September 22nd 4 day wonder

[cruisnfamily]

Where is everybody?

According to the "unofficial list" we are the only family on this cruise. But, all of the secret porthole rooms are gone so I know some of you from these boards must be going.

So, who's on the ship with us?

[cruisnfamily]

Come on...there must be someone on the boat with us. Scottie, sign up...Maybe there are more of us!

[tltjet]

My husband and I are on that cruise. This will be our first ever cruise. I was also wondering if anyone else was on this cruise.

Jenifer

[cruisnfamily]

Glad to know someone else is going.

My group is me, DH , DD(9), and DS(6).

Let's see if we can get a really long thread going like the 5/11's...ha ha ha...Just kidding....They are the first Western Cruisers so they have LOTS to talk about...But it is kind of fun to "meet" the other folks on your cruise.

anyone else?

[scottie]

Now don’t forget about us! ;-)
It will be our first Cruise too...the planning wheels have been spinning non-stop. I may not get any sleep before we cruise with all this info at my fingertips!

Scott
Sunny
Grandma
Meghan
Morgan

[cruisnfamily]

We are spending hours and hours planning a 4 day cruise....I'm sure we will have spent more than 4 days worth of hours on here by the time we go. We must be crazy. But, you know what, I am almost having more fun planning than the actual trip may be. It's become an addiction to check the boards daily and I'm having so much fun doing it!

[cruisnfamily]

Ok, now Amanda is mad (or sad) because Billy and Meghan (Scottie's DD) are emailing. She wants an email pal who will be on our cruise too.

Please, somebody, are there any 10-12 year old girls sailing September 22 who want a pen pal.

As I was typing that date I realized, We will be cruising the day of our 12th wedding anniversary (which is Sept 22nd). Didn't even realize it would be an "anniversary" cruise when we booked it! I better call my TA! Don't we get some anniversary perks?

[scottie]

Im sad that out of all the visitors to DIS, no one else wants to come on the Sept 22nd cruise with us few lucky ones :-)

[scottie]

Just bumping the thread back up the list to see if we may have anyone else joining our not so filled Sept. 22nd cruise!

[Disneyfan37]

My husband I will be on the cruise.This is our first cruise as well.Last night we watched the free Disney Cruise video that I got in the mail,and we are now more we are even more excited!

Maria

[scottie]

Disneyfan37- That’s great to hear, another first time cruiser! We have the Cruise Video preloaded in the VCR...anytime we are tired of work or just want to dream about a better day (vacation) we hit the play button and all our sorrows disappear for the few short minuets of the cruise video :)

September 22nd Here We Come!!

[Disneyfan37]

Yes,it is our first time ever on a cruise,and we can't wait!We may just have to put our Disney cruise tape in our video camera as I agree it is nice to dream especially after a long days work.We both really enjoyed the video tape.I wish September would hurry and get here.

Maria

[kshabare]

Definately make sure your reservation notes your Anniversary. Make sure your server does too. I'm pretty sure they celebrate with cake. By the way, make sure DH goes shopping for that elegant bracelet you always wanted. Or the perfume. lol

Enjoy - we've been twice - booked our 3rd for 2/1/2003.

Kim ºOº

By the way, the video doesn't do it justice. :)

[scottie]

Any more DIS fans want to join us on the Sept 22nd cruise??? Dont worry...we wont bite! ;)

[Disneyfan37]

It really looks like it will just be the few of us on this boat.I am sure we all won't mind though<G>?DH and I can't stop talking about it.We are working on convincing his parents to go.They are Disney fanatics also.

[cruisnfamily]

Ok, here is the list I have so far, correct me if I am wrong:

Unofficial Sept 22 Cruise

Sonya Francisco and family:Sonya (37), Bill (37), Amanda (10), and Billy (6)

Scottie and family: Scottie, Sunny, Meghan (5 ½), Morgan and Grandma

TLTJet: Jenifer & DH

DisneyFan37: Maria & DH

[scottie]

By the time we cruise I am sure Morgan will want everyone to know her age at sailing...1 1/2 yrs old...in September! ;-)

[scottie]

Just checking in to see if anyone else is joining us!

[scottie]

95 Days and Counting....to our somewhat empty boat!! ;)

[Lisa F]

Oops, it's too early in the morning. We are getting OFF the wonder on 9/22 (our $99 cruise is on 9/19). We will take great care of the Wonder for you!

Lisa

[cruisnfamily]

Thanks Lisa F for giving us another bump!

The more times we put this up to the top, the more folks will see it and sign up I guess.

I doubt the boat will be empty by any stretch of the imagination, just no DISers aboard. But that's ok! We'll be on the ship with 2500 people who are clueless as to how everything works. This means we should get all the reservations and excursions that we want!

Anybody else coming? Still looking for a 10-12 year old girl for Amanda to email....one that will be on our cruise that is.

[tltjet]

I just found out from my agent that Freeport is the first island that we visit and Nassau is the second then Castaway Cay. I just want to let you all know that. I was under the impression that Freeport would be the last day because that was the day at sea.

See you September 22!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jenifer

[scottie]

tltjet-

I received an official letter to advise me of our updated itinerary at the end of May from DVC/DCL. In the letter it outlines the schedule as follows.

Sunday: Port Canaveral
Monday: Nassau
Tuesday: Freeport
Wednesday: Castaway Cay
Thursday: Port Canaveral

The Disney Cruise Line website also lists the Freeport cruises out the same way as above. Guess we will need to get down to the bottom of this! I have a feeling the site and letter are correct though.

See you 9/22!

[tltjet]

I didn't get a letter from Disney. I found out about freeport from this board. I just asked my travel agent since I still have not been notified by either them or Disney. I guess I will have to ask about the days again. Maybe I will just call Disney.

Thank you,
Jenifer

[scottie]

Where Oh Where are any new additions to our list for our secret cruise?? ;)

[cruisnfamily]

Thought I would bring this up to the top again.....anyone else?

Scottie,
My letter had the same itinerary yours did so I think that that is the way it will go.

So, what excursions are you all planning? Has everybody paid off the cruise yet? I'm planning to pay it off in the next week or so. When do we get the excursion info? We are nearing the 60 day mark.

[tltjet]

Hello,

I am trying to figure out what excursions to take too. I have read mixed reactions about Blue Lagoon and the only info. on Freeport is for the Dolphin excursion. I am also wondering if anyone gets off of the boat at all at Freeport.

[scottie]

We will be getting off at Freeport, at least for a little while. My wife wants to do the Dolphin Excursion in Freeport and I would like to just stroll around a bit. As for Nassau...I imagine we will make our way to Atlantis and may do the beach day while over at the resort. We have also talked about doing the carriage ride around town.

Sonya- I know Meghan is getting excited about meeting Billy.

[cruisnfamily]

Hi all you 9/22ers. I went down to AAA today and paid off the balance due for the cruise. Well, it's not really paid, it's now on the credit card which will hopefully get paid off next month.

I expect that we will be getting shore excursion info any time now. My TA says she hasn't received anything for me. She also said that the 60 day mark if 7/19 so I plan to call on that day to see if any secret portholes have opened up. I'm also playing with the idea of upgrading.

What categories does everybody else have booked? We are in a Cat 10 on deck 7. I would love a Cat 7 but they only sleep 3. I don't think I would upgrade just to get a porthole, I only want to pay extra for a verandah.

What excursions are definites for everybody? Our only definite is the Bannana boat on Castaway Cay for DD9. Everything else is still up in the air.

Come on everybody, it's getting close, let's keep this thread at the top!

[scottie]

We have a category 4 room booked (right next to a Disney suite...we are hoping our neighbors will feel sorry for us and let us in to spend the trip in true luxury :))

We are planning on doing something at Atlantis in the way of an excursion and also a couple of the adults may do the banana boat and/or parasailing.

[scottie]

Is anyone thinking about booking a room at the Comfort Suites while in Nassau for our cruise?? We are leaning towards it at this point to gain access to the pools and beach at Atlantis.

[cruisnfamily]

Hi Scottie,
We thought about doing that, the Comfort Suites thing, but have decided against it. We live in FL and there are water parks a-plenty around here so it's just not something we want to pay extra for. On our last cruise we did the Disney Excursion to Atlantis and the kids (4 & 7 at the time) really enjoyed the tour of the "dig". We don't think we'll do it again though. I'm thinking about the van tour of Nassau(and leave the kids on the boat) or just wandering around the shops with a stop at Del Sol for color changing souveniers. Haven't decided yet but the time is drawing near for these decisions I guess.

[scottie]

Just thought I would check to see if anyone else has decided to join the 9/22 cruise....63 days and counting!

[cruisnfamily]

Anybody else coming along?

Just got some quotes on upgrading to a window or a veranda, I don't know though....seems kind of steep.

Still haven't made decisions regarding our excursions...if any.

What else is going on with everybody?

School starts here in less than 2 weeks...Aug 12th. I will have a 1st grader and a 4th grader....Oh my goodness the kids are getting so old!

They're out at the movies right now seeing Stuart Little 2.

Let's try to keep this on the 1st page if we can!:wave:

[scottie]

We have made on final decision (while on a weekend trip to Cedar Point this past weekend) on excursions.
-We have decided while in Freeport we will just get off for a few hours and wonder around and do some shopping then head back to the ship.
-While in Nassau we are going to look around Atlantis and then see about getting some type of simple tour of Nassau.
-As for Castaway Cay...fun on the beach! We will rent some snorkeling gear and rafts and I may ride the banana boat too.

Meghan starts up with Kindergarten on 8/28 so I guess its time I get prepared to help with homework! J

[cruisnfamily]

Ok, I called today and booked the Bannana Boat for Amanda and I. I wasn't going to go because I thought she was old enough but they said even though she meets the minimum age she needs an adult to ride with her if she is under 12 so I guess I'm going too!. I have heard that the water splashes very forcefully in your face while on this so we are definitely going to wear goggles!

I forgot to rent snorkle equipment for 1 child and 1 adult but will call back tonight for that.

I'm sort of considering a dolphin thing for Amanda now. I know that it would be awesome for her...Billy is even old enough to do this too if we do the encounter...anyway, we're gonna decide in the next day or so. The girl said there is still room available for the encounters both in Freeport and Nassau. I'll let you guys know what we decide.

Anybody else book anything?

[tltjet]

I'm having a hard time finding out about the beaches is Nassau and Freeport. I don't think anyone gets off of the ship anymore. Have any of you found out what looks good?

See you in Sept.

[cruisnfamily]

Hi guys....let's keep this thread up on page 1!

Well, we decided to definitely keep the room we're in (cat10 on deck 7) and not upgrade.

We're gonna call today to see if Amanda can do the dolphin encounter in Freeport on her own with one of us coming along to observe...if one of us is required to do it as well we'll probably do that. Billy doesn't want to do this and may just stay in the kids club on the boat.

Decided to skip a Nassau excursion and just do a small amount of shopping at "del sol".

Castaway Cay is the bannana boat and snorkel equipment.

Now I just have to call and book this stuff and we'll be done.

Are you guys going pretty casual for dinners? We'll do dresses for Amanda, Capris or maybe a dress for me, slacks and polos or button downs for DH and DS.

That's it for now!:p

[scottie]

Tltjet-
We were going to book a room in Freeport at the Our Lucya resort so that we could have access to their several miles of beaches and 4 pools. The rate was only about 110 then you get a 50 credit to use on the resort property. But as we sat in the car this past weekend on our way back from the #1 coaster park in the world (Cedar Point) we decided against the room or any type of beach excursion/visit in Freeport and Nassau. We have decided to just shop around then head back to the ship and enjoy its facilities. We will have Castaway Cay to enjoy the beach! You may want to check out the website for the resort in Freeport if you are interested. http://www.ourlucaya.com/

Sonya-
The savings on the room will mean more money to spend on the ship and at port!!

As for dress- I think we will try to stick to casual and light… I am going bring polos and khakis and I would guess the wife, kids, and MIL will stick to light dresses and Capri pants etc. We have a long trip with the cruise and then 3 nights in WDW, I am afraid to see how much my wife packs for herself and the girls!!

