8/31/08 Wonder - Who's sailing

[Tigger98]

Just wanting to know who will be on board the Wonder for the 8/31/08 cruise?

[Tigger98]

I guess if no one is cruising - we get the ship to ourselves. ;)

[dennismcneely]

Hey Tigger98,

We'll be on board the Wonder on August 31st 2008, so you,ll need to share the ship with at least 7 more :-). Four adults, and three beautiful girls 1 teen (18) and 2 girls (6, 10). We are all first time cruisers and hope to have lots of fun.

[dennismcneely]

Anybody else sailing on the Wonder on August 31st, 2008?

[Tigger98]

We (DH, DS 10 and me) won't mind sharing the ship. You will enjoy it. Our first cruise was in April 07 (land/sea). On that trip, there was 13 of us. My sister turned 40 and wanted to be on a Disney Cruise. It was a great family reunion!

[Tigger98]

Dennismcneely, let me know if you have any questions - I will be glad to help you out.

[dennismcneely]

Thank you!

I probably will need to ask a few questions.

your help is really appreciated.

Dennis

[DisneyCrazy915]

Hey everyone, all two of you :wave2:

We're going on this cruise too!! I'm super excited, it will be our third Disney cruise. We, Me-19, as of Aug 31st 16 days short of 20, DMom, and DDad, who are age sensitive :lmao: and my mom's best friend from Japan and his DS- 12 or 13, I can't remember. So that's five more!!

BTW, did anyone notice that our itinerary is different than the regular 4-nighter. It's Nassau, Day at Sea, Castaway Cay, instead Nassau, Castaway Cay, Day at Sea. I wonder why that is, or did I read it wrong :confused:

[dennismcneely]

Hey!

Glad to know that more DISers will be on board.

You are right! I got our confirmation receipt yesterday, but I didn't realize that as you said our itinerary is a bit different from the regular 4 night cruise. According to our reservation receipt our itinerary is the following:

SUNDAY - PORT CANAVERAL
MONDAY - NASSAU
TUESDAY - SEA
WEDNESDAY - CASTAWAY CAY
THURSDAY - PORT CANAVERAL

Who knows, maybe the "MAGIC" will be at Castaway Cay That Tuesday.

By the way my beautiful niece Alba(18) will be on board with us, she is always looking forward to making new friends, she is from Spain but does speak English pretty well. She is a bit worried because she doesn't know
what to do while on board, I mean that she won't be allowed to join The Stack, (because she is too old), but she is also too young to enjoy adult activities. Since this will be your third cruise, you may have any suggestions for her.



Take Care

Dennis

[Tigger98]

I asked that question early on. I was informed that the Magic will be back from the West Coast and heading out for a special 5 night cruise. They will be at CC on Tues.

I am hoping that we might get to see it while out on the water?

I wish I could give suggestions on your niece, but my son is only 10 and my Nephew (who came with us last year) was 21. However, I will poke around for you and see if I can find anything.

[DisneyCrazy915]

That would really neat if we got to see the Magic in CC :cool1:

As for suggestions for you niece, there isn't oodles to do when your b/w 18-21. I usually see a couple movies, go to see the shows, sit up on deck by the adult pool since it's a little quieter, maybe I'll go to one of the clubs later on, and of course eat popcorn:: after all it is a cruise

Diversions has a couple different board games that I usually wind up playing with my mom and her BF, since we're all board game lovers. It's also nice b/c there's usually no one in there during the day, so it's quite and air-conditioned :thumbsup2

We also do some of the family activities together. The 12 yr old in our group is a ping pong champ, so I'll play with him and be beat bad

Nassau, my mom and I spend as much time as we can shopping, while the boys head back to the ship after an hour:laughing: although we might go to atlantis this time

On CC we all stick to the family beach, do the banana boat, rent bikes, snorkel, stuff like that. We're not to keen on the adult beach, not enough to do, but that's just us. The grouper game pavilion(i think that's what it's called) is a must for us also

Ok, I'll stop now, I can see I'm starting to ramble
I wouldn't worry though, your niece will find stuff to do. Every time I get on the ship I always think I'll be bored, but by the end you've gotta drag me off b/c I had so much fun.

P.S. The Stack is geared a little more for younger teens anyway. The first time we went I was 17 so I was young enough to go there. It was ok, but I wasn't crazy about it. If I was 14 or 15 I would've loved it. Anyway, my point is she's not missing much, IMO.

[dennismcneely]

Stephanie,

Thank you so much for your advice, I'm sure that my niece wil find the way of having fun while on the ship (she is good at that) she will also have extra work keeping her sister (10) and my DD Madison(6) entertained. We are spending 12 days in Orlando before our cruise so we will have enough time to have fun all together. We will be doing a lot of shopping too! that's what my niece loves the most!

BTW we were planning to book the Banana boat ride at CC, but it seems not to be available any longer according to this post.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1836587

Dennis

[DisneyCrazy915]

Yeah, I heard about the banana boat thing:sad2: I hope they can get another company or provider because it was fun.
Oh well maybe my mom and I will rent a catamaran this time, those have always looked like fun.

[Tigger98]

When you get onboard, there will be a "Nagavitor" in your room that will list what is going on on the ship that day. You will get one every night for the upcoming day.

I know that we missed a bit on our last cruise. We did see a movie, had a couples massage, and saw all the stage shows. Our son loves water and wanted to spend time in the pool and the arcade.

