DS8, DD5 on Wonder July 21,2002

[MrsScooby]

We are first time cruisers and looking for anyone else on the Wonder on 7/21/2002. DH and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary and hope our DS (8)and DD(5) make friends so that we can go off and have our own fun.
We are also debating making the car trip from northern Virginia to Cape Canaveral in one day or two. Any suggestions?
:jester:

[ynggun21]

Hello, we will be on the Wonder July 21st. 2002, We are first doing 3 days in WDW and come that Sunday we are off to the Wonder. It will be me Frankie, my wife Laura Ann, and my 4 year old daughter Francesca. This will be our first cruise and were very excited, we will be staying in a cat. 5 room on deck 7...I think :p We are going through the pain staking task of getting everything ready so we don't have to (like usual) wait till the last minute. Anyway hope to see you on board.

[MrsScooby]

:) Hi Frankie,
We took the kids to WDW in 2000 and WDL last April. They loved it! We will be on Deck 5 on the Wonder. I'm also the organizer in the family and want to be well prepared for this trip. Lots of great suggestions on this Board. Hope to see you there!

We are also originally from New York.:cool:

Laurie

[DeDee]

We too will be first time cruisers on July 21st: myself, DH, DS (barely 10) and DS (5). We are starting out at Disney for 3 nights, then Hard Rock at Universal for 4 nights, then the cruise!! I already starting packing!! Staying on Deck 7. Hope to meet you on board!

[ynggun21]

Yea we will be on deck 7 as well, my daughter can't wait. Everyday she keeps asking me when are we going, are we leaving tomorrow. Its hard trying tell a 4 yr old kid were not going for another 6 weeks or so, she keeps thinking were leaving tomorrow. She is already packing :) they might all be stuffed animals but she is to excited and she forgets she needs clothes. Hey Laurie, what part of New York were you originally from? Hope to see you guys on board.

[ynggun21]

Hi DeDee we are also on Deck 7 somewhere in the middle of the ship...I think :) I have to check on it. My daughter is overly excited and keeps asking "are we going on the cruise tomorrow" Now how do you tell a 4 yr old kid we aren't going for another 6 weeks or so she doesn't understand but she decides to pack anyway. They may all be stuffed animals but I try to tell her she will need clothes as well ;) Yes MrsScooby we will allow her to bring her Scooby doll since she is nuts for Scooby Doo. Anyway July 21st can't come fast enough and we are counting the days, hope all is well with all of you and hope to see you guys on board.

[MrsScooby]

Ynggun21, I'm from Huntington Long Island and my DH is from Yorktown Heights NY. We met in Rochester at college and moved to Va. in 1994. Funny I still feel like NY is home. My DD is probably bringing Bambi on the cruise, but that can change. Scooby Doo is way too big. My DH and DS are the big Scooby fans. In fact Darren (DH) is Darth Scooby on the Star Wars boards and I "borrowed" his idea.
Dedee, it looks like our five year olds will be in the same kids group. Kelly has watched the cruise video over and over. She can't wait. No age division at the pool so that is where we will all most likely meet up.
I'm still debating how much to bring in terms of beach toys and if I should try to buy snorkle gear at Targets. I hear the masks they rent are old and scratched. DH doesn't want to lug around too much stuff.
Did you read the thread on sea lice? I had a friend whose vacation was ruined by jelly fish, so I ordered the safe sea lotion. Better safe than sorry.
Looking forward to meeting you two in July.

Laurie

[el_tigre]

It will be our family's first time cruising together on July 21 too. My wife and I will have our DS, who will turn 7 a few days before we sail. DW and I have both cruised, but not together, and not on Disney. We'll be on deck 5 too (gotta be near the Oceaneer's Club). Unlike the rest of you, we'll be visiting WDW after our cruise.

Like you MrsScooby, I'll be driving down right before we go. While we're from California, we'll be in Charlotte at a trade show that ends July 20 at 5 p.m. We'll probably leave much earlier than that though. Still, we're probably nuts for driving that far with so little time.

Look forward to seeing you all there.

Sean

[MrsScooby]

:)
el-tigre, I'm trying to convince the DH to drive down part of the way on Friday and arrive at the Raddison mid afternoon on Saturday before cruise. I'm hoping the DS and DD will make friends before cruise even starts since many cruisers stay at Raddison.

I forgot to ask. Have any of you signed on for a shore excursion?
I've signed us up for the Atlantis trip. 11:00am. I know it is probably better to arrange it ourselves than sign up for Disney's excursion, but I'm not inclined to wing it on our first trip. Maybe next time.

Working on my packing list...do those motion sickness bands work?

-Laurie

[el_tigre]

I'm doubting that I'll hit Port Canaveral before 9 p.m. Saturday. I'll still have some work to do at my trade show until at least noon. I think we'll need a cruise vacation after that drive.