I think we are just going to book some snorkel equipment and the banana boat for Castaway Cay

[tltjet]

Scottie,

I think that you can book that hotel excursion with Disney for less and still use all of the facilities of the hotel. I do want to do beach and snorkel things at both Nassau and Freeport. I have been going back and forth about Blue Lagoon or just a public beach. My husband and I are big beach and swim people.

When are you going to WDW before or after?

Sonya,

I think that we are going to be pretty casual too. Just a light summer dress and like Scottie said khakis and a polo shirt or button up.

[tltjet]

Scottie,

I typed before I thought. Is that $110.00 for the whole family? That would be a much better deal.

[cruisnfamily]

Ok, I'm done with excursion planning!

Nassau
No excursions...shopping at Del Sol and possibly hair braiding for Amanda

Freeport
Dolphin Encounter for DH and DD at 9:30am. Billy and I stay on the ship or possibly he will go to the club and I may wander about Freeport on my own(that would be safe to do right? Freeport wouldn't be dangerous would it).

Castaway Cay
Booked the Bannana boat for DD and me at 9:40am. Rented 1 adult and 1 child snorkel set. Fun in the sun!


Now, I had inquired...on another post as to whether or not the "art of entertaining" or "navigator" adult activities are on the 4 day and apparently they are not:( . Major bummer! Anyway, I hear that there will probably be a wine tasting on Wed around 3pm for about $13 a person and we definitely plan to do that.

Scottie: Did you book the actual "land/sea" vacation or did you do it yourself? I would think that with your DVC membership you would stay longer at Disney World. Are you going to DW before or after the cruise?

[scottie]

Below is what the website says for the special. I guess this would include two adults then you can add up to two more adults (or children I think) at 30.00 each.

The official excursion to the resort thru Disney is Adult Price: $49 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $39 (ages 3-9)

$109.00*
ISLAND FUN @ REEF VILLAGE ISLAND/GARDEN VIEW

Island Fun Package There is no better place to get away and unwind than Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort. Join us for our Island Fun package and enjoy the following: - Room Accommodation - $50 Resort Credit, per room, per stay - Complimentary Entrance to our Senses Spa Fitness Center - Complimentary Non-Motorized Water Sports - 2 for 1 Golf This promotion is valid to book May 31, 2002 through January 31, 2002 for travel between September 2, 2002 and January 31, 2003. Travel must be completed by January 31, 2003. Rate is per night based on single/double occupancy and does not include room tax of 12% or $7.20 per person, per night service charge. Extra person charge is $30 per night plus tax and service charge, maximum of 4 persons per room. This promotion is for new bookings only

[scottie]

We will be staying in Cocoa Beach the night before the cruise then off to the Beach Club Villas and the Poly after the cruise for a few nights. My wife is limited on vacation time this year so we cant stay at WDW longer. Plus we sucked up a TON of points by booking the cruise on them.

We will wonder around Freeport too Sonya...and I guess have to catch a taxi to some part of it??

[Disneyfan37]

Hi all. My wife and I are going on our first cruise Sept 22. We have talked to our neighbors who have been on many cruises. Sonya...my wife and I are both from Sarasota. I was born and raised there. It would be a pleasure to meet you. Let us know if your interested. My parents will also be on the cruise. And this is their first cruise as well. We talked them into it back in April.

Charlie and Maria

Gainesville FL:) :) :)

[Disneyfan37]

Hi!We are getting so excited.What did you dislike and like of the Atlantis excursion?We are considering on booking it,but we aren't sure yet if we should or not.Mainly,we are want to look around Atlantis,gamble a little bit,look at their shops,and do the aquarium.We aren't interested in their water slides.I also want to go shopping while in Nassau.I saw another note from you about Del Sol.Is that a good shopping place to shop?Mind you this is our first time in Nassau and cruising,so we are looking for suggestions!I assume we can go ahead and start booking these excursions if we decide to.I know for sure we are going to rent a water bike at Castaway Cay.Thanks!

Maria:Pinkbounc

[WorknFires]

Hello All,
We too are booked on your cruise. We went on the 4 day Wonder in 2000 the 3 day Wonder last year and now the 4 day Wonder again this year. Next year we're going to the to Western 7 day on the Magic.

There are 5 of us listed on the unofficial list:
Disneyfan37, scottie, Sonya Francisco, tarynsmom, WorknFires
with tltjet (who isn't listed) that makes 6 DIS members.

I'm Cheryl (35) w/ DH Robbie (35), DM Gloria (58), DMIL Juanita (50) and DFIL George (52) in 2 Cat 9 rooms on Deck 2.

Scottie, we bought a resale for more points and decided to use the exra points to take the parents on a cruise. (We were already owners and already had a 9 day OKW vacation planned)
Luckily, we closed while DVC was offering the DCL dicount points. Were you able to take advantage of the points savings?

PS here's the unofficial list if you haven't seen it:

http://www.makeabook.com/CruiseListDate.html

and here's the link for tltjet is you'd like to have your name added:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=169108&goto=newpost

See ya'll in another 49 days,
Cheryl

[Disneyfan37]

Time is going by so fast!I can't believe it is only 49 days till cruise.Have you taken any of the excursions on the four day cruise?We are considering on taking the Atlantis one.Thanks!

Maria

[cruisnfamily]

Welcome WorknFires!!:jester:

OK, Who is Tarynsmom? Do you think that there is any chance at all that Taryn is a 10-12 year old girl who would like to email Amanda? I'm going to PM her right now!

Disney Fan: The discover atlantis Excursion sounds like just what you are looking for! You ferry over and then hike through the streets to get to Atlantis(I remember the guide going very quicklyon the way to the resort). Once there, you tour around the resort briefly and then are given a tour of "the dig" which is the Aquarium. We really enjoyed this! Afterwards, we wandered around a bit and could have gambled if we didn't have the kids with us. We didn't get to use pools or slides(we knew we wouldn't) and couldn't see too much of that area if I recall. After the excursion we wandered around the tacky souvenier shops in town...I don't recall any "straw Market" that everybody talks about...we were in actual shops. They didn't sell anything particullarly wonderful but it was fun. We bought a beach bag and an ashtray or something.

The Del Sol store is one I haven't been to but plan to hit it this time. Supposedly they sell color changing Tshirts, nail polish, hats, etc which are black and white indoors but multi colored outdoors when the sun hits them. I have see one of their Tshirts and it is soooo cool.

Disneyfan....I think we talked once before about both being from Sarasota...Small world isn't it??

[Disneyfan37]

Yes,it is a small world!It is amazing that you are in Sarasota, and I and DH are from there.
Del Sol sounds like an interesting store.Pretty cool!Did you get locations on the net?We would like to check it out ourselves.
Yes,it sounds like the Discover Atlantis Excursion is the one that we will do.We aren't wanting to do the beach or slides at Altantis either.

Thanks,
Maria

[tarynsmom]

Sorry Sonya,Taryn is a 4 yr old darling girl (will be celebrating her 5th birthday on board the last night of the cruise) she will actually turn 5 on the 30th,but ecery year we celebrate it on board. This is our 3rd. DC and they even remembered her birthday and booked it for us!! This year we are taking my DH parents on their first cruise,with the extra points we got when we bought into the DVC last year. So there are 5 of us Helen (me) Tim (DH) Taryn (DD) Sharon (MIL) Frank (FIL) I don't remember where we are,is there anyway to find that on-line?? I know they will send us documents soon but as it stands I don't remember. We are doing 3 days at the Villa's at Wilderness Lodge from the 19th to the 22nd. We have PS for the new royal breakfast in EPCOT on the 20th at 8:30 AM (if anyones going?) and ALICE's TEAPARTY at 1PM at the GRANDFLORIDIAN on the 19th. We have yet to book any excursions,we usually just take in the sights. Taryn LOVES the Oceaneer Club and has talked of nothing else for weeks !! I'm very unorganized and hope we can pull this off!! I have never done this without a travel agent before and am sooooooooo overwhelmed !!! What with purchasing the parkhopper passes and arranging own transport from the airport and to the ship is driving me insane !!! *LOL* I hope we can all meet,I just got your PM~ Sonya,and will check back tomorrow as I have to get up for work at 4AM and need to wind down and sleep now. Nice to meet you all and this is going to be a GREAT CRUISE !!!

[tarynsmom]

The Del Sol store is one I haven't been to but plan to hit it this time. Supposedly they sell color changing Tshirts, nail polish, hats, etc which are black and white indoors but multi colored outdoors when the sun hits them. I have see one of their Tshirts and it is soooo cool.

This store is the best !! I use the color changing bag for work and Taryn was wearing her shirt today and we play with the polish all the time !!! Everybody got color changing glass bears in their Christmas stockings last year !!! You HAVE to check out this store!!! Now I really have to get to bed!! *LOL*

[scottie]

You can count us in for the Del Sol store too! DCL Here we come!!
DD (Meghan) just got finished crossing another day off her count down calendar, Im not sure who is the most excited in our house for our first Disney Cruise :)

[Disneyfan37]

DH and I can't wait either!It is so exciting.It will be our first too and hopefully to many more.
Do you know where the Del Sol store is actually at?

Thanks!
Maria

[cruisnfamily]

I had inquired about where the Del Sol store is and was told that it is on the shopping map that you get on board and that it is only a few blocks and very walkable to get to. If anybody has more definite directions, I'd be interested in the exact location....otherwise, we'll just wander off and find it I guess.

Will Taryn be in the 3-4 group or the 5-7 group in the club? My DS6(Billy) and Scotties DD5(Meghan) will be in the 5-7 group. I would guess you will put her in the 5-7 group since she will be celebrating that birthday that week. Perhaps Taryn could PM Meghan and Billy. They were PMing each other daily until summer came and Billy lost interest. It's hard to hold him down now to find out what he wants to say.

Amanda is upset that everybody that we know of on this cruise is either an adult or age 6 & under....Anybody know of any 10-12 year olds cruising with us?

Dining Times
Do you guys think our dining times will change? We have early seating which I was very happy with but 5:30 sounds just a little too early so I hope our times don't change!:rolleyes:

[Disneyfan37]

Great!I look forward to going to the Del Sol Store.Yes,there is nothing against wandering off and shopping<G>.
Our dinner time may change?oh no!I surely hope not as we were also scheduled for 6PM.5:30PM would be too early for dinner.Hopefully,this won't happen.

Maria

[scottie]

I posted late last night asking about the "trial" dinner times being extended until our cruise. Below is a link to the thread...I think it sounds like thre is a 50/50 chance at the point??? I also emailed DCL this morning to ask them about it. Feel free to check the link to my posting and see what you think. and I will letr you know what DCL had to say in a couple of days when they reply :)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=2161827#post2161827

[Disneyfan37]

Yes,please let us know if they change the dinner times.I am curious as to what DCL will reply back.I surely do hope they don't as 5:30PM is too early.

Maria

[scottie]

We are scheduled for the late seating so I dont think we would mind the change in time, but with the early seating I can understand the worry!

[scottie]

We are scheduled for the late seating so I dont think we would mind the change in time, but with the early seating I can understand the worry!

[Disneyfan37]

I just mentioned this to DH,and he was like well I guess we will have to deal with it if it comes to that.I hope it doesn't as it is awfully early to eat dinner.That is good though that you don't have to worry about it.

Maria

[scottie]

I emailed DCL Excursion desk last night with our requests for Castaway Cay!!

-Castaway Cay Getaway Package
(includes 1 snorkle rental, 1 float rental and 1 hour bike rental)
1 adult
1 child

-Float/Tube Rentals
1 adult

-Banana Boat Ride
2 adults (myself and MIL)

[Disneyfan37]

Can we go ahead an email them as DH and I want to rent some stuff also at Castaway Cay?What is their email?Thanks!

Maria

[cruisnfamily]

I didn't use email for my excursions...I phoned it in and that worked out fine too. I don't know the email address but I bet it is on the disney cruise website.

[Disneyfan37]

I tired to call today,and I had to leave a voice message with some voice mail.We will see when they call back.

[scottie]

I emailed the shore excursion address late last night and had a confirmation email back this afternoon! Way to go DCL with a quick reply!! If you go to the official DCL site and look up the excursions at each port of call there is a link on the page that explains how to do it via email. I think the email address that came up was dcl.shore.excursions@disney.com.