We will be driving down the Sat prior to sailing. We flew down last time, but we thought we could save $$$ by driving down.

[dennismcneely]

Sounds like a nice road trip, I once drove from Greer, SC (I have some relatives there) to Orlando, Fl and I remember we all enjoyed our trip across SC and GA. Unfortunately, although I am originally from Monroe, NC I am now living in Madrid (Spain), so I'm afraid our trip wil be a little bit harder than yours :). Anyways, we travel to the US every year so we are already used to long trips. The only thing I really hate about travelling from Europe is Jet-Lag, so hard to get over it!!

[Tigger98]

My DH and I are originally from southern Maryland. We drove to Orlando for our honeymoon in 94 and that was a very long trip. We normally will go back north to visit family (everyone is still north) and that trip is somewhere between 8-11 hours (Depending on where we are going).

I have never been to Europe. How does Spain compare?

[Monte Cristo]

Scoot over everyone, I hope there's room for a few more people here.

Wife, daughter and myself will be aboard. This will be our first cruise so it should be interesting.

I booked the cruise back in January and I just booked our flights this morning, we'll be flying in the night before. Haven't booked the hotel yet for Port Canaveral, does anyone have any opinions? I know there aren't many choices, and the Radisson gets compliments.

Looking forward to saying hello and talking about the cruise!

[dennismcneely]

Hey! Monte Cristo, welcome aboard!

As you have probably read above we will be a party of 7 (DW, DD(6) and myself plus my wife's sister her husband and their two beautiful daughters (10, 18). We are also first time cruisers and we are still trying to figure out what excursions to choose. I guess that Nassau city tour is a must for first timers, but we would love to do Atlantis too.

About Castaway cay, we are planning to do personal watercrafts if they don't cancel as the have just done with Banana boats.

Anyways, suggestions are always appreciated.

If we can be helpful in any way, just let us know

Dennis

[Tigger98]

Welcome aboard, Monte Cristo! We will be a party of 3 (DH, DS 10, and me). This will be our second cruise. We enjoyed it so much, we just had to do it again.

We will also be driving down the night before. We have yet to book a hotel. However, looking online the ones near/at port are pricy. We might look into one that is not on port. But that could change.

For our excursion on our first cruise, we did the Atlantis AquaAdventure. On this excursion, you have access to the pools, slides and a lunch voucher. Our son enjoyed it and was asleep when it was time to leave. This time we are looking into the Dolphin Encounter. Here, you don't swim but interact with them. And for CC, just relax like last time.

[dennismcneely]

Tigger98,

I guess that anyone visiting Spain from the US would find it beautiful, even Exotic, but in my opinion it is not such a nice place to live in as it used to be.The cost of living has icreased a lot lately, it is probably higher that in the US ( a gallon of gas is now about $7.50 can you believe it?) small crime has also risen during the last 2 or 3 years and healthcare, which is free for everyone, doesn't work as well as it used to. However, it is still a beautiful place for sightseeing and I don't think anybody would get dissapointed after having a vacation around here.

I look forward to meeting more DISers sailing with us.

Take care,
Dennis

[Tigger98]

Okay - for those of you who have cruised DCL before, you should have made your excursion reservations.

For our first timers - you have one week from today (6/10) and then you can make your excursion reservations.

Good Luck!

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Sadly, I won't be able to book my cruise (never mind excursions) until July-ish...

[Tigger98]

Sorry to here that.:( Hopefully you will be able to in July.

[dennismcneely]

Thank you for the reminder, I am planning to book our excursions as soon as they become available to book for us. Since we are very interested in having brunch al Palo, I'll try to get that reservation the first. We are planning to book personal watecraft at CC and Nassau city tour+ Ardastra Gardens. Anyways, suggestions are always greatly appreciated.

Dennis

[Tigger98]

You're welcome. :)

My only advise is to go online and book shortly after midnight. I had DH (who works nights) do ours. We are doing the Dolphin Encounter. Last year, we did the Atlantis AquaAdventure with my sisters and family.

FYI - You don't have to pay when you book.

[toesnthesand]

Count us in! It'll be me and my DS who is 8. This will be our 3rd cruise on the Wonder and I cannot wait until the day gets here. I just bought our flights this week!!

[dennismcneely]

HEY! Welcome aboard,Toesnthesand!!

It's good to know that more DISers will be sailing with us. I will be able to book excursions for our cruise next Tuesday, so we are all very excited about it.

Hope you folks have a great vacation.

Dennis

[Morty Fieldmouse]

Add one more pair!

We will be onboard for our Honeymoon. My plan is to keep it a surprise.

I've gotten a lot of info from the DIS, including the packing list, so I should be able to tell my DF what to pack without telling her where we're going.

Paul

[dennismcneely]

Welcome!! That will be a great surprise!! I don't think I would be able to keep such a "Wonder"ful secret. :rolleyes1

Hope you guys have great time,

Dennis

[dennismcneely]

Okay - for those of you who have cruised DCL before, you should have made your excursion reservations.

For our first timers - you have one week from today (6/10) and then you can make your excursion reservations.

Good Luck!

It is almost time to book excursions, WOOHOOOOO!!!!! :banana:

[Monte Cristo]

I made final payment the other day, and just sent my info to DU, hopefully I'll be able to look it up on the DCL site soon.

Looking forward to the vacation. I just booked a week at WDW for January, so we're psyched about that too.