I haven't signed up for any excursions yet. We have been trying to sign up for the Dolphin Swim for a couple weeks, but it's booked up and I think there's little hope for a cancelation. Haven't tried the Dolphin Encounter yet. We haven't decided if that one would be worth it, but I bet we'll run into the same problem if we do. Atlantis is the only other thing that really interests us in Nassau (we'll probably wing it if we choose this). I went to Nassau when I was on another cruise as a teenager and I didn't like it very much. Things could be different now, but I'm not so sure I'll feel differently after reading what many others have said on these boards. I think the key to enjoying this stop could be going to one of the positively reviewed excursions though.

Sean

[ynggun21]

Hi Laurie, I heard that those patches aren't really that effective. You might want to bring Bonine, dramamine might make you a bit drowsey, Bonine on the other hand is very effective. I only took Bonine once but that was when i went Shark fishing off of Montauk NY and the boat was 41' ;) I never get sick on a boat and that one day teh water was so rough a friend gave me the Bonine and I felt like a million bucks, Bonine would be the way i would go. I also believe it is ok for children as well. Hope this helps.

[teacher3410]

Hello everyone! My family and I will be cruising on the Wonder July 21. (DD8 and DS6) We will be driving down on the 20th and staying at the Radisson. If you decide to stay at the Radisson, don't forget to use the Fall Special promotion and get the room for $59. We will probably arrive late afternoon as we have a 12 hour drive. We live near Knoxville, TN.

We are very excited about the cruise. I hope my children will enjoy the club so my husband and I can eat at Palos one night. I'm having such a hard time deciding what the best night will be. I don't want to miss any of the other restaurants!

We don't know our room number yet, and we also haven't decided on any shore excusions. My email is jpfassler@charter.net if anyone would like to arrange to meet on the ship. I look forward to meeting all of you.:Pinkbounc

Pam

[noahsmom]

Myself (Kelli), husband (Bill) and son Noah will be at WDW for 3 nights prior to boarding the Wonder. My son will be 4.5 yrs old when we sail. We are celebrating our 15 yr anniversary. Noah is very excited about going on the Disney cruise. I'm very sure he will LOVE the Oceaneers Club - he lives for that kind of stuff. Being an only child, he loves to interact with other kids his age.
I look forward to hopefully meeting all of you. Our room in on deck 6.

My email is kheintz@amfam.com if anyone's interested.

[DeDee]

I'm still debating on the shore excursions. I can't decide if I want to do the Blue Lagoon or the Atlantis (on my own). I am definately taking my own snorkle stuff and a few beach toys...not many!

It seems a lot of people are staying nearby so I better get up early on cruise day and head that way so I won't be last in line!!

[DeDee]

Frankie,

Are you a Yankee's fan? I live down the street from Andy Pettitte!

[MrsScooby]

el_tigre- if you really want a dolphin encounter there is Dolphin Cove in Orlando. Expensive, but the website was cool. I forget what the minimun age was though. I plan on trying it when my DD is older.
ynggun21- I was thinking of the wrist bands for my DH and DS who need to avoid meds. I , on the other hand, am very prone to motion sickness. Bonine works well for me as do ginger capsules.
I fell asleep on the plane after Bonine, not sure if it was the meds or that I was just tired:) . I will definitely give my DD something.
Teacher3410- I was also worried about which restaurant to skip if I have to for Palo. I plan on getting there early so I won't have to choose, I hope. If I do it will probably be Parrot Cay that is bumped.
Noahsmom- My DD just turned 5. Kelly loves to make friends too! Noah will probably be in the same group as Frankie's DD, but I'm sure we'll see you too.
DeDee- I'm planning on getting there early too!:jester: I hear they board early than advertised, around 12:30 or so.

Laurie

[ynggun21]

DeDee are you kidding me IM a HUGE Yankees fan, I got to meet Andy Pettite once during the World Series. He's is really a nice guy. To bad he is hurt right now, I miss his pitching. If you see him tell him to hurry up and get that arm better ;) WOW I can't believe you live right down the street from him, that is so cool. I hope we can get to met on the ship, so I can tell everyone I met someone who lives down the street from Pettite :)

[DeDee]

We actually live in a suburb of Houston, Deer Park, where he grew up. He really is a nice and regular guy. His son was on the same YMCA basketball team as my son this winter, and his entire family shows up to watch every game! I see him a lot in the school line dropping his son off. His parents and in-laws live on the same street also, in houses that he built for them! Too bad the Astros couldn't get him to play here!!

I can't wait to meet all of ya'll also...(Texas termology coming through).

[ynggun21]

Ya'll...:D Your Dang right with that Texas Term. I think IM going to mosey on down to work now ;) I will catch up to ya'll later. My the way IM a fan of the Long Horns as well. Talk to you later.