[scottie]

Ok I recieved an offical reply email back from DCL today in regards to the new seating times...Have at it :)

"Beginning with the Disney Wonder August 8th sailing, Main dining will begin at 5:30 pm and Second Dining with begin at 7:45 pm. The revised dining time will be for 10 sailings through September 8th.

Therefore, at this time the dining for your September 22 sailing aboard the Disney Wonder is second dining at 8:30 p.m. This is subject to change based on the dining time testing period.

We look forward to the chance to sail with you.

Sincerely,

Disney Cruise Line Guest Communications"

[Disneyfan37]

Thanks!I will go ahead and email them if I don't hear anything tomorrow from them.

Maria

[cruisnfamily]

It sounds like our dining times remain unchanged:p ! Yeah! If I had the later seating, I wouldn't have minded switching to 7:45 but having the early seating, I'm glad I won't be eating ridiculously early!

Everybody keep us posted if you hear something different.

[tgj]

Good morning everyone....

Just found this board the other day, and wanted to let you know that my son and I will be sailing on 9/22 also. This is our first cruise ever. We're doing 3 days at WDW beforehand. My son is 6 years old - sorry Amanda - and can't wait!


These boards are very helpful - the internet at its best...thanks for your good advice and info!

[cruisnfamily]

TGJ: My DS Billy is also 6...he'll turn 7 in Dec and is going into 1st grade this year. What is your son's name? Will he be in the Club with Billy, Meghan, and Taryn? Sounds like there will be quite a crowd for their age group.

Hey Everybody-What is your seating for dinner? I know we are early(hopefully 6pm) and Scottie is late(8:30) When is everybody else eating?

TGJ: Is it just the 2 of you cruising? Have you planned any excursions?

DisneyFan: Did you get those excursions booked? Which ones did you go with?

Is anyone doing the Dolphin Encounter in Freeport?

Is anyone staying at the Radisson the night before? We plan to do Kennedy Space Center on Sat and spend the night at the Radisson the night before.

[tgj]

My son's name is Ben, and he's going into 1st grade this fall also....he's almost ready for summer to end. At first I thought it was because of going into 1st grade, but now I'm pretty sure it's because of this trip!! Yes, we're planning on the Oceaneer's club. I'm hoping he enjoys it and that I'll get a little time for myself too.

We're also doing the Dolphin encounter on Freeport. He's really excited about it. Thought about the other one - the included beach time is supposed to be great, but it also means almost all day off the ship...since it's our first time and it's only for 4 days, thought we'd like to spend more time on the ship than off, if that makes sense.

Yes, it will be just Ben and I...I'm a little nervous about doing this as a single dad....but I'm sure it will be a great adventure!

We're on the waiting list for early dining....don't know about eating at 8:30, but I've read there can be some advantages to the late seating.

[Disneyfan37]

We probably would of changed to the later one also as we don't want to be rushed when we are doing something off the boat.Lets keep our fingers crossed that they leave it at 6.

Maria

[WorknFires]

Hi tgj! Welcome to the DIS!

Go to http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169108&perpage=15&pagenumber=1 to add your name to the cruise list. The cruise list currently shows 5, you'll make 6 and someone else that posted on this topic should make the 7th DIS'er on our cruise.

Ben will love the Kids club. We took my 7 yr old cousin last year and it was a real effort to drag her from the yellow people (that's the name of the caregivers that work in the kids club)

I think DMIL & DFIL will be doing the Dophin Encounter in Freeport. They haven't quite made up their minds.

I think the only excursion, I'm interested in is the Discover Atlantis

And we're all in the late seating for dinner.

Cheryl

[scottie]

We are staying at the Hilton on the Beach the night before the cruise. We got the room on HotWire for 50.00. I guess the kids will likely swim in the ocean when we arrive then we can relax before we set sail the on Sunday. I think the hotel is about 10 miles or so from port.

My wife was going to do the Dolphin Encounter but we all did a 180% turn on our original plans and decided not to do any excursions except for a few things at Castaway Cay. And this will give us a good deal of time to spend just looking around Freeport and Nassau and some fun time on the ship while at the ports.

We are happy with our choice for the late seating at dinner. After a careful review of the pros and cons of each seating time and we decided that the late time would fit us best. We will probably gab some pizza and chicken fingers around 4 or so and then we will be set until the official dinnertime. We figured the late seating would give us enough time to enjoy the afternoon without feeling rushed at all.

Meghan (and Morgan, though she cant talk yet) are really looking forward to the cruise along with the three Adults!! This will be our first Disney Cruise and we have high expectations for it. I think the Family Suite will be a nice size for the 5 of us, and the verandah will be a great place to relax late at night with some cookies and milk (yes for me)

DCL watch out here we come!!

[Disneyfan37]

We are going to leave town early on Saturday,and we will stay the night at Disney All Star Music.We got the room for 59 dollars a night.We will leave WDW property Sunday morning around 9am and head over to the port.We can't wait!

[cruisnfamily]

Hi all,

If any of you are FL Residents, call and get them to send you a refund! Fl Res rates apply to our cruise.

We just upgraded from a Cat 10 to Cat 9 and are getting a check back for $140. Can't beat that! The discount wasn't offered on the Cat 10 we had booked so we had to upgrade in order to get a refund. I figure it was worth it....get a room with a view and $140 sent back to me. The only negative is that we are now on deck 2 whereas before we were on deck 7 but we were on deck 2 last time we went and we were fine so we went for it.

[tltjet]

Hello all Sept. 22 cruisers!!

My plans have changed so much since the last payment was made. We decided to fly into Orlando on Friday night. I had reservations at the Raddison but decided to change them and stay at Disney for the 2 night prior to our cruise.

After doing all of the research to rent a car my DH informs me that he has absolutely no desire to drive on vacation, so I did some more research and we are now using Happy Limo. The price is almost the same.

We have second seating for dinner and I just booked Blue Lagoon for Nassau. I still have not decided what to do in Freeport. I went to the library yesterday and found Frommer Bahanas 2001 (they didn't have 2002) and it has a lot of great information in it.

After the cruise we will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge for 4 days. I originally had the Swan booked but then the codes came out and I got a great deal on the Wilderness Lodge.

Hope to see you all on board!

Jenifer

[Disneyfan37]

Thanks!I tried calling,and they said my travel agent needs to call.I will her up tomorrow morning.I appreciate you letting us know about this.

Maria

[Disneyfan37]

Originally posted by Sonya Francisco
Hi all,

If any of you are FL Residents, call and get them to send you a refund! Fl Res rates apply to our cruise.

We just upgraded from a Cat 10 to Cat 9 and are getting a check back for $140. Can't beat that! The discount wasn't offered on the Cat 10 we had booked so we had to upgrade in order to get a refund. I figure it was worth it....get a room with a view and $140 sent back to me. The only negative is that we are now on deck 2 whereas before we were on deck 7 but we were on deck 2 last time we went and we were fine so we went for it.

[Disneyfan37]

We are on the second deck as well.I can't wait!

[cruisnfamily]

Disney Fan: Did you upgrade and get a refund too?

I was happy with my Cat10 on deck 7 but I figured for a window and a refund check I would do it even though it is on a lower deck. I did lose my Disney Club onboard credit of $50 for using the Fl Res rates but I figure I'm still ahead $90 with a view.

[Disneyfan37]

Hi!Yes,I called my travel agent today,and they upgraded us.I did lose the 50 onboard credit as well.I was able to keep the free mugs since we used AAA as our agent.I was also happy with my previous reservation,but I figured the same thing for a window and a refund check I would go ahead and do it.DH and I thank you very much for letting us know about this discount.

Maria

[Cruise FAN of Disney]

We are also on the Sept 22nd cruise! My party consists of my mom, sister (26) and me (30)! We have all been on DCL several times!

[scottie]

Cruise FAN of Disney-

Welcome aboard our "not so full of DIS members cruise"!!

[Disneyfan37]

Welcome aboard!This is dh and I first time on DCL,and we are highly looking forward to it.We are dragging my inlaws along as well.This is their first time as well.We can't wait!

Maria

[WorknFires]

Cruise FAN of Disney makes us 7 or 8 DIS'ers on our cruise? I haven't kept very good track.

Cruise FAN of Disney, be sure to add your name to the unofficial cruise list at this site:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169108&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

I think that makes 3 of us on deck 2.

I just got my email confirming our Discover Atlantis Excursion.

See you all soon!

Cheryl

[scottie]

We received our formal confirmation via mail today for our Castaway Cay excursions!! Looks like MIL and myself are booked for the banana boat at 10:55am. And we also have one adult and one child getaway package booked too.

[cruisnfamily]

I got my confirmation for the Bananna Boats too! But I didn't get my confirmation on snorkel gear or the Dolphin Encounter yet. I called for those about 2 days later.

I also got my papers with my upgrade and credit balance shown. They are crediting my CC with the difference. Yeah!:p

Has anybody found a 10-12 year old for Amanda yet? I'm still hoping. Billy finally wrote back to Meghan and is getting a little more excited about the cruise. School starts monday though so that has taken precedence. We had open house yesterday and met their teachers and bought supplies. It seems way too early to be heading back to school!

Let's keep posting with our new developements! Who will be the first to get their docs????:confused:

[Cruise FAN of Disney]

My TA called me and said my September 22nd docs are in. I booked through AAA.

[scottie]

Thats great Cruise Fan!

I just got off the phone with DCL and they said our docs have not left the buliding yet...I guess I will just have to wait!

[cruisnfamily]

My TA (AAA) just called me and my docs are in too!:p She said I could pick them up any time. I'm sure I won't get there today as I have to get the house in order this morning and be up to school this afternoon to help in my dd's classroom. Guess it will probably be tomorrow.

Yipee:jester:

Now, who else has gotten theirs and who did you book with?:confused:

[Disneyfan37]

I haven't heard anything yet.I may call my TA if I don't hear anything as they don't have their act together at our AAA office.I can't wait to get mine.DH will probably have to pick them up.

[Disneyfan37]

I couldn't resist after Sonya said she has to go and pick hers up.I called and sure enough our documents are in.DH will go and pick them up in a few minutes.He can't wait!They were actually there yesterday from what main person said.I tell you before we know it cruise will be here!Hooray!:Pinkbounc

[tltjet]

I got my documents today, well the Fed Ex slip for them. Why do you have to sign for them? They won't even let me sign the waiver form. Now I have to figure out how I am going to get them. The Fed Ex office is about 45 minutes away on a good day. Oh well.

I'M GOING TO DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jeleann]

Hello everyone going on the Wonder Cruise 9-22. I'm traveling with my husband, mother-in-law, and kids that are 2 & 3. This will be our 1st. cruise, we're very excited.
Hope to find lots of tips and info.

[jeleann]

WE RECIEVED OUR DOCUMENTS ON MONDAY FROM FED-EX. WE HAD SO MUCH FUN LOOKING AT EVERYTHING. WE OUR THINKING ABOUT GETTING A GIFT BASKET FOR THE KIDS. :jester:

WE WILL HAVE A DAY TO KILL IN CAPE CANAVERAL IF ANYONE HAS ANY TIPS ON STUFF TO DO PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

[Disneyfan37]

Hi!Welcome aboard!DH and I are looking forward so much to this cruise.I know we are thinking about ordering a basket as well for ourselves a nice wine basket for the first evening!I can't believe we cruise almost a month from this coming up Thursday.This is our first cruise.

Maria

[WorknFires]

Hi jeleann,
Welcome to the DIS! You'll love the Disney Wonder, your children will love it best! Okay so now we're at 9 DIS'ers.

Sonya Francisco (Sonya), DH (Bill), DD (Amanda-9) & DS (Billy-6)
celebrating 12th wedding anniversary on deck 2
tltjet (Jenifer) & DH
Scottie, Sunny, Grandma, Meghan(5½), Morgan(1½) in Cat. 4
Disneyfan37 (Maria) & DH (Charlie) on deck 2
WorknFires (CHeryl), DH (Robbie), DM (Gloria), DMIL (Juanita)
& DFIL (George) on the 2nd deck.
tarynsmom (Helen), DH (Tim), DD (Taryn), DMIL (Sharon), DFIL (Frank) Taryn's 5th birthday.
tgj (dad) & DS (Ben-6)
Cruise FAN of Disney, DM & DSis
jeleann (Jennifer), DH (Kevin), DMIL (Patty) & DD (Kelsey-3)
& DS (Ethen-2) Both kids celebrating birthdays!