Anyone doing any other planning?

[SAGE]

:wave2:

We'll be on the ship too! 2nd cruise for us. Loved it!

[Tigger98]

Welcome everyone! Well, we are almost at the 2 month mark. Hopefully, you all were able to book you excursions.:hyper:

[Monte Cristo]

How's everyone doing?? Looking forward to my first cruise! We are considering staying on the boat at Nassau! Are we nuts?

[Tigger98]

No. I thought about about doing the same thing. However, I thought about it and decided on the Dolpin Encounter. We got an early slot and will be back on board between 1 and 2.

Almost 1 month left to go! Who is getting excited? Has anyone started packing?

[SAGE]

Lots of people stay on the ship :thumbsup2
Last year we did get off for the morning. Never visited Nassau before so it was fun.

We are also on the 3 day prior to this cruise and I've booked the Dolphin Encounter for then. I haven't decided if we will get off the ship on the 4 day.
Depending on the weather, we may walk over to the British Colonial Hotel - :confused3

Haven't starting packing but did pick up some stuff at the Dollar store yesterday. ;)

[dennismcneely]

Hey Folks!

So good to hear from you again. Of course we are all getting excited as our cruise time comes closer, we have not yet started packing :) , although we are probably the first ones in leaving home ( we leave on August 18th and will be spending 12 days in Orlando before our cruise :banana: ) I have already booked all the excursions and activities we wanted to do and I have also ordered gift baskets from "the perfect gift" for the girls. About Nassau, we are exploring on our own some interesting places near the ship, actually I got the link below , from another DISer, which should be really helpful in touring the city. Then at 1:15 pm we will be doing "Discover Atlantis" through Disney.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/newprovidence/0251010008.html

note that there is a map you can print at the bottom of the website.

Take care,

Dennis

[toesnthesand]

I think I've always gotten off the ship for about an hour and then always find myself wandering back and straight to the pool. It's very nice and quiet. We've always done 3 days in the past so with having the extra day this year I went ahead and booked a room at the Comfort Suites and we'll be playing at Atlantis for the afternoon.

[Tigger98]

We are almost there - Just one more month and then time to have fun!!:yay:

[dennismcneely]

Thanks for the reminder!

20 days left for us to leave Madrid for Orlando, Woohooooo!!! :banana:

We are already enjoying so much making our door magnets. Hope everyone is getting excited.

See you all real soon. :)

Dennis

[Monte Cristo]

We haven't received our room assingment yet....we booked Cat 12 GTY. Anyone have any idea when we'll find out???

Getting closer...

[Tigger98]

Try checking your reservations on DCL site (My Disney Cruise, My Reservation) or with your TA?

[Tigger98]

Monte Cristo - were you able to find out your room #?

4 more weeks - but who's counting:banana:

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/1204/img2313xr1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
[URL

[SAGE]

Tigger98 - What a great photo!!


FedEx left a "sorry we missed you card" today..... cruise tags maybe ???? :banana:

Has anyone received stuff for our cruise?

[Tigger98]

Thanks! My dad actually took that picture in April 07.

As for any "cruise stuff" - that's a no for me. I am still waiting and hanging around:

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/8981/0214towelmonkeydb1.th.jpg (http://img392.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0214towelmonkeydb1.jpg)

[Monte Cristo]

Yes we did get our room #. We were upgraded to Cat 9 on deck 1. Should be interesting........no stuff in the mail or anything yet.

[dennismcneely]

No cruise docs for me either. We leave in 14 days :confused3

[SAGE]

Received the cruise booklet + luggage tags today! pixiedust:

(This will be me a week before the cruise - :laundy:)

[Tigger98]

Congrats :thumbsup2

It is getting closer - I figure I should receive ours in the next 2 weeks.

[shutnak879]

I will be cruising for the first time, going with my DH and DD(5), DD(1). My parents will be in the next room. I have been busy finishing up my door magnets for our rooms.

[Monte Cristo]

I will be cruising for the first time, going with my DH and DD(5), DD(1). My parents will be in the next room. I have been busy finishing up my door magnets for our rooms.

Hey neighbor! Go sox!!!

Will I be black balled if we do nothing to our door????

[Tigger98]

I have never done anything for our door. Our son just remembered the number on our first cruise. I haven't really thought about it for this cruise.

[dennismcneely]

FedEx delivered our cruise docs this morning, so, I guess we are ready to GO!!
WOOHOOOOO!!! :banana:

[Tigger98]

Saw a UPS truck when I pulled into my neighborhood. I quickly rushed home and in 5 minutes it was at our house - dropping off the cruise documents.:banana:

[Monte Cristo]

Same here, ours came today!

[shutnak879]

Not fair, not fair, not fair!! I want my cruise booklet. I was watching and watching when I got home but no UPS truck stopped just drove right on by.:sad: .

[shutnak879]

Will I be black balled if we do nothing to our door????[/QUOTE]

No of course not, I have just been looking for some time for pictures of the cruise to show DD(5) and she wanted to have our door decorated like some of the ones she saw. So we have been working on decorations since.

[shutnak879]

I finally got my cruise booklet today.:cheer2:

[toesnthesand]

Man....I don't have my documents yet. I feel so left out. Maybe tomorrow?:confused3 It makes it so official when they get here.

[SAGE]

Man....I don't have my documents yet. I feel so left out. Maybe tomorrow?:confused3 It makes it so official when they get here.