[MrsScooby]

DeDee and Frankie- My hubby, Darren and I ,we're Met fans, hope you won't hold it against us? ;) ;)

Pam, I've got the $59 rate at the Radisson also. I hear it's a nice place to stay. I don't know when we will get in , I'm sure we'll meet up with you there though.

Question:

I was thinking of buying a pair of two-way radios for the cruise. I'm not sure what kind to buy. Does anyone have any suggestions ?:confused:

Laurie

[ynggun21]

Hi Laurie, if your lookign to getting walkies try the Motorola Talkabouts, fairly inexpensive and have a range of up to 2 miles or so. They are pretty popular. Search the web for the talkabouts or go to a hunting or sporting goods store and they should have them. Hope this helps.

[teacher3410]

Laurie, isn't that $59 rate great?! My TA couldn't even get that deal. The best she found at the Radisson was $102. These boards are proving to be very cost effective! I find myself checking them about twice a day. I've gotten some great tips. BTW, my family and I are Reds fans. :p

Pam

[MrsScooby]

ynggun21- Thanks for the tip!:) I'm sure if I don't use them on the cruise I will at home. The Walmart near me has many different kinds of walkies, I wasn't sure which one to pick.

Pam- I 've given up on my TA. I haven't been able to get through to her for weeks. I think it's the receptionist that has been handling all my questions and calls recently. I found the rate on the Radisson web site. (A little link on the bottom that says "For all rates") My brother says that with the expanding access of the internet that a TA will soon be obsolete.

I've got my DS(8) with me now and he wants to test out the smilies. This is only a test.


:) :( :o :D ;) :p :cool: :rolleyes: :mad: :eek: :confused: :bounce: :jester: :smooth: :Pinkbounc

Thanks for your patience.
My DH is making fun of me for insisting that we get to the port early. I guess I'll have the last laugh when he sees the long lines.
:p

Laurie

[MrsScooby]

Anyone decided on shore excursions yet? Anymore cruisers out there with kids on the July 21st Wonder? If anyone is interested I saw that other Disney cruisers were arranging to meet by wearing green ribbons and setting up meeting places on deck 9 or 10 on the first day. I figure we'll probably be there anyway after we sign up for Palo and the spa. :)

Laurie

[ynggun21]

Me and my family would love to meet everyone, just let me know where and when. Im looking to book the Dolphin Swim in Nassau, if that is booked up then i will try for the Dolphin Encounter. There website is WWW.DOLPHINSWIM.COM.

[MrsScooby]

Frankie- I hear the Dolphin swim books up really fast. Don't wait too long to book it. I want to hear all about it. (I'm hoping to convince the rest of the family to go next time.) :)

Laurie

[Sure]

We too will be on the July 21 cruise. It will be our first cruise. My dw, dd, and sister will be with me. We will leave around 3AM Saturday from Atlanta and after a quick(?) stop at DownTown Disney we will head for the Radisson. After the cruise we will go back to WDW till Sunday.

Hope to see you all there.

Jeff

[MrsScooby]

Hi Jeff- I'm envious of your much shorter drive (not the 3 am part though). I've successfully convinced the DH to make the drive in two days. We'll probably stop somewhere in SC the first night.
How old is your DD?
Hey Frankie- have you seen the thread about a possible DCL out of New York? I would rather drive to NY than Florida. A bit closer for you also :p .
I've been waiting for a veteran Disney cruiser to pop in and organize a meeting for all DISers on the July 21 Wonder. Since none have of yet I may start a new thread with a "roll call". Or I may just wait.
Does anyone think deck 9 or 10 would be too crowded for meeting? I figure most will be at the Sail Away party anyway. I have no idea what time would be good.

Laurie :confused:

[Sure]

Hi MrsScooby and all,

My DD is 14. As far as leaving Atlanta at 3AM,.....not a problem. We are headed for Disney, who needs sleep. I'll let my DW take over driving duties at the Florida state line.

Jeff

[ynggun21]

Hi Laurie, yea It would be nice to sail out of New York, but it isn't the same as Florida. Since we live here we look forward top getting out of here :D I wonder if they still will have the land and sea package if a ship sails out of NY, who would want to go to WDW after the cruise.

[MrsScooby]

Frankie- the post I was looking at suggested a NY cruise might sail to Bermuda. Not bad for a summer cruise.

Jeff- My DH usually likes to do all the driving. I'm sure he'll let me take over some of it. He gets cranky in traffic. :D

My DS8 has been reading the posts over my shoulder at times. I've decided to start a thread for him tomorrow so he can post himself. (Luckily the comments about the Surial Bath have gone over his head. I think.)