Don't forget the lime green ribbons!

[scottie]

I’m just sitting waiting patiently for the FedEx truck to show up at our front door with our docs. The waiting is takings its toll on me…im just way too excited for our first cruise!!;)

[cruisnfamily]

DisneyFan.....what do you mean 1 week from this Thursday??? Now you've got me interested. We still have 51/2 weeks to go don't we? For a moment you had me panicing but then I figured that you must be doing something else first.

Jeleann -welcome to our thread...we are spending the day before the cruise at Kennedy Space Center...Don't know if that would interest you with 2 & 3 year olds but that's where we will be. Scottie and family are spending the day before at the beach. Don't know what the others have planned for the day before.

Hey, is anyone at the Radisson the night before???

Worknfires-Thanks for the updated list...I started to do that a while ago but gave up as no one was adding their name to our thread.

Still no 10 yr old girls for Amanda.....Bummer!

[jeleann]

WORKNFIRES COULD YOU EXPLAIN ABOUT THE LIME GREEN RIBBONS?
OUR FAMILY IS KEVIN(DH), JENNIFER(ME),PATTY(DMIL),KELSEY 3, AND ETHEN 2.
THINK YOU FOR YOUR WARM WELCOMES.:p

BOTH OF OUR KIDS WILL BE CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS ON THE CRUISE. I HAVE TOLD DISNEY CRUISE LINE. DCL WILL HAVE A CAKE FOR THEM AT DINNER, AND SPECIAL THINGS FOR THEM IN THE CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS THAT DAY. DOES ANYONE HAVE MORE IDEAS ON WHAT WE CAN DO?:bounce

JENNIFER

[tltjet]

Hi Cruisers,

Sonya,
What are you doing special for your anniversary? My husband and I are celebrating our 9th (couldn't wait till 10th to go on the cruise)? I was thinking about calling the perfect gift and having a basket sent to the room.

Jennifer,
You may also want to get a basket for your childrens birthdays. Everyone on this board raves about Shirleys baskes. The green ribbons are so Dis people can recognize other Dis people on board.


My husband and I are flying into Orlando on Friday night and staying at Port Orleans for 2 nights and then going on the cruise. After the cruise we will be back in Disney at the Wilderness Lodge for 4 days.

[Disneyfan37]

Hi!I meant almost a month.Can you tell I am dieing for the time to go faster<G>?
I know you all have cruised before.It being our first cruise,do you think we need to take something for seasickness before getting on boat?Thanks!

[Disneyfan37]

Hi!I meant almost a month.Can you tell I am dieing for the time to go faster<G>?
I know you all have cruised before.It being our first cruise,do you think we need to take something for seasickness before getting on boat?Thanks!

[WorknFires]

tltjet, we too are staying at Port Orleans the night before... at PO-Riverside. Will you be at Riverside or French Quarter?

We're having breakfast at Boatwright's before we leave.... one last taste of Disney ;)

Okay jeleann, now that you know about the lime green ribbons, I'll be looking for yours. LOL

Cheryl

[jeleann]

Where are we suppose to wear the ribbons? On our shirts?
I'm getting so excited. I'm not sure I can wait another month.

We have friends going on the cruise September 7, except they are going on the 7 night and on the Magic. She is the one who told me about this website. She is going to fill me in on their's when she gets back. I would think that things on the ships would be the same basicly.



Jennifer

[Disneyfan37]

Hi!This is the first I have heard of lime green ribbons.What is this about?Let me know if I need to bring some ribbon aboard.Thanks!

Maria

[WorknFires]

Disneyfan37, lime green ribbons are how one DIS'er recognizes another DIS'er. I usually wear mine on my back pack in the parks but have never bothered to wear one onboard before. I've never been on a cruise that another DIS'er was on (according to unofficial cruise lists ;) ) I imagine i'll wear it pinned to my hat.

I doubt if you'll need seasick medicine. You'd have to be really sensitive. Even when the weather was bad last year, I barely felt the ship moving.

Jennifer, they are mostly the same. Some small differences...
Lumiere's instead of Triton's. Afternoon tea at Palo's and of course, destination :D but the big difference is they have 3 more days than we do! WAH! :(

See you soon,

[Disneyfan37]

Thanks!I will make sure to get some lime ribbon before we go on cruise.It would be great to meet other DIS'ers.
Thanks for letting me know about seasick medicine.I won't bother to get any after all.It is nice to know the boat doesn't rock that bad.

Maria

[WorknFires]

On my 1st trip (before 9-11) when they would let you go on the bridge of the ship and they explained how everything worked, I learned (and this is how I remember it in my mind not necessarily how they explained it) there are large -maybe 30 ft- fins that come out on each side to stabilize the ship as it's moving and when in dock there are 2 tanks that run from forward to aft and have liquid ballast in them. They are connected and monitored by computers and if the ship begins to list to port, then liquid is shot over to starboard and this process is constantly in action keeping the ship even. During the bad weather last year I only noticed the ship moving as I was sitting in the forward Theatre and it wasn't that bad. I suppose if you're really sensitive, you might need something.

[scottie]

Times flying away…so much to pack and so little time! I am trying to convince my wife to pack lightly, I’m not sure I will win the battle as we will be staying in WDW for three nights after the cruise so we will need to make sure we have a diverse set of clothes for each of us.

[WorknFires]

Just 3 days..... Oh No Scottie! "Will you be going home?"

[scottie]

WorknFires-

We will be visiting-
-One night in Cocoa Beach at the Hilton
-Four nights on the Wonder
-Then one night at Beach Club Villas
- For our final leg of the trip...two nights at the Polynesian
-Last but not least- a plane ride back to Columbus Ohio to end our magical vacation!!

[WorknFires]

Well 1 night is better than none! We're doing 2 days at the WL (upgrade because of CBR's closing) then 6 nights at OKW ("Welcome Home") then 1 night at PO-R and the 4 night cruise.
The cruise became an extra when we bought a resale.

[scottie]

Yep, only one night at a DVC resort this time...too many points spent on the cruise sowe are using cash for the Poly, plus we wanted to play in their new pool during the day on Friday and Saturday and have easy access to the Magic Kingdom via the monorail on Staurday when we vist the park

[scottie]

Well since we are so impatient for our cruise…. I took Meghan out today to the pet store and we bought a cute little hamster and cage, the kids first pet to keep us occupied!! Now all we have to do is find a home for the Cherry (the hamsters name) while we are on the cruise.

Where oh where are my cruise docs??

[Disneyfan37]

There you go!A new pet to keep you occupied till we all leave on September 22.DH read the documents again to me tonight for the second time.I am curious as to how many times he will read them before we take off<VBG>.

Maria

[jeleann]

My husband and I were wondering if you have to show your passport or birth certificate everytime you get off the boat or on?
(Even at the ports)
I'll be wearing a ribbon, hopefully, I can remeber it. I think I'm going to be spending days getting ready for the trip.
Does anyone have advice on things that are must brings and things we will not need.

Jennifer

[scottie]

Have no fear jeleann...I read a posting just the other day about what we need to get back on the ship. Here is a link to the thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=249844

It appears that we need to have our KTTW card and passport or drivers license to get back aboard at port (Nassau or Freeport)

Here is a list I gathered from a posting a while pack, Not sure we need everything but worth reviewing (I believe most of it would come in handy...

-Over the door shoe hanger
-Highlighters in different colors (for kids and adults)
-disposable water camera
-sunscreen
-extra (cheap) sunglasses in case you lose them
-extra folding bag that can be used as a beach bag and then to carry off extras items you purchased.
-extension cord
-baggies or ziplock bags
-night light
-small illuminated clock
-laundry tablets, dryer sheets and lots of quarters for laundry
-collapsible cooler
-plastic clothes pins
-small fan
-cruise documents
-picture IDs
-birth certificates for everyone or passports
-mesh laundry bag
-walkie talkies
-Also take plenty of $1 bills...the locals that sell things (a lot of nice things at good deals) say they don't have change and you may end up paying $10 for something you could have talked down to $6-7 if you had the right amount of change. We bought lots of neat jewelry and those nice bathing suit wraps on the beaches we went to.

-I will be packing a small pair of binoculars

-DOWNY WRINKLE RELEASER

-Bring appropriate clothing for dinner! Boys & men must wear pants to dinner!!! Luckily we had two pairs of pants for my son on our first (4 day) cruise because they will not let you wear shorts to dinner. Ladies must wear dresses or nice pantsuits (No denim jeans allowed). On our first cruise I was always cold at dinner (I'm thin-skinned), so a nice sweater that will go w/everything might come in handy

-Hole puncher for the KTTWcard

[tltjet]

WorknFires,

My husband and I will be staying at the French Quarters. Since we are only going to be there two days I thought that the French Quarter would be better since it is smaller.

[jeleann]

Scottie thanks that packing info was great and I'm about to go to the site you recommended.
What is a KTTW Card?
This our first disney cruise, well first cruise ever. how many disney cruises has everyone been on?

Jennifer

[cruisnfamily]

Jeleann: This is our 2nd Disney Cruise...the first was a 3 day...and our 3rd cruise overall. (the other cruise was 12 years ago on Royal Carribbean for our honeymoon).

Your KTTW card is your room key which is also used for onboard purchases. KTTW stands for Key to The World.

By the way....Downy Wrinkle releaser is magical stuff! You spray it on your wrinkled garment, tug the garment once and Voila! All wrinkles are magically removed. Plus, it has a really nice fresh scent. We will be packing some but I am looking to find a smaller bottle of it or a small bottle to transfer it into because the regular bottle I have is huge(about the size of a windex sprayer bottle).

So, I can't believe that no one from our cruise is staying at the raddison.. guess we'll have the pool to ourselves.

[Disneyfan37]

This is our first ever cruise.We thought we would go on Disney as we would have it no other way.DH was telling me that he will be very surprised if we don't book another cruise while we are on board.We will see how it all goes the first time around.

Maria

[Disneyfan37]

Thanks for your suggestion on downy.I will go and get some before we leave on cruise.I can always use that as I am not the ironing type<G>.
No,we aren't staying at the Radisson.We got a good deal at the Disney All Star Music,so we are staying there Saturday night.We will town early,relax at WDW as we aren't going to any parks,and swim at the pool at the All Stars.The next morning we plan to leave early from there as we want to be one of the first to go onboard.
Let me ask you this once you get back how long does it take to get off the ship.My friend told me the other crusie liners take forever to get you off.I just need to let someone here at the house know when to expect us back as I run a business here at the house.Thanks!

Maria

[jeleann]

Sonya- I thought it was probably the room key, but was unsure.

I'm diffently going to have to go get some downy wrinkle releaser. Does it work on everything? If you have a Wal-Mart or Target over in the hair priducts they normally have travel sze products. You might look there; I have seen the travel size spray bottles before.

I was wondering if my husbands cell phone would get reception on the ship. Our carrier is AT&T Wireless. We have our on business, and he'll need to keep in contact accassionly. I'm suprised that I have been able to brag him away for the cruise. All he does is work, work, work.

Scottie-My computer will not let pull up that site. It says that document is unavailable.

Jennifer

[scottie]

Tltjet-

I would have to say that the Port Orleans French Quarter is truly my families favorite resort in all of WDW…and I think we have stayed at all of them! There is just something magical at that resort that takes all of my worries away and the size and location are just perfect. The kids really love the cool pool they have there too.

Jeleann-

This will be the first cruise for my family too and of course we decided to go with the best and stick with Disney! Somehow all of our vacations surround Disney in some way or another, so much that I have decided to force us off that track next year and head to Canada instead, though I am sure we will end up on Disney property at some point during the year :)


Sonya-

I think we will be all alone at the Hilton too!

[jeleann]

What excursions are people taking? We have booked the Atlantis in Nassau, my dh is playing golf in Freeport, and I think that my and dmil, dh, and I might go snorkeling at Castaway Cay.
Does anyone have experiences with these?

