Irene, I ended up booking it. I thought it sounded like a pretty good deal but just wanted to see what you guys thought. Im a little confused though and hoping someone could clarify for me. Over here when you book a flight online you dont check in 24 hours prior, we just show up with our confirmation and photo ID. Can I still do that? Ive seen mention of checking in 24 hours prior after receiving an email or something to that effect.

Hey, I didnt know that about Chankanaab!! That might be the way to go, correct me if Im wrong but dont they have a replica of all the famous ruins there? Im definately going to check that out. Awesome, thanks so much for the tip:banana:

Hope everyone is well. It is crazy at the shop here in the lead up to Christmas, and has been for a few weeks now. Its been quite hot, up to 37 degrees celcius which adds to all the fun of fighting for a carpark and the Christmas crowds:santa:

[aussieinvasion]

:santa: MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!:santa:

I hope you all have a lovely holiday with your loved one's.

[UGAFan0829]

Just checking in...I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas! :santa:
The days are slowly counting down, little by little...Only 249 left!:thumbsup2

[ibela]

Happy holidays to everyone! Only 249 days left, thanks for the countdown. It's something I'm always lazy to look up and track but I'll try . . . :goodvibes

I don't think Chankanaab has any ruins, different excursion!

Anyone have any grand New Years resolutions?

[UGAFan0829]

My resolution isn't huge, but it's something I've wanted to do for a long time--To start running. The DH and I have a little training book that we're going to use that will hopefully prepare us to run some 5k's throughout the year...so we'll see how it goes.

What about everyone else?

[aussieinvasion]

I don't think Chankanaab has any ruins, different excursion!



I thought they had a miniature replica of the most famous ruins in Mexico? I could be mistaken, it just that I thought I read someone post that on here or maybe on cruisecritic.

Hows the little one going? I bet he has kept you on your toes over the Christmas and New Year:)

My resolution is the same every year, eat healthier and exercise more. I would love to lose some weight before the cruise because the thought of me in a swimsuit in public scares the life out of me:scared1: :rotfl2:
I wonder how possible this is going to be since we are going to DW for 10 days immediately before the cruise :rotfl:

[ibela]

Hows the little one going? I bet he has kept you on your toes over the Christmas and New Year:)

He sure has, I can't believe a month has already gone by! He's awesome. :love:


My resolution is the same every year, eat healthier and exercise more. I would love to lose some weight before the cruise because the thought of me in a swimsuit in public scares the life out of me:scared1: :rotfl2:
I wonder how possible this is going to be since we are going to DW for 10 days immediately before the cruise :rotfl:


I'm sure it's POSSIBLE to lose and maintain the weight, just not fun. ;)

I need to lose some weight too, well before the cruise. I'm a bridesmaid in June and the dress is NOT a forgiving one. :scared:

[UGAFan0829]

Hello, everyone!
Just wanted to check in and see how everyone is!
We had a family dinner on Sunday night, and the DH and I talked to my DSIL and DNiece for a while about the cruise. We discussed driving down the morning before and getting a hotel close to port so that we can be up bright and early the day that we embark. My DNiece wants to check out Cocoa Beach while we're there, so that will be something fun to do the night before. We also talked about our shore excursions, but haven't decided on anything final. They also told us that they are gonna dress up for Pirate Night! I'm excited about that since I wasn't sure if they wanted to or not! Now the DH and I have to find something to wear! Talking about it with them got me so excited and now I'm really in the planning mood. I started a checklist of all the things that I need to get done soon, like getting our passports, reserving a hotel for the night before, finding something to wear for Pirate Night, etc! I can't believe that we are only 234 days away. I remember when we first booked the cruise that it seemed so far away, but now that it's 2009, it's starting to look closer and closer!!!
Have any of you thought about doing a Pre-TR or TR? I know it's still early, but I love to write, especially about Disney, so I was thinking about doing a TR. I'll let ya know when/if I get it started!
Well, I guess that's enough rambling for now. I hope everyone had a great New Years!

[TLHB70]

:wave:
We just booked! We will be there! We have a family of four -- DH, DD (age 14), DD (age 10 but will turn 11 on the cruise), and me.

We will be sailing with our friends. They have a DH, DW, and DD (age 13).

I just found the thread so I have to go back and read posts to see what other DISers we are sailing with.

We can't wait! :cool1:

[UGAFan0829]

Welcome, TLHB70!!!:wave: :welcome:
It's exciting to have someone else join our little group!!! And I am sure that your DS is excited about having his birthday onboard! My DSIL will also be celebrating during our cruise!!:cheer2:

[UGAFan0829]

I also forgot to mention that I've officially started my Pre-TR!!:thumbsup2 It's nothing exciting so far, but if you're like me, it helps to pass the time between now and our cruise!:moped:

[TLHB70]

Thanks! I will have to check it out.
I am now in the official research stage. I am trying to learn everything I can about our ports and what we should see. Our last Disney cruise was the eastern so we are having to start from scratch with research.
My DH and his friend would like to go diving and/or fishing. Does anyone know of a reputable dive company and/or fishing guide?