The documents do make it feel "official". I'm sure you will receive them within the next day or 2.

Let's all hope for beautiful sunny weather!!!:worship:

[Monte Cristo]

I'll let you all in on a little Monte Cristo secret.....

I have been on and around boats my whole life, from when I was a child....and I have SERIOUS anxiety over the whole cruise/BIG boat thing. It's a major phobia of mine. The closer we get the higher the anxiety level gets for me!

Bring on the liquor!

[Tigger98]

Last year, we flew down to FL. I was so nervous that I almost asked my DH to knock me out. This year to save money, we are driving down Saturday (Aug 30). Now I am just nervous about making there and not getting lost.

[SAGE]

I'll let you all in on a little Monte Cristo secret.....

I have been on and around boats my whole life, from when I was a child....and I have SERIOUS anxiety over the whole cruise/BIG boat thing. It's a major phobia of mine. The closer we get the higher the anxiety level gets for me!

Bring on the liquor!

I think the first time on a cruise causes many to be anxious. I know I was!
But my anxiety was caused by worrying about SEASICKNESS.
Did my homework - wasn't sick. :worship: - I can't ride Space Mountain :sick:

The ship just feels like a huge hotel/resort (unless you hang over the railing on deck - then you may get that "BIG Boat" feeling) ;) I sure you and your family will just love it!

[Tigger98]

Less than 20 days to go :woohoo:

DCL here we come! :drive:

[SAGE]

Can't wait!:banana:

(Should have bought some US $ a few weeks ago, our dolllar is lower now) :sad2:

[dennismcneely]

OK folks,

I'm officially on vacation, and will be off to work until Sept 8th :rotfl:

We leave Madrid for Orlando on Tuesday and hope we'll have tons of fun before our cruise. Not sure if I will be able to write here again before we
leave, so, I just wanted you to know that I hope God blesses you all with a wonderful, healthy and safe trip.

See you real soon!! pirate:

Take care,

Dennis

[Tigger98]

Have a safe trip and we'll see you (dennismcneely) in a few weeks.

[Morty Fieldmouse]

Got my cruise packet + luggage tags too. We got upgraded from Cat 12 to 10 at the very, very back of the ship.

Now I just have to figure out when to put the luggage tags on so my bride doesn't see them. I have her passport and she still doesn't know what we're doing.

[Tigger98]

Congrats! You could put the tags on right before checking them in at the air port (have her wait to the side if able) or don't let her handle any bags. Those are the only 2 options I can think of (right now) for you.

[corrmac]

Hi Everyone.... I know I am late to join in but I am excited to be cruisin' on the 4 day August 31 trip also!! Seven people in my party - 3 adults, 4 teens (ages 13,15,15,14).
Going to do 6 nights at WDW before we get on the ship!
Cat 9, Deck 1 :cool1:

[corrmac]

actually I guess I mean 4 NIGHT cruise :goodvibes

[Monte Cristo]

actually I guess I mean 4 NIGHT cruise :goodvibes

Awesome, see you on the boat! We are deck 1 as well....

[Tigger98]

Welcome! We will be on deck 6.

Okay, we have one week before sailing. Start packing and getting things in order (house, mail, animals). Also, keep an eye on the weather. There are 2 depressions out there. Here is a link: http://www.skeetobiteweather.com

We will be on the road this time next Sat.:drive: Everyone, have a safe trip and we will see you in FL.

[SAGE]

Welcome! We will be on deck 6.

Okay, we have one week before sailing. Start packing and getting things in order (house, mail, animals). Also, keep an eye on the weather. There are 2 depressions out there. Here is a link: http://www.skeetobiteweather.com

We will be on the road this time next Sat.:drive: Everyone, have a safe trip and we will see you in FL.

Hi all,
I saw the 2 depressions on NHC site. :eek: Ran out this morning and bought an extra package of Bonamine. :rolleyes1 Just in case. ;)

Have a safe trip everyone!!!
S

[rhondamccollough@hot]

well...hopefully i'm better late than never!LOL

We are 1st time cruisers and DH could not go so it is me (Rhonda), DD1 (Sarah), DS (Luke), DD2 (Samantha AKA Sam) & Nana (LeAnn, My mom)

Five alltogether in a Cat 4 on Deck 8, Room 8590!!!

Anybody else nervous??LOL

[rhondamccollough@hot]

Oh, kids ages are Sarah-8, Luke-7 and Samantha is 5!

Anyone staying at the Residence Inn?

We are planning to be on the ship as early as possible so we will probably be at the terminal by 10:30am

[Tigger98]

We haven't quit decided on a hotel yet. I was thinking of the Holiday Inn Express, but not sure yet. It will be DH, DS (10) and me. I also want to be at the port early.

[rhondamccollough@hot]

We got off cheaper with the Residence since there were 5 of us...plus the breakfast was a better deal!

I think we are going to do the drive to the port...drop everyone and the bags...I'll drive back to the Residence and park and ride the shuttle..maybe!Lol

[rhondamccollough@hot]

anyon worried about the weather???

[queentude1]

anyon worried about the weather???

I check the weather there everyday, they are just having some rain. The tropical storm is moving westward, nothing to worry about. :)

4 more sleeps:banana: :cool1: :dance3:

[queentude1]

We also got upgraded from a 12 to a 9. Which is good cuz I wanted an oceanview window.