[scottie]

We have decided against excursions for the most part. Having a youngster that wont yet be 2 it was hard to find anything for the most part that she could be a part of. With that said…we booed a few excursions for Castaway Cay:

-2 adults for the Banana Boat ride
-1 adult and 1 child for the castaway cay getaway package (this include snorkel rental, tube rental, and an hour bike rental)
-1 extra adult tube/float rental

[jeleann]

I just got back form my daughter's first day at Head Start. She was really excited. I guess everyone must be busy. I didn't know that threads could move pages. :confused:
Jennifer

[WorknFires]

All 5 of us are taking the Discover Atlantis tour. Two times of wandering thru Nassau's filthy street were enough. Although I may go out to buy some booze & have a braid put in my hair.

[scottie]

Im keeping my fingers crossed that we get sprinkled with some of this "upgrade dust" that has been going around recently!!

[jeleann]

Worknfires-Which one of the Atlantis tours are you going on? We are on the 11:00.
I was wanting to get braids in my daughter's hair, but her hair is so long that I think it will take hours. Plus I don't think she would sit there and let them do it. She hates people messing with her hair.
We are hoping to find the shop that sells things that change colors in the sun.

Scottie-What do you mean? Are they upgrading people for free or for an additional fee. And how do you get it?

Does anyone know of any good shops or things to do in Freeport that isn't on the excursions list?

Our friends that our leaving for their cruise the first week in September still hasn't got their documents. She keeps calling dcl and they say it's in the mail and should be there anytime.

Jennifer

[WorknFires]

We are on the 11:00 one too. It won't take the ladies very long to braid her hair. They are very fast. Of couse my hair is not that long and I only have maybe 5 braids put in but it didn't take her more than 2 or 3 mins. The bigger problem would be letting someone touch your hair if you didn't like it. Try starting now talking with her about it and see how receptive she will be. Bring up the subject every day and talk about how cute she'll be and that all the other little girls will be doing it (and they will I promise) maybe by the time it rolls around she'll really be looking forward to it.

[cruisnfamily]

We upgraded again today....never satisfied I guess....to a Category 5. I am so thrilled. The difference was $400 but we still had the $140 credit on our credit card so it only cost us $260!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: We're doing the happy dance over here. I've always really, really, wanted a veranda and now we've got one. The kids don't know about the veranda....but I think they will be thrilled!

Anyway, we're now in 7550.

Ok, just spent the last hour playing around with this and I've got to go grocery shopping now or there won't be any dinner tonight.

I'll check in later.

[scottie]

jeleann-

I have read posts recently about several people getting upgraded for FREE on their soon be cruise dates. So I am keeping fingers crossed somone at DCL/DVC will be so kind as to surprise us with a cat 3 or 2 or even 1 for our Disney Dedication!!;)
I have found some good info on shopping etc at Freeport and Nassau on both Daves and Barbs site, check them out and enjoy!

Sonya-

Too bad you didnt up it to a cat 4 and then you could be close to us so Meghan and Billy could play all night long!!

I am still awaiting that FedEx man to drop the magic pack off on our doorstep...dont make me wait much longer, the excitment is really getting to me and the family (including Cherry the new hamster:-))

[cruisnfamily]

Scottie:
I would have settled for a Cat 6 ( figured the price difference would be less) but the only Categories that still had FL Res rates were 5 and 9. If they had offered the Cat 4 for the same price I would have taken it though. All I can say is that these FL Res rates are really, really good deals! We had priced the upgrades for a Cat 9 and Cat 6 previously and it would have cost $400 to go to the 9(and instead we got a $140 credit for going to the 9 as FL Res's) and it would have cost somewhere around $800 or $900 to go to the Cat 6 (and now it was only $260 for a Cat 5). It pays to live in FL I guess. This is our reward for putting up with heat and humidity for about 11 Months of the year I guess.

Excursions:
We are doing nothing in Nassau. Want to do some hair braiding and the Del Sol Shop

Hubby and DD are doing Dolphin Encounter in Freeport

DD and I are doing Bannana Boat at Castaway Cay

We have also rented 1 adult and 1 child snorkel set for CC

[jeleann]

Scottie-do you have to call DCL for the upgrades and request them or do they just call and offer it to you? And do you have to be more than first time cruisers to get it?

Sonya-That is great! I'm glad you are going to get a veranda since you want one so bad.
I also wanted a veranda, but I was to afraid. With my kids being so small, able to open sliding glass doors, and little monkeys. My husband says I'm being overly protective and worring about it to much. This from the man who has our kids outside in 45 degree weather in shorts.

Worknfires-Good idea I'll try to talk it up to her, maybe it will work.
Her her is almost to the top of her pants though, and she as thick hair. LOTS OF IT! I'm hping she will be up for it. She would look so cute.

Jennifer,

[scottie]

Sonya-
What time is your banana boat excursion at, we are at 10:55? I think Meghan will get some braids done too at Nassau.

Jeleann-
From what I have read it appears no one has actually asked for an upgrade…they basically just received their docs or checked their reservation online and saw that they received an upgrade!

[cruisnfamily]

Our Bananna Boat thing is 9:40ish I think. I have the confirmation in the other room. I just realized that I have not received a confirmation for the Dolphin Encounter excursion or snorkel equipment though. I made these ressies after the Bananna Boat ressies. Do you think I should call? Did you get confirmations on all of your excursions?

For everybody that is doing the discover atlantis excursion. We did this excursion last time and really enjoyed it. The "Dig" is fabulous. The kids enjoyed it as well. There is some walking(at a rather fast pace) from the ferry to the Atlantis. You kind of run through the streets after your guide. Kind of weird I thought. But anyway, once at the Atlantis is was quite organized and very worthwhile we thought. We just didn't want to do the same thing again. Of course there was no use of the pools, slides, etc but that was OK with us. We just wanted to see the place. On the ride over on the ferry the narrator was talking about how expensive the suites in the middle of the top floor there rent for. Many thousands of dollars per night it was but I don't recall the exact number. Anyway, it was a great excursion!

Last time we went to CC it was too cold for us to enjoy the water much(early March). DD who was 7 at the time made a valiant effort to snorkel but was too cold. DH did some snorkeling but not as much as he would have liked. We're hoping both kids can give it a try this time. DD did play in the water and on the play equipment in the water but was really chilled to the bone. Last time DS who was 4 opted to stay with the kids program on CC and didn't even see the water. They play in a sandy area which is not on the beach. We went to try to get him twice but he was happy where he was. I think this time he will spend the day on the beach with us though.

Ok, that's all I can think of for now.

Still doing the :bounce: happy dance:Pinkbounc about my Category 5. Wohoo!

[jeleann]

Scottie-I guess I will not be getting a upgrade. We have already recieved our documents and I checked our account online last night. Oh well. Good Luck to you though!!!

Sonya-I have been wanting to go on the excursion(atlantis)before even booked the cruise. That is part of the reason we booked the 4 day instead of the 7. I'm really excited about it. Good to now that the children's play area is away from the beach. My kids will be there while we are snorkeling. They are water bugs and would be trying everything they knew to get in the water.

ON THURSDAY ONLY ONE MORE MONTH TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :p

As my son says everyday for the past six months,"We see Mickey today?!?!" I can't wait to finally tell him YES. The two of them (Kelsey and Ethen) watch the video all the time. We say where are going for your birthdays? and they say DISNEY CRUISE.


Jennifer

[scottie]

Sonya-

I booked our excursions at CC via the DCL website and recieved an email confirmation along with a written confirmation by mail. I would shoot DCL an email and ask that they please forward a written confiurmation to you byy mail or email so that you have some proof!

jeleann-

Maybe when you get onboard they will say "we have moved you to the Disney Suite"!!;)

[jeleann]

Wouldn't that be nice. Only one problem my mother-in-law has a room next to ours. But for a suite she could be on her own. She is a big girl right. Just kidding! I doubt we get one I think you have to be more than first time cruisers or maybe a memeber of the Castaway Club and we are not. I'm just happy to our $50. onboard credit for being a first time cruiser. If have not recieved this call DCL an request it.

Is the water on the ship descent drinking water??
Do you recommend the lanyards?
What are some other good restaurants to eat at on the ship besides the ones for dinner?


Jennifer

[jeleann]

:jester: :bounce: :Pinkbounc ONLY ONE MORE MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:Pinkbounc :bounce: :jester:

[WorknFires]

I think the DCL lanyards are nice. I can't remember but I believe there are 2 different ones. One has a plastic sleeve like for your KTTW card (I used mine for my work ID once I got back home) and the other is like a thin plastic waterproof cigarette case. Big enough to hold 3-4 cards but hangs on a thin rope. And of course they have the waterproof cigarette pack sized case on a thin rope too.

I remember checking my info at a website last year but can't remember it this year. Can someone give me the link to check my room for a possible upgrade. I'm not expecting one since I've got side beside rooms booked. Thanks in advance.

[jeleann]

To check your reservation go to disneycruise.com then click on the picture of the suitcase. That will take you where you need to go. Atleast that is where I checked mine.
Do all children get KTTW keys, even if they are two and three?


jennifer

[WorknFires]

hmmmm It doesn't recognize my confirmation #. Maybe because I reserved my cruise using DVC points. Anyone else using DVC points able to check their reservations on www.disneycruise.com?

[scottie]

WorknFires-
we booked on points too so we cant check via the DCLsite either. I guess we will just have to wait till we arrive (or get our docs if that ever happens).

jeleann-

This will be our first cruise, we lucked out and are getting a $150 ship board credit as a special DVC was offering for September sailings!
I have found a good selection of menus on the DCL site along with Barbs site. Below is a link to her food page. There are photos of the buffets along with menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and room service, check them out and get your tummy ready!!
http://www.fortunecity.com/campus/brigham/612//food.htm

I have also found PDF files of menus on the official DCL website site for the sit down dinners and they are up to date too if you need a link to them just let me know!

[jeleann]

Scottie- thanks for the meal link I haven't checked it yet. I will do it when I done with this.

Sonya-we are now staying at the radisson. It was my orginal choice. Being so close to the port, and the rental car drop off point. The first time I called the price was $139. To steep for me considering our plane doesn't land in Orlando until 7. I found somecodes for the Radisson on the other threads on this site. I got it for $80. The code is VISIT FLORIDA if anyone wants to know.
We want be getting there until after 10 more than likely. So you will still have the pools to yourselves. :cool:

I aso found a code for Avis if anone wants it D002807. It is some kind of group discount code. You just call them and write it down and show it to them when you arrived. I only saved us about $10, but every bit helps.

Jennifer

[jeleann]

Scottie- Thanks that wesite was great. It had the dinner menus on it too. ;)

Does anyone know how full the ship is? I was wondering if it was booked to capcity or not. I guess I could ask DCL.


Jennifer

[scottie]

jeleann-

There are a few cruise booking sites out there that will show you approx 5 rooms avaible in the cat. that you want....I checked one the other day for cat 4 rooms and they still had 5 room numbers come up (there could be more then 5 open in the cat. its just the search only gives a few options of room #) I cant recall a link to any of these searches now, but I would venture to guess our ship is not full!!

[jeleann]

Scottie- I hope the ship is not full. I was thinking that the less on the ship the nicer it would be. Less crowded, shorter lines, easier to move around.

Jennifer

[scottie]

Same thinking here….the less the better in my opinion!

Where oh where are my cruise docs?? :)

[cruisnfamily]

Did you guys read the post about the dining times? According to another thread, we will be dining at 5:30 and 7:45. I'm not liking this at all! Wouldn't they be required to notify us? Anyone hear anything factual?

When is everybody eating? We are scheduled for early.

[scottie]

I just got off the phone with DCL reservations…its OFFICIAL…our sailing has been adjusted to the news times. I am happy with the change, as we have the late seating but I can understand where the early seating people might have an issue.

[jeleann]

We also have early seating. I am not to happy about the time change either. Why are they changing it? It puts a crunch on the amount of time we have to do things. I guess it is only a half hour difference, but it means that we will have to be getting ready by 4:00.
We don't normally eat dinner til 6:30-7:00 at home. It just seems early for us to eat.