Laurie

[MrsScooby]

"Bump"

[MrsScooby]

Anyone still around? Anyone else for the July 21st Wonder?
I'm having alot of fun getting organized for this trip. My TA just informed me that my tickets have arrived and I'm picking them up this week. Anyone else? :D

Laurie

[ynggun21]

Hey Laurie yea IM still around just haven't had time to be on the forum. We are pretty much all set just a few things to get and we are set. You wanna laugh... I had ordered a Brand New digital Camcorder from PC Richards and they told me it was supposed to be in on June 8th, would you believe they still haven't gotten it in as of yet. I bought this camcorder especially for the cruise and they keep telling me "It should be here any day" yea huh!!! :mad: I ordered this thing back in May, now what would you do...here are 2 choice...take the salesman and stick him in the washer & dryer combo or put him through the camcorder showcase? Now you have only 2 choices pick 1 ;)

[noahsmom]

I was a little disappointed in them. I was expecting much more information. There is more information on this board then is provided in the documents.

It's still great to have them - it's really going to happen and soon!

We leave in 27 days! 3 nights at Polynesian conceirge before going to the ship. Celebrating dh's birthday and our 15th wedding anniversary.

Kelli

[ynggun21]

We are staying at the polynesian as well 3 days there then Sunday 21st. off to the Ship. We arrive at the Hotel on Thursday July 18th at about 10:30 am, I just don't know what to do the rest of that day, any suggestions?

[noahsmom]

I'm not sure what we will do right away. It's dh's birthday that day so it may be up to him. Mostly we will see how ds is feeling. We have 5:00 ressies for the Luau so we may just play in the pool.

Kelli

[MrsScooby]

Frankie, the Polynesian is beautiful! We did the character breakfast there 2 years ago. They will hold your bags if you are anxious to get started at the parks. I noticed a difference in the park crowds from weekdays to weekends. They shouldn't be too crowded when you arrive. Taking time to enjoy the hotel pool isn't a bad idea either. You might want to wait and see how you feel when you get there. (BTW- I hope you get your new camcorder soon. washer-dryer combo is less dangerous, no broken glass to worry about. ;) )

Kelli, I was surprised by how little my TA advised me about the trip. I picked up so much from these boards I felt like I knew more than she did. It has been fun to finally get the cruise docs.

I didn't go to the Animal Kingdom last time I went to DW, but I was told it can be done in half a day. Only problem is the animals are fed and most active in the morning. You may not see them as much if you go later in the day.

Laurie

[ynggun21]

Thank for the info Laurie, and your right about the TA, the only thing my TA told me was to call the Airlines a day before to make sure my flight wasn't changed. I said "thats it" and she said "yea". Believe that. Hey maybe someone can help me out with something... my daughter (I don't know the abbv. for Daughter, Husband, Wife etc :D )who is 4yrs. old has never been on a plane before, she loves them I know that but is there anything I should do to make her flight comfortable in case she gets scared or something?

[noahsmom]

us a ton of money and is the reason we were able to upgrade to Conceirge at the Polynesian. In fact she boarded the Wonder this week. She shares lots of info.

What about excursions? I'm strongly leaning towards not getting off the ship in Nassau. We were going to go to Stingray city at Blue Lagoon but after talking with our TA we decided not to. She said it was very lame - they have a very small enclosure and only let 5 stingrays in and you're not allowed to touch them. Based on posts from this board I'm thinking we may enjoy a somewhat empty ship more that the masses in Nassau.

Kelli

[ynggun21]

Hi Kelli, we booked a Dolphin Encounter but I might cancel it because we haveto find our way to the encounter lol. They don't supply transportation to the encounter so thisis why I might just cancel it. Yea I hear the same things about Nassau, we just might do that (stay on the ship) IM not sure yet.

[teacher3410]

Hi Kelli and Frankie. We received our documents last week and are so excited about the cruise.....one month from today! I think we are going to walk to the straw market after breakfast and then come back to the ship. I want my DD8 and DS6 to at least experience a part of Nassau. My husband and I were in Nassau on our honeymoon 13 years ago. I didn't like it very much, but I think it will be worth a couple of hours for the kids to see what it is like. I'm also looking forward to a less crowded ship. I think it would be fun to swim and maybe take in a movie during the hottest part of the afternoon. Has anyone started packing?

Pam:D

[teacher3410]

The above post is for you too, Laurie......didn't mean to leave you out! :rolleyes:

Pam

[MrsScooby]

LOL! Thanks Pam. :)
I too want to see Nassau since I've never been there before. I'm playing it safe with a DCL excursion to Atlantis ,but that is at 11:00am. I want to try to find some tanzanite at the shops there, but the rest of our day will be onboard. I'm not expecting alot from Nassau so I doubt I'll be disappointed.
Frankie- Neither of my kids (DS8,DD5- Disney son, Disney daughter) were afraid of the plane. But they like rollercoasters alot so I can't guarantee anything. Tell the stewardess when you get on board that it is your daughter's first flight and they may have a pin or certificate for her. I don't have problems with my ears (just motion sickness :D ) but my DH, DS and DD do. Lollipops to suck on or special ear plugs for planes would help. It only seems to be a problem on landing. The hard part is keeping them amused and not packing their entire toy box to do it. Luckily your flight isn't too long.
I'm looking forward to Castaway Cay alot. Now if I can just get myself to pronounce the Cay part correctly. :D
Kelli- We got to pet Sting Rays at an aquarium in Virginia Beach last year. Definitely a cool experience. Better to wait for a better deal than Sting Ray City.
Laurie