[rhondamccollough@hot]

Awesome...we are in a category 4 on deck 8 so I hope to be able to use the verandah some!

I know things can change but I was so glad to see the more westwardly turn of the storm path, sorry for all those who will be affected now though!

[rhondamccollough@hot]

Who all is in your party Queen?

[Monte Cristo]

Getting closer....we fly out Saturday and visiting a friend in Orlando ....then it's on to the hotel for the night.

[rhondamccollough@hot]

It is getting soooo close....any last minute tips from the veteran cruisers??? I can't believe the anxiety I am having over the weather, the trip, seasickness, making sure we make the most of our time and trying to fit everything on the trip into the time we have!!! I have never been like this but this is the first time I've been on vacation with the kids without my husband! I am the type that when I get there everything will be fine and we will have a great time!

[Tigger98]

Let's see:
1) hotel room reserved - done
2) Dog kennel set up - done
3) money in order - done
5) packing - next on list
6) oil change for car (as we are driving down) - done; but now need to get a tire fixed - it has a nail.
7) place a "hold mail" with post office - next on list

Then finally, Saturday morning will come and we will be hitting the road around 6:30 am.

[rhondamccollough@hot]

We are driving down also. It is about a 13 to 14 hour drive so we are gonna take two days to drive down so we are leaving Friday. We have never even been to Florida (Pensacola is all of 8 hours away!LOL) so we want to get there early on Saturday and rest and see the beaches Etc. Hopefully the weather won't "rain" on our parade...and if it does it does!

[Tigger98]

We are driving down to save money. We first drove down (from Virginia) exactly 14 years ago tomorrow when DH and I got married. We left shortly after 12:30am and arrived shortly after 3 pm. The other 2 times we flew down. It should take us about 8 1/2 hours to 9 hours. But if it is raining the whole way, it might take a lot longer.

Right now we are getting what's left of Fay - which we really need the rain. All of the lakes are drying up.

However, I did take off the Friday after we return but my boss has switched my weekend shift. So now I have to work the Friday and Sat after we return.

[kevin_254]

hi, im new here and im going to be on board this sailing, but then again im kind of nervous, you guys think that the cruise would get canceled because of hurricane gustav? i mean fay is already out of the way, but then gustav is just starting, anyone here thinks that the schedule might be postponed or anything in that nature?? im coming in from california and flying in to orlando saturday morning

[kevin_254]

oh and just kinda curious, how much is internet use on the ship? and can you use instant messaging like yahoo or aim??

[Tigger98]

Welcome aboard! I am not that worried about the weather. I just checked it out on www.weather.com and it was still Haiti, not moving much.

As for the internet, I don't know that answer. I try to stay away from the computers during vacations as I see them every evening at home.

[queentude1]

Who all is in your party Queen?

There is myself DH, and DS 7. This is our first cruise so we are VERY excited. I was very nervous at the beginning of the week but that has now switched to over excitement. I have yet to finish packing for 2 reasons....LAZY and not sure what even to bring. I don't want to over pack but I don't want to under pack either. I know that there are washing machines on the boat but laundry on a vacation feels too much like I haven't left home.:rotfl: :lmao:

[queentude1]

actually I guess I mean 4 NIGHT cruise :goodvibes

YIPPEE a fellow Canadian! :wave2: :mickeyjum I am going to make the best of all 4 nights!;) ;) :rolleyes1

[rhondamccollough@hot]

Hi Kevin!!! The trip is getting really close now! As for your question about the weather I would have to say that it would take some serious weather to have the trip cancelled. Even last week when Fay was coming ashore they only moved their departure from Port Canaveral to Fort Lauderdale and bussed all the Disney guests down there. They also could divert from the scheduled stops in the case of extreme weather. Someone else may give you a better answer than me though.

Internet use...here is the link that shows the prices...

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-internet.htm

Hope that helps!

[toesnthesand]

Hmmm...tips from vet cruisers......if you are worried about being seasick get some dramamine and start it as soon as you hit the boat. Don't stop taking it until a full day after you've returned home. Works wonders on the sea legs. Don't run yourself ragged trying to fit in every single thing. Relax and enjoy those things that are most important to you. As for packing...I try to stay away from having "options" as it gets me into trouble. I plan out outfits and only bring what's needed. Going as a single mom....I find this to be one of the most relaxing vacations I take with my son each year.

[rhondamccollough@hot]

thanks for the tip on the dramamine!

Monte Cristo....how is the anxiety level for the "big boat" trip?

[Tigger98]

Here is my packing advice:
1) Select outfits for dinner where you can mix and match. For example, I bring about 2 dress slacks and 3 different tops that can be mixed/match. I will do the same with DH (1 dress slacks and 3/4 tops). Same for DS.
2) Because we tend to buy some T-shirts, I will normally pack 2 for me and DH.
3) Since we will be wearing our swim suits 2 of the 4 days (Dolphin Encounter excursion and CC), that helps out.
4) I don't pack socks, sandles are fine for us.
5) I will not do laundry while on vacation - that is just my rule.

They do have hair driers on the ship but I liked my better. I plan on using their shampoo and conditioner this time (saves space). You don't need to bring beach towels, the ship provides plenty.

My last but final suggest/rule/advice, HAVE FUN!!!

[kevin_254]

um yeah i do have another problem, well the very last one that is, because im an immigrant from the philippines (legal), and now i'm just waiting green card, but i do have travel document, i travelled from the philippines and back here last december successfully, u think i would any problems going in and out of the country??