[aussieinvasion]

:cheer2: WELCOME WELCOME TLHB70:cheer2: :wave2:

I cant believe Ive been such a slacker and not been on here for a whole week to see your post!!! I'll have to snap right out of that! A week without the Disboard, what am I thinking? :upsidedow :blush:
Great to have you joining us. There seems to be a few of us on here now with birthdays and the like happening. My DD will be turning 3 the day we are in Cozumel. Cant help with the fishing/diving recommendation Im afraid.
Are you a newbie to the Disboards? I love love love your ticker by the way.

Missy I cant wait to read your Pre-TR!!:hyper: So glad to hear that DSIL and DN decided to dress up for pirate night. I havent got our costumes yet for Jay and I but I have the kids one's which I picked up here for $6 each. I thought that was a bargain.

[UGAFan0829]

:cheer2: WELCOME WELCOME TLHB70:cheer2: :wave2:

I cant believe Ive been such a slacker and not been on here for a whole week to see your post!!! I'll have to snap right out of that! A week without the Disboard, what am I thinking? :upsidedow :blush:
Great to have you joining us. There seems to be a few of us on here now with birthdays and the like happening. My DD will be turning 3 the day we are in Cozumel. Cant help with the fishing/diving recommendation Im afraid.
Are you a newbie to the Disboards? I love love love your ticker by the way.

Missy I cant wait to read your Pre-TR!!:hyper: So glad to hear that DSIL and DN decided to dress up for pirate night. I havent got our costumes yet for Jay and I but I have the kids one's which I picked up here for $6 each. I thought that was a bargain.

I've been wondering where you've been lately, Mel!;) Doesn't it stink when life gets in the way of the DIS?!
I think our whole cruise is going to be one BIG celebration!!:cheer2:
I'd love to hear more about your pirate costumes. I still haven't decided just how "dressed" up we're going to get. The DSIL and DN are just going with a blue and white striped top, khaki capris, the big earrings and a bandana. I think it will look cute! I've been looking for some kind of "pirate themed" shirt to wear, but haven't had any luck!

[TLHB70]

:cheer2: WELCOME WELCOME TLHB70:cheer2: :wave2:

I cant believe Ive been such a slacker and not been on here for a whole week to see your post!!! I'll have to snap right out of that! A week without the Disboard, what am I thinking? :upsidedow :blush:
Great to have you joining us. There seems to be a few of us on here now with birthdays and the like happening. My DD will be turning 3 the day we are in Cozumel. Cant help with the fishing/diving recommendation Im afraid.
Are you a newbie to the Disboards? I love love love your ticker by the way.

Missy I cant wait to read your Pre-TR!!:hyper: So glad to hear that DSIL and DN decided to dress up for pirate night. I havent got our costumes yet for Jay and I but I have the kids one's which I picked up here for $6 each. I thought that was a bargain.

:wave:
No, I am not a newbie. We usually go to WDW once a year unless we are taking a cruise. We have done 2 DCL cruises previously; this will be our third. I am typically on the DIS daily, usually in the morning before school. I usually hang out on the theme parks board, community board, family board (homeschool thread), and cruise board.
My two DDs dressed up for pirate night on our last cruise. (It was the eastern.) DH and I just wore white shirts and black pants.
I have a short video of our cruise pictures if you would like to see it. You will be able to see DDs pirate costumes there.
http://www.jumpcut.com/view?id=3E9F2B466C5211DC90BA000423CF381C

[aussieinvasion]

Doh! I cant believe how silly I am, I just saw your number of posts!! How did I miss that?? Must have been all the excitement yesterday and I typed away without looking, which often happens:blush: Id love to see the cruise pictures and will do after this. I am such a noob myself I dont even know how to put a picture up yet, but I'll do my best to describe my kids costumes. Travis has black and white striped frayed pants with a red sash and a white pirate shirt with black lacing at the front and Amelia has a black and white striped frayed skirt with a red sash and a white top with thin straps. Both have a red bandana I think to wear on their heads.
DH wants to go for more of the POTC look so I'll have to look around for a bargain I feel. Its hard because we dont really have halloween over here so there is never really a good time that we are certain to pick up a good buy.

[TLHB70]

DH wants to go for more of the POTC look so I'll have to look around for a bargain I feel. Its hard because we dont really have halloween over here so there is never really a good time that we are certain to pick up a good buy.

Wow. That is so great that your DH wants to dress up! I have to be honest..........DH will never dress up! He is all for me buying the costumes for our DDs. He would even support me dressing up. However, he would never dress up.

[aussieinvasion]

Well I admit I am probably guilty of making him believe that everyone does it:blush: :rotfl: ... is that bad? He has mainly agreed to make an effort for the sake of our DD whose birthday it is on that day, but he is proving to be pretty fussy with the style of costume now. Lucky we have just a little bit of time to look around:rolleyes: :rotfl:
Are you planning to spend any time at DW before or after the cruise?