[MrsScooby]

Hey everyone! :D
I just got back from the pool. My DS and DD tried out their new snorkle equipment. DS8 had a ball!:jester: DD5 had some trouble adjusting to the mask and snorkle. She didn't give up though and I'm sure she'll have it down pat by the time Castaway Cay rolls around. :Pinkbounc
We are also trying out our new two-way radios. Cool. :cool:
I was able to talk to DH while he mowed the lawn. Should proove helpful on the ship (and when we go to Six Flags next week.)
Frankie- has your camcorder come in yet?:(
I'm sure it will soon if it hasn't already.
I think I have everything I need. Walmart has underwater cameras for $8. A friend of my spent $27 on one on her cruise.
She also took 8 rolls of film on her cruise and used it all! She took a picture of the Wonder for me as her cruise ship passed it.
I can't wait!:Pinkbounc
Laurie

[ynggun21]

Hi everyone, Laurie the camcorer still never came in as of yet, I called on Friday and they said it should be here on Monday...for there sake it better be ;) IM still trying to get everything I need I like the idea about the water cameras I may pick up a few but there isn't a Walmart around here so I will have to check other places.

[MrsScooby]

Hey Everyone ! I haven't started packing yet, but I have picked up most of what I'll need for the cruise. Travel clock, travel hair dryer, sun screen, Safe Sea, etc..:Pinkbounc
I think I'll wait til about 2 weeks before we leave to pack, I think. I'm trying to hold off so clothes won't get too wrinkled. I am not ironing on this trip! :D
We saw Scooby Doo (the Movie ;) ) yesterday. It was alot better than I thought it would be. I guess it's Lilo and Stitch for next weekend. DD doesn't want to wait til the cruise to see it.
Hopefully "someone" picked up his new camcorder today:D .

I just realized I don't have any swimsuit cover-ups! :( Oh no,I guess I'm not done shopping yet. Darn ;) .

Laurie

[Sure]

Haven't received cruise docs yet. We do have a good list of items to bring started. I look forward to seeing you all there and i wish each of you a safe trip.

Jeff

[ynggun21]

IT CAME.....IT CAME....:D My camcorder finally came in, I have to pick it up today and it's going to take me till the cruise to figure out how to use it :) We aren't packed yet either, I think we will do it the week we leave so things don't get so wrinkled. I hope everyone is doing well, don't go crazy getting everthing you need for the cruise together, instead make a list and check off as you go and don't forget the sunscreen. For the smaller kids a hi SPF would be sufficent 40 or above just to be safe. Oh yeaand for those who tend to get sea sick BONINE!!! ;)

[noahsmom]

we are leaving on the 18th for 3 nights at WDW. I will start packing that week. I have purchased most items, got disposable ponchos, pen flashlight, ziplock bags yesterday. Forgot about the travel clock, guess I still need that. So far I have 3 disposable underwater cameras, 2 disposable cameras for ds (4 yrs old) and 8 rolls of film. Not sure if I want to lug the video camera too. Just one more thing to carry and/or loose! I'm a big scrapbooker so the pictures are a must.

Only 22 days until we leave!

Kelli

[MrsScooby]

I'm still trying to decide if we're going to bring our camcorder. It depends on how many bags we end up with I guess. Video of the cruise , even if it is only of our cabin, would be so fun to look at later.
I thought I read somewhere that the Bonine was provided for free on the ship. They have it in bins by the Doctor's office? I want to make sure I have some in my cabin just in case. I got the ok from the doctor to give half tablets to DS and DD if needed.
Laurie

[ynggun21]

Hi Laurie, IM not sure if it's bonine that they have on board, if you want to make sure call DCL they ought to know. If they don't just pick some up at the pharmacy. IM bringing some with me for my wife and just in case my daughter gets sick :D

[MrsScooby]

I have some Bonine left over from last trip in April. I only used it 2 or 3 times. It also helps after you get nauseous. I found that out after Star Tours in DL. :D
I just like to have extra just in case. I have to call DCL anyway to check and make sure they know about our anniversary. Our TA has been somewhat lax about our trip. Definitely going with Disney Dreams for the next time.
The weather in Orlando can't be worse than what we are having now. It is so hot and humid -code red on air quality. I'm so ready for a vacation! :D
Laurie

[Annamae]

Hi,

We are also going to be on the Wonder July 21. We have never cruised before so I have been all over many boards for advise. I've decided I can't remember everything, so we are just going to experience it. I have a 15 year old girl and a 8 year old girl. They are so looking forward to this, we don't take many vacation because dad really likes work. I worry about the girls not making friends at the clubs, but hopefully they will and I can relax. We are doing the dolphin excursion. We called the 60 days before. I signed husband up to do the parasailing and all of us to do the banana boat, plus rented the package for the floats and stuff. We are on deck 8. We are flying in the day before and staying at the hilton. Then taking the Disney bus. Hopefully we will get there are noon, so we can explore the ship. Well I think I have told everything there is to tell. Except I can't wait to go.