[Tigger98]

I don't know how to answer that. You might want to place the question on the main DIS DCL page. Someone else more experienced should be able to answer that. Or call DCL directly.

I wish you luck.

[Monte Cristo]

thanks for the tip on the dramamine!

Monte Cristo....how is the anxiety level for the "big boat" trip?

NOT GOOD!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully when we get there and get situated and walk around the boat I'll feel better. Wife says that if I freak out at port she's getting onboard without me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:rotfl:

[rhondamccollough@hot]

Ok, officially starting to panic...nothing packed and we leave tomorrow evening!!!HELP!lol

[Tigger98]

Monte Cristo - how about if we knock you out, carry you on and then wake you up in the ship lobby?

rhondamccollough@hot - don't feel to bad. I haven't started packing either.

As our trip nears and everyone starts driving towards the one destination (PC), I hope everyone has a safe trip. See ya at port:wave:

[rhondamccollough@hot]

As our trip nears and everyone starts driving towards the one destination (PC), I hope everyone has a safe trip. See ya at port:wave:

Yes, I hope everyone has a great trip. If you hit the rainy areas be sure to go slow!!!!

You can't really miss us....I made us custom tshirts for our cruise with our name in Disney charater print...Nana is in Jasmine, I'm Princesses, DD(7) has Little Mermaid, DS(7) has POTC Mickey Style and DD(5) has Minnie and Daisy at the beach.

We are also on deck 8 aft and will have a decorated door! We are gonna be having a dry erase board so be sure to drop by and leave us a message!!!

I am nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof...Disney Cruise here we come!:cheer2:

[queentude1]

My excitement/anxiety is getting worse. Must be the closer it is.....:cutie:
I have started packing but I think I have too much. I put a little bit of everybody's stuff in each suitcase just in case they (airport) loses a bag. :scared1:

Don't overthink the seasickness, try to relax and have a good time.

3 more sleeps..2 for us actually:banana:

[Morty Fieldmouse]

I found a packing list somewhere on the DIS, and one piece of advice it had was to pack what you think you'll need, then reduce it by 25-50%.

Future DW is getting stressed enough about the details for the wedding... good thing she doesn't know where we're going or she'd probably be super-stressed about Fay & Gustav.

[kevin_254]

disney posted an update about the tropical storms:

TROPICAL WEATHER UPDATE
As of Thursday, August 28, 2008

Guests sailing today, August 28th who have questions regarding their voyage and the effects of Tropical Storm Hanna should be aware that the safety of our guests and crew is always our first priority at Disney Cruise Line and we continually monitor a storm's progress through the National Weather Service.

At this time, we do not anticipate any changes in the August 28th or August 31st voyage of the Disney Wonder or the September 1st voyage of the Disney Magic.

Should weather conditions change, our Captain can alter the ship's course or itinerary for the safety and well being of our guests.

[rhondamccollough@hot]

Ok...fixin to head to Baton ROuge and if anybody needs ANYTHING while cruisin come see me...I guarantee you I have it!LOL See ya at the port! :)

[Monte Cristo]

We leave at 6 am tomorrow morning. See you all Sunday....cross your fingers for good weather.

[Monte Cristo]

I guess I am the first one back home.....how's everyone?

[toesnthesand]

Nope, I've been back.....just waiting for someone to post. We, again had a great and very relaxing time. We enjoyed Atlantis ALOT!! I would say that my service was the best of all 3 cruises yet again didn't like hearing the guilt trip of not attending dinner. I skipped Triton's twice and the head waiter really let me know me know about it.....so strange.

How was the trip for you first timers??

[Monte Cristo]

I can't wait to see some pics from you all to see if I recognize any of you from seeing you around....we should have made more of a concrete plan to maybe meet up and have a drink...maybe next time. I'll post some too.

[toesnthesand]

I agree....I thought there was a standard "meeting" of DIS'rs down around the lounge on the first night but once I got there realized I had no clue when it was. Traveling with just my son I normally have good luck with tablemates and end up making new friends to chat with during the cruise. This time the tablemates were a young couple who didn't want to sit next to young children and then we were placed with 2 young girls who only spoke Spanish. Therefore....I skipped dinner a few nights. Would've been nice to cross a face every now and again.

[rhondamccollough@hot]

Awesome is all I can say! We had a blast but I am sooo tired! I will be glad to see some pics from others too! I'll try to post some of my own.

[Tigger98]

Finally finished my trip report and posted it.

We arrived home around 6:00 pm Thursday. I had posted on the main board regarding the med emergency - an answer was finally received.

I agree. We should have set a meeting time/place. It would have been nice to meet everyone.

rhondamccollough - I think I saw you during the boarding process. You were getting a group picture the same time we were. My DH wore a "Mike" shirt from Monsters INC. It was lime green with a big eye on the front. I had on a blue Mikey Mouse shirt (I have red hair) and DS was waring a white "Trouble in paradise" shirt from CC. Needless to say, he didn't look to thrilled in the picture. I wanted to say something, but had forgotten your name.

Our table mates were great. However, one of the couple were not there most of the trip as their daughter was quarantined. The servers were great but the food prep was extremely slow. Most of the time, the kids received and finished their meals before we got ours.