My mother-in-law hasn't got her docs either. We booked at the same time and I got mine almost two weeks ago. DCL says her should be here the beginning of next week.

Jennifer

[jeleann]

I probably will not be on much today. I'm about to turn my computer off. We are about to get stormed on. It has been dark all morning, but now it has started thundering and lighting. WE NEED THE RAIN THOUGH.:(

I had a real quick thought first about the late docs. Our last name is at the beginning of the alphabet. My DMIL is at the end. If yours is at the end also; maybe they print them off in alphabetical order. If not I do not know. Even if that was correct you wouldn't think it would take two weeks to print out for everyone on the ship.:confused:


My daughter requested::Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc


Jennifer

[jeleann]

Where is everyone? I am basically just trying to get us on the first page again.
I found lanyards at Wal-Mart for .99 with a plastic card holder on it. I gradded 3 one for all the adults in our party.
Well we are about to leave for the to go out of town for the night. Won't be back til tommorow night.

Jennifer

[scottie]

27 days and counting!! The excitement builds with each and every passing moment...

[Disneyfan37]

DH and I can' t wait either!

Maria

[scottie]

DVC informed me today that according to DCL we should recieve our docs this week!!

[cruisnfamily]

Scottie:
Did Meghan start kindergarden yet? How does she like it? Billy is finding that 1st grade is a whole different Ball Game than Kindergarden....it's alot more work!

[scottie]

Sonya-

She has her first official day on Friday (we go with her on weds.) Then the first official week would start the Tuesday after Labor Day. She is really looking forward to school, except for waking up!! I am happy to hear Billy is enjoying school!

[WorknFires]

Scottie, I bet mine show up tomorrow since I'll be out of town! LOL I think you and I are the only ones that have gone thru DVC so let me know when you receive yours.

[scottie]

WorknFires
I guess I will just need to take the week off of work to wait for the FedEx truck!!

[jeleann]

We're back from our trip. Now my two year old son (Ethen) is sick. We were at the walk in clinic at the hospital from 9-11:30 last night. Which is a 30 min drive from our house. So I got in bed very late. I think I'm trying to get it too. Just hope Kelsey and my husband do not get it. We all know they are worse than the kids when they are sick.
I was wondering if you get the braids somewhere in Nassau or on the ship? If in Nassau where?
On the snorkeling trail in Castaway Cay do you need to be a really good swimmer? 30 min in water you can't touch in is making me nervous. I am a descent swimmer but that is a long time. Do most people where lifejackets?
Jennifer

[scottie]

Im doing the cruise doc dance!! I came home for lunch and there they were in the door!!

[tltjet]

I'm so glad that you finally got your documents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jenifer

[jeleann]

Scottie-:p I'm glad you finally got your docs.
I hope my mother-in-law's gets here soon.:confused:

Jennifer


My mother-in-law just called Fed-Ex tried to deliver her docs today, but she wasn't home. She'll have them tommorow.:jester:

[scottie]

The contract part in the back of the packet is VERY interesting...I read every word of it today, and dont feel very secure now :)!!

[jeleann]

Does anyone who has been on the cruise before have any advice about where to get braids? Or the snorkeling Questions I asked before.




Jennifer

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by jeleann
I was wondering if you get the braids somewhere in Nassau or on the ship? If in Nassau where?
On the snorkeling trail in Castaway Cay do you need to be a really good swimmer? 30 min in water you can't touch in is making me nervous. I am a descent swimmer but that is a long time. Do most people where lifejackets?
Jennifer

Jeleann:
From what I understand, braiding is not done on the ship for the 3 or 4 day cruises, only the 7 day cruises. They do do it at Castaway Cay. No reservations required, just show up. We are thinking about having it done in Nassau. We'll wander around and check it out.

As far as snorkeling at CC, I didn't do this last time but DH and DD did it. Vests are required. They are not actually life jackets but they keep you afloat. No, you don't need any fantastic swimming skills but you should have reasonable swim skills and be comfortable in the water.

Our family is passing around a horrendous 3 day summer cold. Just a cold but major sneezing, watery eyes and general yuckiness. I've had it and DH and DD are working on it now. DS remains healthy...time will tell. What was wrong with your son?

[scottie]

I read a trip report today in which the person said DCL has a SEGWAY Human Transporter (a two wheeled people mover thing...you can see it at www.segway.com) onboard. And they allowed people to try it out for a nominal fee! These aren’t even for sale to the general public yet!! I sure hope they will still be offering this when we cruise; I have been dying to try a SEGWAY out since I saw it on the national news several months ago.

[jeleann]

Sonya- He has been running a low grade fever since Sat. afternoon off and on. Monday he got an awful cough and his tongue has the doctor called them ulcers (4 big raw spots ), his tonsils are swollen with puss pockets on both sides. And his fever is now around 102. The doctor said it is a viral infection, because they tested for strep and it was negative. They gave him no antibiotic. Told me to mix equal parts of liquid benadrill and mallox. He takes this every six hours. (mallox is to coat the ulcers in his mouth) He hasn't eaten anything since yesterday at breakfast because it hurts to bad. Even Jello and pudding. I'm just trying to keep his fever down and him hydrated in between naps becauce the benadrill knocks him out.
If he is not better by tommorow afternoon I'm taking him back to the doctor. He looks awful and his cough and tonsils look the same as they did yesterday.:(
Luckly Kelsey and my husband hasn't gotten it (the doctor said it was very contagious) . I don't think I have I'm hoping mine is just sinus or maybe something like what yall had sounds similar.

I hope your family get over your colds soon!!!!!
I guess better to get it now than a few weeks from now!

Jennifer

[jeleann]

Scottie- How much is the fee? They look really neat, my husband would probably have one special ordered though before we got off the ship. So I had better stir him clear of the any demostrations!;)

Sonya-Are you just going to walk around at Nassau til you find a place that does hair braiding or do you know of you already?

[scottie]

jeleann-

I believe it was about $15.00 for 10 mins.

[jeleann]

Scottie- I that is not to bad. Unless we end up having to buy one. I bet they will cost a lot have you heard? can you ride it anywhere you want or do they have a certain part of the ship set aside?


Jennifer

[scottie]

I’m not sure what the cost is for one to buy, as they are not for sale yet to John Q. Public. I would venture to guess about $1000-$3000, though I may be way off! They are really trying to push this as the next way to travel short distances to work etc. With govt. agencies and other big businesses already placing orders! I think they had a small area sectioned off to test them onboard. I don’t know if they are offering this on future cruises (like ours on 9/22) but I am keeping my fingers crossed!!

[jeleann]

Scottie-WOW that is even more than what I was guessing. I hope that are on the ship too, because for that price we will not be getting on. Are they battery powered or do they run off of a fuel?

I have read on some of the other threads that the snorkeling at cc isn't really that good and they wished they hadn't of done it? Does anyone have advice? Would it be better to Snorkel in Freeport?

My daughter has woke up this morning running a fever and sounds like a old person who has smoked all their life. Crosssing my fingers that my husband doesn't get sick too.


Jennifer

[cruisnfamily]

Jeleann: From what I understand if you want braiding done in Nassau, you just walk off the ship and there is some sort of area right nearby called "braiding pavilion" where all of the braiders congregate.

I'm wondering if this is also done in Freeport. Does anyone know?

[jeleann]

The only places I have heard people talking about the braiding is at Nassau and CC. But I think that nearly all the tropical islands do the braiding. Being that I have never been before I can't answer.



Jennifer

[WorknFires]

You will be attacked as soon as you set foot off the dock. Finding someone to braid hair is NOOOOO problem. I don't remember them at Freeport but they were just setting up Freeport as a stop when we were there. I imagine it will be just like Nassau by now. It is also available on CC but without the pressure. However since that is the last stop you won't have it for the majority of your cruise.

Life jackets aren't mandatory unless they've been made so in the past year. Granted I didn't go to the kiddie beach.

If any of you are going to WDW before or after the cruise you can also check out the SEGWAY at EpCot. I can't remember the name of the place. It's not one of the innoventions but before them on the left. I'll find it and post it later.

[WorknFires]

YEAH!!!! My documents just came...................

[jeleann]

I think that we all have our docs now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(dmil) is at home waititng for the fed-ex man, but they are suppose to be there today.

Happy to report Ethen has no fever his ulcers are almost gone and one side of his throat looks a lot better. Kelsey's fever hasn't come back from this morning and she sounds fine now. She is wanting to go to dance class tonight ( It's the first class). But I think I'll make her wait til next week. Even I'm feeling better.

Jennifer

[jeleann]

We are not going to WDW so hopefully they will have it on the ship.

Does anyone know what movies wil be playing. We saw a preview for Treasure Planet. It does not come out in theathers untill later this year, but was wondering if it might be available on the ship's theather? I guess I'm wanting to know if they play movies before they are released to the public?


Jennifer

[tltjet]

Dress code question?


I have been reading all of the treads on dress code and can not figure out what the heck it is. My husband and I are going with no children and from what I have read our dinning rotation should be Tritons frist. This would be the first night does my hubby need a dinner jacket? The first night is supposed to be casual, right. He will be wearing a suit in Palos.

I'm so confused!

Any help would be great.

Jenifer

[jeleann]

The dinner rotation isn't assigned until you board the ship. Or atleast that is what I was told, if you know how please tell me.


Does anyone know if they sell stuff for scrapbooking on the ship?

[scottie]

Ok something interesting….I just received an email reply from DCL…they stated that the new dining times will be 5:45 for early and 8:00 for late for all cruises thru 10/3. This is different for everything we have read so far stating 5:30 and 7:45!

We wont be making it to Epcot this trip (I am very sad) so I will defiantly try to be in line to try the SEGWAY on the ship…if they are still offering it when we sail. I am also guessing the lines would be much smaller on the ship then they would be at Epcot.

Diner rotation is assigned once you board. From what I have read on this board there seems to be some standard format as to whom they tend to pick for what rotation, though I have NO clue!! Tritons and Palos are the only two that require a jacket or dress/pantsuit. But with the first night I had read it is casual so I would venture to guess they wouldn’t require a jacket if you had Tritons first night. Might be worth calling DCL to see what they say!

[WorknFires]

Dinner rotation is assigned once you are on board. If Tritons is your 1st night then you are "expected" to dress up. DH wore a jacket to Tritons on our 1st trip. He was miserable. 2nd trip he wore long sleeved dress shirt w/ tie and slacks. He fit in fine and felt much better. Honestly as long as you aren't dressed in shorts or a tank top, they won't care what you're wearing. It is "requested" that you dress up. It's not mandatory. This is highly debated on the boards but personally, I couldn't care less. I would love to meet each and every one of you but at the end of the cruise I don't have to have your approval to go home and sleep comfortably in my bed. LOL I detest the thought of dressing up on vacation. I wear a pressed uniform everday to work with ribbons, badges and polished shoes. Vacation to me is having to get away from that.

Scottie, it's just as well because you can only LOOK at SEGWAY at Epcot, not use it. But they do give you a lot of interesting information.

Jeleann, they will only be playing movies that have already been released. Treasure Planet won't play because as you've already stated, it comes out in November. (I was hoping too)

[tltjet]

Thanks for the help. I think that I will leave the jacket at home. He has a suit for Palos so I think that should be fine. I like your attitude Worknfires! My thoughts exactly!

Scottie, I don't think Disney can figure out what time dinner should be. I guess we will find out when we board.

jeleann, from what I have read on the boards it is not written in stone, but if you are late seating without children you usually get TAP. That is why I was wondering about the dress code for first night.

I can not believe how much planning I hve done for this vacation.

I still have not figured out what to do in Freeport. All my DH will say is suprise me. That helps doesn't it?

[jeleann]

I was really hoping it would because we have already watched Lilo & Stitch 2 times, but that movie is so cute I'd watch it again.
We haven't seen the Country Bears yet either.
Do they play any adult movies or are they just for the kids?


Dress code- it doesn't really matter ro me I like to dress up because I am a stay at home mom and rarely get the chance. My husband could care less either way as long as he gets to eat. My mother-in-law hated the idea she not a person who likes to dress up ever, especially on her vaction.