[el_tigre]

Welcome, it looks like we got a nice little group going. It's hard to believe the cruise is less than a month away.

I called Disney for the Dolphin Excursion about 50 days in advance and it was all booked up. I guess shore excursions are sort of like CRT; you better call the first day you're able or you could be out of luck. I ended up getting the Dolphin Encounter anyway when I called them directly. My DW and DS had hoped for the Dolphin Swim but that was booked a long time ago. I'm continuing to call for cancelations in the chance that I can upgrade, but I think I'll be lucky to pull it off. Just have to keep my fingers crossed.

Anyhow, I can't wait. It's going to be a blast.

[MrsScooby]

I can't believe we're leaving three weeks from today! The drive down won't be so bad with the cruise to look forward to.
AnnaMae, I also worry about my DS8 and DD5 making friends on board. I hear it is important to make sure they spend some time in the kids clubs on the first day. It is harder to fit in later.
I want to hear about the dolphin encounter/swim from those of you who manage to get it. Hope to do that next time.
I hope to meet all of you either at the Radisson or on the cruise .
I'm still waiting for a Dis veteran to step in and set up a meeting. It is funny that so far we are all first time cruisers.
I can't wait either! :Pinkbounc
Laurie

[ynggun21]

Welcome aboard Annamae, don't worry about the kids your lucky even if you see them ;) I was able to book the dolphin encounter as well but was not successful in booking the swim, it was all booked up. Someone has to start a roll call to find out who is goingto be on the ship July 21st. and make plans so we can all meet. If everyone wants to that is. Im game. :D

[Annamae]

Hi all,

What is the difference between the swim and the encounter? My excursion sheet only showed the encounter and I thought we also got to swim with the dolphins. Did they split them or add a new excursion? Oh, I left one piece of information out, we are staying afterwards 3 days to do WDW. I hope that since we are doing it in reverse of their package, that we won't have trouble getting where we need to go. We are staying at the hotel in the airport upon arrival, they have a disney pickup there. Does anyone know what time they pick up? Our TA didn't know, said the hotel would tell us.

I keep thinking we have alot of time to get ready, I have been so busy, I haven't even got a chance to look at all the documents.

Annamae

[el_tigre]

Annamae,
The Dolphin Encounter allows you quite a bit of interaction with the dolphins (i.e. hugging, kissing, dancing), but you are on a waste deep platform and not actually swimming with them. You can book this one through Disney or on your own. The Dolphin Swim, which is run by the same company, is not offered by Disney and can only be booked through the company. In this one, you are immersed in a large pool and have quite a bit more interaction. You can get a better idea of the two programs at Dolphin Encounter's site. (http://www.dolphinswims.com/program.html) I'm doing WDW after the cruise too.

Laurie,
I'd bet you might have a shot to get the Dolphin Encounter if you booked with them directly. They said that one doesn't fill up nearly as fast.

As far as meeting, l'm up for it. I'm sure just about everyone here will be doing the reservation rush (or whatever they call it). Heck, I have a feeling I'll run into Laurie at the spa sign-ups.

[MrsScooby]

el_tigre- you must have read those Surial Bath stories too? HiddenHearth has the funniest one on the trip reports (IMHO).
ynggun21- How is your camcorder working out? Have you figured out what all the buttons are for? (We've had ours for 10 years and I still don't know how to use all the features. :) )
Annamae- I would call the hotel directly. (Sounds like your TA is related to mine. :rolleyes: )
I'm going to go read up on the other threads to see how the veterans plan their meetings. ( Hard to designate a meeting place when you've never been on the ship though.)
I'll probably wear a Scooby shirt on the first day . Too bad these boards don't sell hats or something to make meeting easier.
Laurie

[ynggun21]

Hi everyone, Laurie... this camcorder is so advanced I can email photos and video without the use of a computer...pretty cool huh :D something called Bluetooth Technology, I figured out how to use it now I have to take the time and show my wife how to :o I also booked the Dolphin Encounter only because the swim was booked, I have it for 1:30 July 22nd, the thing that got me going is I have to find my own way to the Encounter, they don't provide transportation. I tried to book this swim back in May and it was already booked up. IM all for meeting ,saying hi without having to type ;) Im easy to spot...I'll be the one dancing with Goofy all day, diving off the back of the ship (just this thing about high diving :smooth: ), Convincing the Capt to let me drive the ship, just few little things that might make you say to yourself "Why...why me" :D Hey Im from Brooklyn it's in my blood...I think!