[dennismcneely]

Hey! I remember seeing that lime "Mike" Tee with a huge eye right in the middle!! We also made our trip back to Spain safely. It is amazing that we had such a nice weather during our cruise considering all the storms-hurricanes in the area. Was our first cruise, but won't be the last, we enjoyed so much. I'll tryto post some pictures of us as soon as can. Although we never met i would like to keep in touch with you all. If any of you is in facebook, please feel free to add me as a friend

dennismcneely@hotmail.com

Anyways, I will keep posting here some of the wornderful experiences we had during our cruise.

Take care,

Dennis

[Morty Fieldmouse]

My wife talked with the woman who's daughter was quarantined while we were waiting to get in to Animator's Palate the last night.

Our table was a good mix from around the country: My wife and I from Indiana/Ohio, another married couple from Boston, a couple Wisconsin, and a non-couple from LA. We always got there first and chose seats that let us see the most of the dining room.

[SAGE]

I'm sorry too we didn't arrange to meet.

Tigger98 - Read about your "uncooperative" dolphin. Ours swam away a few times but did come back. Since we boarded Aug 28 for a B2B, our dolphin encounter was during the 3 day cruise.

Did anyone have a moment of weakness and rebook on board? I did - next August - right in hurricane season again. :rolleyes:

Some of you are planning on posting pictures. Can anyone let me in on how to do it? I plugged in my digital camera to the computer and am confused. :confused3 :blush:

[rhondamccollough@hot]

I wish you would have spoken up Tigger98...you should have just yelled "I'm from the Dis Boards"ROFL!!! One thing I was so disappointed about was I forgot our door signs...I put them in a holder and then guess I left them out of the suitcase :( .

I didn't book onboard but I am looking forward to the release of the 2010 dates and hopefully can book then!

MOrty, wasn't the cruise a surprise trip? How did that work out?

[Tigger98]

Yea, I guess I should have said something But I was caught up in the moment.

The one couple who's daughter was from PA and the other couple was from Canada.

As for posting pictures:
I saved them to a directory on hard drive
open the web page for image shack: http://imageshack.us/
I click BROWSE
Click OPEN when I have the right picture selected
click HOST IT
while it is loading, I start my post
once loaded, I scroll down to the "Hotlink for forums(1)"
I copy the "details" to my post

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/1740/1000325sb8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/1000325sb8.jpg/1/w320.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img228/1000325sb8.jpg/1/)


Then I submit my post
then you can close the Image Shack window

That is how I post pics

[SAGE]

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/4030/dscf0452tf6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thank you! :worship:

[Monte Cristo]

Let me know if anyone recognizes us from seeing us around on the boat.

One warning, I am not a good trip report writer so please bear with me!

We flew down Saturday night and went to visit a friend of mine in Orlando who was having his son's first birthday party that day. It was great, got to see him, his family and be at the party. After leaving, we went to the Country Inn and Suites for the night. Nice, clean room, nice staff, good shuttle to port, nice hot breakfast. I thought bottom line of $177 was a little high for one night, but it's vacation so oh well.

To be perfectly honest, we didn't love cruising. The boat and the staff were great, we just didn't love it. The food was good, not great, but good. Sorry all you die hards! Don't hate me!

I did MUCH better then I anticipated with the whole big boat phobia. I started off with massive issues at the port, and the gang plank...almost couldn't go on the gang plank, but once I was onboard, I was OK. On Sunday I couldn't get near the railing, by Wednesday night I was leaning on the rail taking the sunset picture. Maybe I got a little help from Mr. Xanax!

Our daughter couldn't get comfortable with the nursery. It had NOTHING to do with the staff there, they were great, I think it's her age. She wanted to be with us! Every time we dropped her off, the pager was buzzing within 30 minutes.

Our tablemates were good. They were from Montreal and the husband was a big hockey fan like me so that was good.

Wife is a big sleeper and someone had to stay in the room with our daughter, so she let me go out each night. I gave her EVERY opportunity to take a turn and go out but she wouldn't do it....so Clynt the bartender in Diversions, and I quickly became friends at the bar. He was great.

I caught a good portion of Pirates of the Carribean on the big screen on deck 9 so that was cool.

Castaway Cay was very nice. I plopped my beach chair in the water while wife and daughter waded in the water and I played lifeguard. Only downside was that it was very crowded....we were right on that rope between the snorkle area and the swim area so it got really crowded. Nothing a bucket of beer couldn't solve.

We didn't get off the boat at Nassau so don't really have much to say there. We hung out at the pool for a little while, and then the kiddie pool for a little while and then before we knew it, it was nap time.

The room was nice, small, but that's to be expected on a cruise. We just felt confined...and honestly, since our daughter couldn't catch onto the nursery, there wasn't a ton for us to do. You can only hang out at the pool for so long with a toddler...

Hopefully these all post good....

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/Monte_Cristo/IMG_9832.jpg

Nice view for breakfast!!!!!
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/Monte_Cristo/IMG_9863.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/Monte_Cristo/IMG_9875.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/Monte_Cristo/IMG_9858.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/Monte_Cristo/IMG_9916.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/Monte_Cristo/IMG_9899.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/Monte_Cristo/IMG_9892.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/Monte_Cristo/IMG_9879.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/Monte_Cristo/IMG_9937.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/Monte_Cristo/IMG_9929.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/Monte_Cristo/IMG_9963.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/Monte_Cristo/IMG_9939.jpg

I don't know how to make the sideways pictures appear upright. I tried to rotate, but it didn't work.

Enjoy!