Jennifer

[jeleann]

DO YOU KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND WHAT MINE MIGHT BE? WE ARE EARLY SEATING WITH KIDS.

[tltjet]

Jeleann- I am not sure but I think young children it is APL. Don't quote me on that. I think I saw this in the Magical Cruise Guild.

See you all soon!

Jenifer

[jeleann]

jenifer-That is so hard for me to do with 1 n. Thanks!!!! I hope that is right because I don't want to have to get everyone dressed up on the first night. Do you mean apt instead of apl?
Where or what is the magical cruise guild?

I went to the scrapbook store to get some things for the album I will make when we get back. My son got into our office and put $5 worth of stickers all over his self and the desk. Luckly they came off the desk. Today has been one of those days.

I just hate it when we are not on the first page.:mad: Maybe this will bump us back.;)



Jennifer

[tltjet]

Your right APT, forgot what boat I am on. If you go to www.wdwig.com and go to the cruise section the guild is there. It tells you everything you wanted to know and more.

[WorknFires]

Jeleann, I imagine both Lilo & Stitch and the Country Bears will be playing on board. I personally thought Country Bears was cute. They will be playing Adult Films also. Last year when we were there they were playing Gone in 60 seconds. I remember seeing that Disney was producing a movie coming out soon that surprised me that Disney was behind it. I remember thinking that it was opening soon so I imagine it will be there. Start paying attention to the movies coming out by Disney in the next few weeks. They will be there and you can save your money at the box office.

Cheryl

[jeleann]

Jenifer, Thanks I'm going to check out that site after I'm done here?

Cheryl, I figure they would be. On another thread someone said they were currently showing Signs with Mel Gibson.

I JUST CAN'T HARDLY WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!! ONLY 3 MORE WEEKS ON SUNDAY! I started a count down chain for the kids. They think it's really neat, each night they take turns cutting off a link. ( like the ones at Christmas ). It's a BIG HIT!


Jennifer

[WorknFires]

SIGNS! That's it. I just saw it the other day and it surprised me that it was Disney. I would say I could've saved my money but the local theaters only charge Police and Fire 50 cents to get in so I'm not exactly out any money! LOL

If you haven't seen it be sure to see it on the ship. It was great! A little slow in some places but overall was really good. I couldn't believe how much Macculey (sp?) Culkins' little brother looks like he did at that age.

Cheryl

[jeleann]

Do you know what the fourth night rotation might be. Would it go back to the first's night? I was thinking of booking Palo's one night, but would want to eat at all three of the other restaurants. Can you book Palo's before you leave?

Jenifer, Thanks for the site it is great LOTS of information. I glanced over it very quickly. Planning on going back tommorow when I'm not so sleepy.

Jennifer

[WorknFires]

The 4th night will be the same as the 1st. Palo's cannot be booked in advance and I highly recommend that once you have your rotation that you go straight to where ever they are taking Palo's reservations this time and book them right away. They go fast. And they are worth EVERY penny (whew a whole $5 LOL plus gratuity of course).

[Disneyfan37]

DH and I are the same way!We can't wait!Three weeks from Sunday sounds good!

[scottie]

We have been using a count down calendar that we made on the computer for the past 140+ days and it is still fun crossing a day off before the kids head for bed each night!! The cruise just cant come fast enough!!

[jeleann]

Sitting at home by myself while my husband is at the TU OU game. I was suppose to go but just didn't think that me or Ethen were up to it yet.:( I was really lookinf forward to going.

I just can not deciede whether or not to do Palo's. I think that the only night that it would be good for us is on Wenesday. Is that the night they do Disney Dreams? Do you think that we would have enough time to eat at Palo's and take the kids to the show? We really want to go to all the evening shows.

Jennifer

[WorknFires]

When you get onboard go straight to the Palo's sign up. The lounge (usually) will be divided into 4 lines. Sun, Mon, Tues, Weds. Get in the line of the night you want to eat. You pick the time you want to go according to availability. Obviously, if you're the last slot for the day you want you take what they have not what you want. So you could set it up for the time you want depending on how quickly you get in line. That way you can make the Show you want. There are 3 shows and 4 nights. If I remember correctly (and I'm not sure that I do) Nassau was the night that skipped a show, which will be Mon night. On really full cruises they have been known (but certainly not guaranteed) to have an afternoon show. So pay attention to any announcements. Whatever you do, dump the kids with the yellow people (they'll thank you for it anyway) and GO TO PALO'S. I really regret not having done it on our 1st trip. It was that good. Actually, I'm not that impressed with most the food on the cruise except the el-cheapie pizza's and chicken strips ;) but Palo's is the BOMB! I do hear good things about the room service too, but have never tried it.

[jeleann]

Thanks! I'm going to try to get reservations at Palo's on Wenesday maybe around our normal dining time (early seating). I just want to have plenty of time to get to Disney Dreams. I read some where that people start standing in line about 30 min before it is to open. I want to get good seats seats.


I was unsure what to do about Palo's, but you have convinced me.

[Disneyfan37]

Do you know what time Palo's opens up,so we can make reservations?Also where is it exactly that we go to to get the ressies?Thanks!DH and I definitely want to eat there.We are planning on getting onboard somewhere around 11:30ish to 12ish.We want to be one of the first to be on board.From what I have heard,the earliest is twelve to get onboard right?Thanks!

[scottie]

I was just checking out the Magic at port…A nice way to help the days left till we sail go by!!

http://www.local6.com/cameras/portcanaveralcam/campopup.html

[jeleann]

I've been planning this trip for nine months. You would think that I would have it all done by now. I think of something new everyday day that I haven't thought about. I just want it to get here so I relax! Everyday I'm getting more and more anxious.

Jennifer

[scottie]

I was just reading a posting that said they now are offering the SEGWAYS on Castaway Cay too…They can sign me up for sure!
Also read that the "Ladies Night" in the spa is a permanent part of the Wonders spa offerings. I guess my wife and MIL will be spending some time in there and I will get the luck of some father/daughter time with my two girls!

[WorknFires]

2 years ago they were taking the ressies for Palo's n Palo's but last year they were doing it in one of the forward lounges and it seemed to work out really well. My guess is that's where it still will be but they will give you that info when you check in along with your 1st Navigator.

[Disneyfan37]

Thank you!

[WorknFires]

Scottie, I don't know if you found this article on the Segways are not.... so here goes:
http://www.mousesavers.com/segwayreport.html

Cheryl

[scottie]

WorknFires-

Thanks! I read that article the other day and it sparked my attention a bit too much, my wife keeps telling me to stop talking about it now lol. :)

DCL here we come!!

[jeleann]

Can someone please explain to me what ladies night is at the spa? The times and what exactly it is?

My family has been up this weekend for a visit and my sister keeps telling me that I'm addicted to this chat room. REALLY DIDN'T NOTICE.



JENNIFER

[scottie]

Here is a description I found of the Ladies Night on Barbs site…My wife and MIL have already warned me that I will be on babysitting duty one evening because of this package :)
Also, recently they have started offering a "Ladies Night" on the Wonder on Nassau night from the spa starts taking bookings and get in line early to assure the best choice of treatments/times. It lasts for two hours...you meet in the women's locker room, where you take a shower (there are private showers in there) and wash your hair so they can put a treatment into it. Then you are taken into a private treatment room for a facial and massage. When that is done, you go into the Rainforest and relax in one of the heated tile loungers while they do a foot massage on you. Then chocolates and champagne are served and you have half an hour to hang out in the Rainforest They only do four women at a time because there are only four loungers. I think it's offered from 6-8 and from 8-10, so you have to work it around your dinner. With only 8 slots available, you'll want to book this one EARLY!!! I can't remember the cost, but I think it was comparable to the Absolute Face & Body (around $144

[Disneyfan37]

This sauna package sounds mighty tempting!I can't believe we actually cruise three weeks from yesterday.DH and I are so excited.I told him be ready we will be so excited the night of September 21 we won't sleep<G>.

Maria

[jeleann]

The ladies spa night sounds wonderful. Can you book it now?

I have been out at all the craft stores today looking at all their scrapbooking supplies. I started doing my kids pictures from the time they were born until now. But I plan on doing a whole album just on our trip. I booked two new class on different techinics you can do. To help time go by faster. I'm hoping that maybe since I'll have the scrapbook to make I won't go into withdrawls after we get off of the ship. I think that Thursday will be a sad morning.


Jennifer

[scottie]

I believe you have to wait until you board to book the ladies night, or any spa package.

[scottie]

We are now contemplating the idea of inquiring about an upgrade to a cat. 3 room once we arrive at port. I guess we will have to see how much the cost would be at port. From what I have read it sounds like it would be discounted at the last minute.

[cruisnfamily]

Oh Scottie,
Wow, you'll really be styling then! Is there a big difference in Sq. Footage between the 3's and 4's? I've read that the 3's are only worthwhile if you get the ones ending in 32 or 34 or something like that. I'm sure you've read the posts. The other thing you have to decide is how important you think the concierge services will be for you. Our family probably wouldn't use those services much as we are not doing the spa or Palos. Pick a price you are willing to spend and don't go over it no matter how tempting. Remember it's only 4 nights...it's not worth it if it costs like $1000 or something like that. If it were me, I probably wouldn't do it. We only upgraded to get the veranda...I figured once we have the veranda we don't care what category it is (unless it's the Cat 1).

Well, that's my $.02. Hope you don't mind me sharing my opinion but I thought it might be helpful. Just ignore me if you disagree.

[jeleann]

Scottie I think that would be wonderful. I would wait til you get to port though for the discounted price.( if it is in your price range) There is still almost 3 weeks left and you never know you might be recieving on of those magical upgrade letters. ;) I still have my fingers crossed for you.
I just finished a really neat thing I found posted on a board. I got a travel size photo albums with a spiral ring that will open. Took out some of the photo pages. I took colorful construction paper and cut the paper the size of the photo pages and made holes with a hole punch. To use as a autograph book then I can take the pages out to put in the scrapbook beside the picture. It is also a cheap autograph book.



Jennifer

[Disneyfan37]

Neat idea!

[jeleann]

I think that today I'm going to get a start on some of my packing and get our bag with all our extra stuff in it packed. Everything but our clothes and bathroom stuff.
I don't want to be stressed out the last two days trying to get everything packed.
When is everyone leaving? We are flying out on the 21.

[Disneyfan37]

I have started to get the bags that we are going to take out.I will probably start packing like you said the things we can pack as I don't want to get stressed the last few days either.We leave here on the morning of the 21.We will drive to Orlando and spend the night at Disney.

Maria

[jeleann]

It's offical I have one bag packed. If my assumptions are correct I have 1 done and 3 more to go plus my carry on. That sounds like alot. But I'm really not taking that much. Kids they require so much stuff.

We fly out around noon have a lay over in Atlanta and land in Orlando about 9. We are renting a car driving to the Raddison at the port. It is going to be a long day!



Jennifer

[nsturrock]

Ok, a little late in the game, but we are also going on that exact cruise. Nicole (25), Ed (24), and Alexis (13 months). We are all first-timers and extremely excited.

I have been wondering about the upgrade myself. I called Disney 09/03 and they said the boat still had a lot of openings. There is also another posting saying that the cruisers from the week before got free upgrades. Please let me know if any of you get any more info.

Thanks,
Nicole

[Disneyfan37]

Yes,it will be a long day,but you just think the next day you get to relax!YEAH!I can't wait!

Maria

[jeleann]

Nicole welcome aboard!! :p
Just made appointments for everyone in my family to get haircuts the week before we leave. And some waxing for myself, which I recommend highly. It's better than having to worry about shaving, and it will last about 3 weeks. Plus a manicure and pedicure.