[Annamae]

Hi all:

I feel like I'm getting obsessed with this discussion board. I'm checking all the time for new tips on all subjects. Last night I was here and I couldn't figure out why post said the 29th when it was still the 28th. Then I got a clue and realized many people are on the east coast and I'm on the west (Arizona). I haven't decided if I'm going to be our video camera either. It is nice to have the movies, but carrying it around is such a pain. I think Iwill pick up some medicine for sea sickness, my one daughter gets car sick on long trips, but since we have never been on a cruise who knows what will happen. I guess not to many people are on our cruise, since not to many people have logged on to this thread, maybe we will have the boat to ourselves (ya right) and saw one other thread of a girl looking for teenagers for this date.

Well I guess I'm going to get off the net and get some housework done (yuk). Anymore tips anyone can think of will be great.

PS, how do you make the smilies work???

[ynggun21]

Hi Annamae, first off I do believe they're a lot of people who don't even know of this forum that will be sailing when we go, so my quess will be....the ship is going to be full :D As for the smiles look right over to your left as your typing a reply and you will see all the different smilies you can choose. You should bring a camcorder to catch those moments when your going to say "Damn I knew we should of brought the camcorder" the one I just bought is so small and only weighs 1.11 lbs. It also takes digital pics as well as video which is good because now I don't have to bring the digital camera. As for the sickness look into getting Bonine or Dramamine they are really good and I do think Bonine is less drowsey then dramamine, just a thought. My wife thinks she is going to get sick so IM bringing Bonine just in case.

[MrsScooby]

Hey everyone!
Frankie- your camcorder sounds incredible. Something that light shouldn't be a problem to carry at all. I'm tentatively planning on bringing ours. I'm not going to carry it around alot. Just on the first day when we board and maybe a little on our day at sea. I don't want to worry about it on shore excursions.
I agree with you about the Bonine. Much less drowsiness. I'm not expecting to get sick, but I want to be prepared just in case.
Annamae- I've become obsessed with these boards also. It tapers off after a while , but I do learn something new every day.
I saw Lilo and Stitch yesterday. It was cute. DCL gets a "nod" at the end. My DH loved it. DS and DD too.
BTW Frankie- let me know when you're driving the ship. I 'll go back to my cabin to get my camcorder (and life preserver). ;)
Laurie

[el_tigre]

Surial bath? Never heard of it! ;)

Frankie, it sounds like we'll be on the same Encounter run. I have a 1:30 too. Do you have any idea how you're going to get to the ferry terminal? It seems like it isn't that far from the ship. I was thinking about getting a cab at about 12:45. I have to think that'll be enough time, even with them wanting you there a half hour before.

[ynggun21]

:D Yes that would be a moment you would want your camera when the Capt. and his crew throw me overboard ;) laurie if you forget to get any motion sickness meds. I will have bonine with me so your more then welcome to them if you'd like. El_tigre I have no clue how to get to the Encounter but if you know of a way let me know. IM thinking about calling them and asking them about it but the last time i called they seemed like they didn't want to be bothered, so i will give them a call again. I will let you know what happens.

[el_tigre]

Frankie, my plan was just to get a cab at 12:45, unless I found a better way or discovered I needed more time on the ship. From reading Dave in the Frozen Tundra's article about Swimming with the Dolphins, that's how he got there. Should cost around $10-12 I think. If I'm reading this map (http://www.bahamas-on-line.com/npi.html) correctly, the place where the boat docks and the ferry terminal don't seem that far apart. The legend doesn't show how far distances are, but I can't see that being farther than a few miles. So unless I find out a better way, the cab is my plan for now.

Sean

[ynggun21]

I guess a cab sounds good, thats probably what IM going to do.

[MrsScooby]

I read somewhere that you take a cab also,and that the cab fare is somewhat negotiable. Anyway, from what I heard, there will be many locals at the port competing for your business. Some people don't like bargaining and others enjoy it. I would ask a few people what they paid for the cab or ask on the ship.
Anyway,Mjasp had some good advice for setting up meetings. Check out the thread on "To DIS or not to DIS". What do you guys think of getting green leis to wear on the first day of the cruise? No obligation other than to say hello, like Frankie said, without having to type. They can be found at party stores and are easier to spot than green ribbons.
Anyway, with our kids close in age we will probably bump into each other at clubs, pools,and restaurants. This way we will know what everyone looks like.
I'll also wear the green lei the night before at the Radisson pool, but that is it. (Green leis are not my idea of high fashion ;) )
What do you all think?
Three weeks to go!
:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc
Laurie

[teacher3410]

Laurie, I think that sounds like a great idea. We will be at the Radisson, too. I'll look for you at the pool. I'm not sure what time we will arrive, but it will probably be late afternoon since we have a 12 hour drive. I'm going to try to get my husband to leave about 4 or 5 AM.