Another day closer to WDW in January!


MC

[Tigger98]

Great pictures!

I have made a trip report "8/31 trip report). Not much, it was my firt time doing a TR.

On the "Post a picture of your server" thread, I have a picture of my family and our servers. I have been busy with work and playing catchup at home, but I will try to scan in a picture of all of us and post it.

My email address is capope@charter.net.

[rhondamccollough@hot]

I am going to try to post some pics...who knows how that will turn out!LOL

The whole family (minus Nana) at Animators
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/Disneycruise.jpg

Had to be the first in the pool!
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/Disneycruise014.jpg

Oldest daughter eating before we even leave port!LOL
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/Disneycruise016.jpg

Sitting by the pool waiting for the party
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/Disneycruise021.jpg

The president and first lady of Magic!!
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/Disneycruise033.jpg

Captain Sam
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/Disneycruise025.jpg

My kids in the Golden Mickeys (the first 3 dwarfs)
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/Disneycruise047.jpg

[toesnthesand]

Hey Monte.....I think I saw you sitting in the bar one evening. Being this is my 3rd one and have always gone as a single that's pretty much my hangout and am best friends with the pubmaster by the time I leave. My fave pubmaster just left though. I didn't hang in there as much time....I tried to find other thing.

I agree with you that the food is good but not great. That's why it didn't hurt my feelings to skip the dining rooms 2 of the evenings. Maybe when your daughter is older you might find a cruise like that more relaxing.
It's really just a place for me to "chill".
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4523/p1010120fq6.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010120fq6.jpg)

[dennismcneely]

How about the shows? which one did you guys like the most?

The best for me was "Dreams", we actually saw it twice (2pm, 6pm)
My second choice would be "The Golden Mickeys"
I also liked "Toy Story" however, I found it a little bit noisy, especially for the kids.

I am still in the process of posting a few pictures of us, I hope I will be able to do it this week.

[rhondamccollough@hot]

I loved the shows...we didn't see Max but we were just too tired! "Dreams" was definitly our favorite, Toy Story 2nd...we were in the 3rd row and my kids LOVED it...except for the fact that they could "see" that the boys were actually girls!LOL My 7 year old son didn't appreciate that one bit!LOL They took part in the Golden Mickeys as the "dwarfs" so they enjoyd that, too! I too am going to try to put up more pics...just been to busy dealing with IKE!

[dennismcneely]

Hey folks,

This is the first time I am posting pictures so, I hope it will work.

I am the one with the black tie, my wife and my daughter are right beside me. Behind us, my wife's sister and her family.

If this works, I will be posting more photos later.

http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/3271/imagen7tw8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Monte Cristo]

Hey Monte.....I think I saw you sitting in the bar one evening. Being this is my 3rd one and have always gone as a single that's pretty much my hangout and am best friends with the pubmaster by the time I leave. My fave pubmaster just left though. I didn't hang in there as much time....I tried to find other thing.

I agree with you that the food is good but not great. That's why it didn't hurt my feelings to skip the dining rooms 2 of the evenings. Maybe when your daughter is older you might find a cruise like that more relaxing.
It's really just a place for me to "chill".
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4523/p1010120fq6.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010120fq6.jpg)

That was me, trying to remember back....there weren't many people there it shouldn't be difficult! Your pic in your avatar is small, but I bet you were the gal with the Bronco's jersey on....I am all about football and notice things like that. Wish we had all done this before the cruise as we could have had a beer!

[toesnthesand]

One night I would've been in there with a Notre Dame jersey and another night I would've been in there in a Colts jersey. 3 Day cruises allow you to sit in Diversions and watch college games all day.:banana:

I agree....one of us veteran cruisers should've stood up to coordinate something. I know it's made a difference for us when we've made some friends on board with common interests to have a drink with.

[rhondamccollough@hot]

Ok...more pics

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/b12e1f5c.jpghttp://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/f244c07e.jpghttp://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/e2f6963f.jpghttp://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/d2b8c009.jpghttp://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/d63b8252.jpg

[dennismcneely]

Hey Rhonda,

Congratulations, you certainly have a beautiful family.

[Tigger98]

Nice pictures, everyone. I finally got a chance to look at the thread again, only after being sick with sinus crud for a week.

Well, it took about 3 weeks but we finally got our post card that we mailed. However, I have yet to develop the pics from the dolphin excursion. I dropped them off yesterday, but the place said today that their machine was down. I will try again somewhere else later.

[Monte Cristo]

Ok...more pics

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/b12e1f5c.jpghttp://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/f244c07e.jpghttp://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/e2f6963f.jpghttp://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/d2b8c009.jpghttp://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l53/snoopymccollough/d63b8252.jpg


How did you scan those in? I need to do that too.

[rhondamccollough@hot]

How did you scan those in? I need to do that too.

I just used my HP printer/scanner/copier.

I go to my Control Pannel and click on Scanners and cameras and it opens the scanner wizard and I go from there. This is just the basic Microsoft program that comes with Windows but I find it MUCH faster than using any of my photo programs. I can also use my HP program that comes with the machine but it is slower and has several more steps.

[Tigger98]

We have an HP psc 2410 Photosmart All-in-one scanner/printer/fax machine and did the same thing. We scanned in our photos:

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/8462/usoncastawaycayrs2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
[

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/2308/dinner2pt4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8568/welcomeaboardqn2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/5740/cc2fy4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)