Jennifer

[scottie]

nsturrock-

Welcome aboard our "Not So Full Disney Cruise"!! We are happy to have you. Our littlest one, Morgan, will be 17 months when we sail. We are still trying to figure out if she will be scared of Mickey and the other characters when we sail. She has developed a bit of a complex over the past couple of months towards costumed characters...hopefully she will grow out of it just in time for the cruise/wdw!! :(
How long have you been booked on the 9/22 sailing? We are first timers too!!


jeleann-

I have been begging Sunny to start getting packed up. You have never seen someone pack the way she can! If we get lost at sea she will have enough packed to last us a couple of weeks...its almost scary!:rolleyes: I had to admit she has been getting slightly better though the last few trips of scaling back. :tongue:


Sonya and jeleann

Thanks for the feedback on the possible upgrade to a cat 3. I doubt we will do it, but if MIL wants to fork out the AMEX to pay for the upgrade I will be more then willing!! ;)

We are also flying out of Columbus on 9/21. We will land at Orlando and MIL will pick us up to head off to the Hilton at Cocoa Beach for some time on the beach before we sail out the next day. I think we will hold off from taking things like diapers etc with us...we can just pick them up at Target near the port when we arrive on the 21st instead of dragging them with us.

[cruisnfamily]

Nsturrock.......Welcome! You don't happen to also be traveling with any 10 yr old girls do you? I still haven't found anyone to hang out with my 10 yr old DD. Welcome to our crowd. We just hang around here and chat with each other and share things we've learned or are considering regarding the cruise.
Questions for you:
1)Where are you traveling from and where are you staying the night before? My family will be at the Radison after visiting Kennedy Space Center on the 21st
2)What category/deck have you booked?My crowd is in a cat 5 on deck 7. This was an upgrade for us made affordable by very attractive Fl Res Rates.
3)Have you booked any excursions?We are wandering around Nassau in search of color changing souveniers at Del Sol and possible hair braiding for Amanda. Followed by Dolphin Encounter for DD10 and DH in Freeport (Day on the boat for DS6 & I). Followed by snorkel equipment rental and Bannana Boat ride at Castaway Cay.
4)Are you using the Nursery?My crowd is too old but we will be using the "club" and the "lab".
5) Any questions, comments or concerns? Please share!

Ok, now for everybody else. I have not even begun to pack. I still need to make a quick trip to the mall for casual sundress type outfits for Amanda and I. My stuff is either too businessy or too casual. I'll probably go with capris 3 out of 4 nights but want to bring along a casual type of dress too. Amanda hasn't had a new dress in years and doesn't really have anything suitable for dinner in the dining room. The clothing she considers "hip" is not considered "hip" for the dining room by mom & dad. DH will be wearing Khakis and polos or button downs each night. Anyway, I've been too busy with other stuff to focus on this cruise but I better get on it as time is drawing near.

How do I break the news to the teachers at school? I'm too scared to tell them so I am putting it off. We have a 4th grader and a 1st grader.

By the way, Scottie, how is Meghan liking school?

Ok, this has gotten really long. I better get going....One last question....Are we the only family not doing Palos or the spa? What do you guys have planned?

[Disneyfan37]

Hi!Welcome Aboard!This will be our first cruise as well.We can't wait.It would be great if we all got upgraded.

[scottie]

Sonya-

Meghan is really enjoying school…it was her second day today! Is Billy enjoying school life this year? We are not hitting Palos either. But I am sure the ladies will be at the spa at least once! We did a bad job of breaking the news to Meghans teacher, we went up to her after the parent/teacher meeting and advised her of our trip…figured best to just get it out of the way??!!??:confused:
I know we will be off the ship for at least a couple of hours in Nassau and Freeport to look around, but will defiantly get back on board to enjoy some time on the ship too. We are only doing excursions on Castaway Cay.

[scottie]

nsturrock-

Just realized you are from Texas…my wife moved up here from Corpus to be with me, what part are you from?

[cruisnfamily]

Scottie,
Just read about a family that upgraded with Fl Res rates and then got a free upgrade on top of that. I'm thinking that if you upgrade to a 3, maybe we'll get upgraded to your 4. (I can dream can't I?)

[scottie]

Sonya-

I am guessing the will upgrade us to the Disney suite that our cat. 4 shares a wall with:)
If that happens I will put in a good word to let you have the cat 4 we are booked in right now!!

I am on the Dell website now looking to buy a new computer, dang things change way too often (computers that is)!

[jeleann]

Sonya-We are going to do Palos if we can get the day and time that we want. We have heard to many great thimgs to pass it up.
As far as the spa I was seriously considering ladies night, but deceided to get it done before we leave. I got a package at a local spa with everything you could imagine in it for $175. An entire afternoon without the kids being pampered it'll be a mini vaction.

We are planning to go on Discover Atlantis. Do you think we will have enough time to go to Del Sol and maybe get dd hair braided.
Did anyone ever find out if they do braiding in Freeport. I would rather do it there, but do not want to wait until CC.


Jennifer

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by jeleann
We are planning to go on Discover Atlantis. Do you think we will have enough time to go to Del Sol and maybe get dd hair braided.
Did anyone ever find out if they do braiding in Freeport. I would rather do it there, but do not want to wait until CC.


Jennifer

Yes, you will have plenty of time to do shopping and hair braiding...the ship doesn't leave Nassau 'til much later.

Still haven't heard anything about hair braiding in Freeport. I figure we will do it in Nassau or CC.

[jeleann]

Scottie- Dude you're getting a Dell. Sorry couldn't resist I LOVE that commerical. We also got our Dell online. I'm trying to talk my husband into getting a lap top. He keeps telling for what you are always at home? I guess he has a point. Plus we just got a camcorder especially for this trip.

sonya-I posted a thread on the main board about the braiding. So maybe we'll finally get a answer.



Jennifer

[WorknFires]

Welcome nsturrock! Glad to have you onboard and welcome to the DIS too.

Okay that makes 10 of us:
-Sonya Francisco (Sonya), DH (Bill), DD (Amanda-9) & DS (Billy-6)
celebrating 12th wedding anniversary on deck 7
-tltjet (Jenifer) & DH
-Scottie, Sunny, Grandma, Meghan(5½), Morgan(1½) in Cat. 4
-Disneyfan37 (Maria) & DH (Charlie) on deck 2
-WorknFires (CHeryl), DH (Robbie), DM (Gloria), DMIL (Juanita)
& DFIL (George) on deck 2.
tarynsmom (Helen), DH (Tim), DD (Taryn), DMIL (Sharon), DFIL (Frank) Taryn's 5th birthday.
tgj (dad) & DS (Ben-6)
Cruise FAN of Disney, DM & DSis
jeleann (Jennifer), DH (Kevin), DMIL (Patty) & DD (Kelsey-3)
& DS (Ethen-2) Both kids celebrating birthdays!
nsturrock (Nicole-25), DH (Ed-24), and DD (Alexis-13 mo)

Only 9 days left for me since we're going to WDW for 9 days prior to the cruise. I'll have my lime green ribbon on. So look for me and I'll look for ya'll

Cheryl

[jeleann]

LIME GREEN RIBBONS!!!!!!!!!
I forgot about that. The only think that wasn't on my list. Thanks for the remind. I wrote them down so next time I go to the store I won't forget.



Jennifer

[Disneyfan37]

Scottie,Your wife and I have something in common.I am the same type of packer.I pack just about anything and everything.DH went and got a big luggage,and he said this is for both of us.He is trying to control my way of packing<VBG>.

Maria

[jeleann]

I used to be as bad about packing tons of stuff. You know I might have packed about 15 outfits and 10 pairs of shoes. But as our family grew I have begun to pack less and less. I am only taking what I absolutely have to and think that I'll need as far as clothes.
I'm am very anal about packing. Well about everything really: house work, grocery shopping, you just name it. I have list for everything and list for my lists. My dh is always making fun of me for it. But he always has everything he needs when I pack for him. If he does well the last time he forgot his underwear.


I'm so impressed the dh on this board. My husband hasn't really helped me at all. I'll ask him questions and all I get is whatever you think. I'm so excited! I'm about to lose my mine. we (I) have been planning this 9 months. He will be excited on the 21, when we leave is what he's telling me. He only gets excited about hunting, fishing, sports.
So to all those DH who are helping your wife or planning it your self. I am very impressed and envious.


Jennifer

[Disneyfan37]

Don't say that too loud as my DH reads on here,but he doesn't respond<G>.He is excited as I am.I keep getting these emails of food and the bahamas since yesterday.It is funny!
I am trying not to pack my whole closet,but it is hard.We will see how I do at the last minute<G>.

Maria

[scottie]

I would have to say I am the one who has spent the time planning this trip. My wife just hasn’t got into the whole board reading (religiously), booking the cruise, airfare, etc. It is all me this trip! Which is fine by me…now that I think about it, I tend to do the planning for all of our Disney related trips. We actually met each other while discussing WDW, I guess thats why we spend majority of our vacation time/money on Disney!!

[WorknFires]

Scottie, that's so romantic (to me anyway ;) ) my DH and I met in school when he asked which comic I was reading (I was reading the newspaper comics) and I told him Garfield. We dated for a short time in high school before going our seperate ways. He joined the Navy and when we met up again, he had several tattoos (one of them was Garfield) He said it reminded him of me (LOL) and we've been together for the past 10 years.

He doesn't stay on the DIS but I send him stuff I think he'll find interesting and he prints them out and highlights different things to let me know he's involved too.

We're both Disney obsessed. It's one reason we became DVC members, it's just that I'm the big vacation planner. We're going to Reno for a week after we get back from the cruise. You wouldn't believe how hard it's been to find good info about Reno.

See Ya'll Soon, Cheryl

[Disneyfan37]

Scottie,That is so romantic.DH and I are highschool sweethearts.We honeymooned at WDW,and since then it has been a our favorite place of all time.

Maria

[cruisnfamily]

Hi guys,

Well, I finally broke the news to the kids teachers today. It was waaay easier than I anticipated. We are doing a "contract for independent study" which allows the kids to do work or special projects the teacher assigns while away and they don't even get marked absence...they are considered to be on independent study for the week. Amanda's teacher has assigned a daily journal with pictures to be handed in upon return and get this....we don't have to take along any classwork or homework. Just the journal, period, end of story! I am so thrilled. The teacher said she is a good enough student that she will not have to make up the work and will be able to "jump back in" on return and be fine. This is 4th grade. I was concerned because she was out sick 1 day last week and had about 6 pages of makeup work for the day and I was picturing 30 pages or so for the week. I am so pleased with this journal idea! Billy's teacher has agreed to go with the journal in lieu of classwork as well. I asked her what kind of quality she was looking for in his journal(he's only in 1st grade after all) and she said it didn't really matter, just so long as he wrote it all by himself, a couple of sentences a day. So, we're all set on the school situation.

Next area of concern was whether to put Amanda in the 8-9's or the 10-12's. She will be 3 weeks shy of 10 when we cruise. Well, I printed out the new navigators on Dave's site for both groups and had her highlight everything that sounded cool in each group to make her decision. She approved of 25 things in the 8-9 group and 33 things in the 10-12 group. So, basically she would be fine in either group but has decided to go with the 10-12 group.

That's my update for tonight. Next on the list.....minor shopping and major packing!

[jeleann]

Scottie, Maria & Cheryl, See the three of you have those really neat stories about how you got together with or DW or DH. Mine is we met and have been together ever since. Knew the first time I saw him that he was it and he says the same thing. He told me on our first date that I hope you know that I'm going to marry you. He asked me on our second date and I thought he was joking! (he wasn't) I held off for a whole month and 1/2 before I said yes! (I know it sounds so crazy) We were married 2 1/2 months later. Been together for 5 yrs. now, NEVER been happier!

My husband is a sweetheart just not into planning vactions! He is excited about the golf though at Freeport. Imagine that!

Sonya, that is really cool that they aren't going to have to do make-up work while on the cruise. I remember going trips with my parents and trying to get it all done before we left so I wouldn't have to take it with me.

[WorknFires]

Jennifer, I think your story sounds romantic too. AAAAHHHHH!!!!! Maybe we all had a little pixie dust and we didn't even know it.

[Disneyfan37]

I think you had some pixie dust yourself as well like Cheryl said.Yours is too romantic!
How is your packing coming along?I really need to start thinking on what I am going to take?I have too much.I told DH last night I am taking my whole closet.He is like yeah right?I am so bad when it comes to packing.
About golfing,my dh's brother would say the same thing he is excited about going golfing<G>.I am glad mine isn't too much of a golfer.He loves to watch all the sports though<VBG>.

Maria