I don't think anyone should feel obligated to spend time with another DISer. I just think it will be nice to put a faces with names. I'm sure we all don't have yellow faces without noses;) . Who knows....some of us might end up being dinner partners. (We have the late seating.) Anyway, I'm getting very anxious about the trip. I want to start packing, but I think I need to wait until the week before. Mostly, I'm looking forward to some time away.

Pam:D

[ynggun21]

Hi everyone, IM all for it (green leis). Sounds like another good idea Laurie. IM staying at the Polynesain so I wont be able to meet you guys at the Radisson, unless I sneak in and then we can run around with our green leis :D . I hope no one else decides to come up with the same idea and wear green leis, imagine that.

[SafariTigger]

Hello, we will be honeymooning on the DisneyWonder on 7/21/02. We can't wait!!!! We have never cruised before and are so anxious to begin our trip. After the cruise we are heading to Port Orleans Riverside for a week. It should be the vacation of a lifetime!

[MrsScooby]

Welcome SafariTigger! Honeymoons are great. Check out the trip reports, I remember seeing some from honeymooners.

Frankie- As much as I'd like to, ;) , I can't take credit for the green leis idea. Mjasp suggested them. Also meeting on deck 10 at a certain time on a certain side of the ship. I don't know what would be the best time or place. Should I just look for Goofy since you'll be dancing with him? ;)
I don't mind waiting(20 minutes or so?) for people to show up for a specific time. Maybe before the lifeboat drill would be a good time? This way no one will miss the party. Any suggestions? :confused:

Pam, I requested early seating for dinner, but since alot of people request that I won't know until cruise day if we get it. I'm looking forward to relaxing by the pool at the Radisson before we leave, especially after being in the car for two days with DH,DS,DD. :crazy:

Laurie

[ynggun21]

IM all for meeting anywhere doesn't matter to me, lets figure out a spot on the ship that everyone will agree on to meet & then we can post it and if everyone wants to meet then so be it, Im going to be there regardless I like to meet new people and bump into them through out the cruise I think it would be fun. So lets all get LEID ;) and find a meeting spot. I have a funny feeling IM going to get the business for that remark :D

[Annamae]

Hi all:

Frankie, we'll forgive for that remark, since you are from NY. :)
That would be great to meet. I think the deck 10 before the drill would be good. What time would that be and where on 10??

Annamae

[MrsScooby]

Hi Everyone!
I checked one of the navigators from May for times. The lifeboat drill is at 4:00pm, the sailaway party from 4:30 to 5:15. I figured that either 3:00 or 5:00 would work. Unless someone wants to go to the "Port Presentation" where they talk about excursions and stuff. That is at 3:00.
Also, Mjasp suggested on deck 10 over the Mickey pool as a place to meet. I'm ok with that, except if it turns out to be 100 degrees or pouring rain. Then I would want to be under cover.
Also, Frankie... I think it's because you're from Brooklyn that you can get away with that remark;) . My Dad is from Brooklyn and that is definitely something he would have said. :)

Will start a roll call soon. I'm sure there are others out there somewhere.
Laurie

[ynggun21]

Well thanks for letting me get away with that remark ;) I was sweating there for a minute PHEW! Anyway Laurie you do have a good point somewhere inside would be ok to meet, how about the Promenade Lounge on deck 3 seems spacious and will probably be less crowded unless nobody wants to go that low on the ship just a suggestion.

[MrsScooby]

I checked times again on different Navigators. Lifeboat drill was consistent at 4:00. I'm guessing shoot for 3:00? Promenade lounge works for me. Having never been on the ship I'm not sure which location works best.
I also like the idea of meeting new people and putting a face to the name. If anybody has any doubts, check out the thread "To DIS or not to DIS". It convinced me to at least try.
BTW, does anybody here collect Disney pins? Just curious. I have a few from our last trip. I'm probably going to buy a few on this one too.

:D
Laurie

[ynggun21]

Hi Laurie, sorry but I never started to collect the pins I heard so much about them but never thought about a collection. IM excited to meet other people because IM a people person, I get along with everyone as well as my wife, always looking forward to making new friends :D, heck I know more then half of Brooklyn...they call me the mayor :cool: Hope we all can agree on a spot as well as you Laurie i never was on the ship so I thought the promenade on deck 3 would be I deal, I got that from the Disney Brochure ;)

[MrsScooby]

Just giving this thread a "bump" to the first page to see if any others are interested in a Dis Meet. I guess I'll try a roll call to see if that finds more people.
3:00pm- the Promenade on deck 3 so far for a meet. Let us know what you think.

Laurie

I leave in 2 weeks! :Pinkbounc :bounce: