November 4, 2010 Wonder Cruise

[Tikihula]

Hi. This will be our 5th cruise, all of them Disney, either 3 or 4-day cruises. We'll be at WDW November 2-10th, with our cruise right in the middle of our stay.

Cruisers will be me, DH, and... (it's a surprise and they don't know it yet) my daughter-in-law and grandson age 10. We're having a big family gathering and will be staying at AKV in two 2-bedroom villas, with my sister, her DH, and their 2 DDs and DGD joining us from the west coast. My son and his family (wife and 3 boys) will also be flying in. My son told us to include his wife and oldest son on the cruise reservation, but it's going to be a surprise for them. I'm so excited that they can join us! We've reserved one of the secret porthole rooms, but we're hoping for a free upgrade to a verandah room.

Our last cruise was just recently in Nov '09, and I surprised my DH by inviting his sister to come along. She'd never been to WDW or on a cruise before, so we met up in Epcot and the next day she joined us on the Wonder and had a blast. We even talked her into visiting Atlantis Resort and going parasailing on Castaway Cay.

So, is there anyone else joining us? Sure would be fun to get to know a few fellow sailors . Or maybe we'll just have the whole ship to ourselves. Yeah!
Looking forward to meeting everyone.

[IrishCowboy]

I have added your thread to the cruise meet list :thumbsup2

[cmadara]

Hi there,
I am glad we have a thread to meet others going at the same time!
The travelers are myself DM 45, DH 50 and DD 12- 13 at the time of the trip.
She is very nervous about not "knowing" anyone and that she will have to hang out with us!:rotfl: hopefully this will give her the opportunity to meet others her age before the trip.

This is our first cruise and we are so excited! We are headed to WDW after the cruise for just 1 night- staying at the Poly- because we have to head back to school. It is Teacher's Convention here in NJ so that is how we have the time off. I am a teacher and it is the perfect time for a vacation.

Let's hope more people join our thread and let's keep in touch!:dance3:

[Tikihula]

Hi there,
I am glad we have a thread to meet others going at the same time!
The travelers are myself DM 45, DH 50 and DD 12- 13 at the time of the trip.
She is very nervous about not "knowing" anyone and that she will have to hang out with us!:rotfl: hopefully this will give her the opportunity to meet others her age before the trip.

This is our first cruise and we are so excited! We are headed to WDW after the cruise for just 1 night- staying at the Poly- because we have to head back to school. It is Teacher's Convention here in NJ so that is how we have the time off. I am a teacher and it is the perfect time for a vacation.

Let's hope more people join our thread and let's keep in touch!:dance3:

I didn't realize we'd be at WDW during "Jersey Days" when school is out. ;)

They have such wonderful programs for kids and teens - your daughter will probably end up making good friends right away, even if it's only a 3-day cruise.

Have you requested early seating or late seating for dinner? You can choose which you prefer. There are usually more kids at the early seating. We just don't like eating a large meal late in the evening so we always request early seating, then we go to the shows or other activities after dinner.

Holler if you have any questions - we're not experts but we do have those 4 other cruises under our belt and have loved every one of them.
Bev

[cmadara]

Hi again,
We picked early seating. We usually eat dinner at home around 6 anyway. Plus, I want to have room for evening snacks!popcorn::
Yes, it is Jersey Week. We head to WDW every other year at this time and always see people we know. The weather is perfect at this time.
I was reading a trip report for a trip that was taken the same weekend we are going, but all of a sudden the person stopped posting. "Parker Bros."
He had written that he had gotten sick when he came back- it went from H1N1 to bronchitis to pneumonia. I really hope nothing has happened.
It was really a great trip report- tons of pictures and detailed descriptions!
Have you done the FE's on your previous cruises. It sounds like fun.
I will be thinking of questions as we move along on our countdown. Hopefully others will join in.
Keep in touch.
Cindy

[Tikihula]

Hi Cindy. Wow, sorry to hear about Parker Bros. I hope he's just recuperating and nothing more serious.

We did the magnet exchange last time and it was fun, but I'm just not creative when it comes to ... creating stuff. Or coming up with original ideas for FE. Anyway, we probably won't get involved in that, other than putting magnets on our stateroom door so we can find it easily. But I'm sure there will be other cruisers who will sign up for the FE.

I keep looking at the updates to the new Disney Dream cruise ship and I'm so tempted to sign up for a cruise in Nov '11. But they give good discounts if you sign up while onboard a cruise, so I guess I'll wait until we're onboard in Nov '10. Gosh that seems so far away.

[cmadara]

Hi Bev,
The Dream is the new ship, right? I think I saw an ad for it on tv. I will have to look into booking another cruise while on the ship. I have read that you can put down a date and then change it later? I know that once we get there, we will be hooked and want to do another one.
Yes, November seems so far away! But it sure is fun to read these boards and dream!:cloud9:
Well, hang in there- less than 9 months now!!
Hopefully others will join us. My daughter is anxiously awaiting "meeting" a girl her age for the trip.
Have a good day!
Cindy

[Tikihula]

Hi Bev,
The Dream is the new ship, right? I think I saw an ad for it on tv. I will have to look into booking another cruise while on the ship. I have read that you can put down a date and then change it later? I know that once we get there, we will be hooked and want to do another one.
Yes, November seems so far away! But it sure is fun to read these boards and dream!:cloud9:
Well, hang in there- less than 9 months now!!
Hopefully others will join us. My daughter is anxiously awaiting "meeting" a girl her age for the trip.
Have a good day!
Cindy

Yes, the Dream is the new ship that will be taking the Wonder's place at Port Canaveral when the Wonder sails around to start doing the Alaska cruises.

And yes, once you have another cruise reservation, you can change the date, assuming there are openings. I wouldn't wait until the last minute, but with today's economy they probably have a lot more openings than they used to. It seemed the Disney ships always sold out until the last year or two. Oh, and you can also transfer your reservation to a travel agent, too, if you find one that is offering a good onboard credit for booking with them.
At least that's what I've been told.

I'm very surprised nobody else has jumped in with us. I have a link posted on the PassPorter boards, too, for our cruise date. Maybe we'll have some folks from that web site joining us on the cruise.
Cheers! Bev

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
I'm going solo on this cruise & am really looking forward to it.
This will be my 14th cruise but 1st Disney one.
Do any of you go on cruisecritic.com? I started a thread there but there's been nobody join it yet.
I look forward to chatting with you over the next 9 months.
~Jo~ :)

[cmadara]

Hi Jo,
Welcome! Wow, cruising alone- that's sounds cool!
Since you haven't gotten any response on the other board and neither has Bev, maybe we WILL be the only ones on the ship!
You have been on many cruises- I would be interested to see how Disney rates with the others once our cruise is over. It seems like such a long time away- but it will go quickly- nothing like wishing my life away!
I would be interested in learning some cruising tips from both you and Bev as this is our 1st cruise.
Let's keep in touch!
Cindy

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Cindy ~ I'm so glad I found this thread ~ there's so much to learn about Disney! I'm really looking forward to the cruise as it has a few things different from others I've taken, eg rotation of dining rooms, pop available free for lunch, Disney characters just to mention a few! I'm spending 3 nights at DW then taking the Freedom of the Seas cruise after the Disney one ~ making my air fare count this time!! ;)
Bev ~ is there a Pirates night with fireworks on the 3 day cruise? That sounds like fun if there is.
Take care.
~Jo~ :)

[trasor]

Also heading down for Jersey Week (Ocean Twp., Monmouth County). This is our first (of many to come, I'm sure) Disney Cruise. We are all so excited. There is so much to learn about and reading this board has become my new favorite hobby.

[cmadara]

Trasor- did you get hammered with snow again? We sure did! I think we have a total of 3 feet on the ground. Ugh! I hate snow!:sad1:
Welcome to our little gathering! I see you have young ones. It is always so special to see the excitement of Disney through their eyes. We took our DD to WDW for the 1st time when she was 5-everything was real! She loved the Princesses.
Can't wait until November! As I have said before- wishing my life away!
Good luck digging out.:eek:

[trasor]

cmadara - since we are on the coast we were oh so lucky to get 1/2 a day of sleet and slush yesterday before it turned to snow making the bottom layer a frozen heavy mess. Luckily, my DH has a big snowblower so he is happy as a pig in you know what out there cleaning up. I can't wait for my DD to go back to school tomorrow. There was a time when I would have loved 2 snow induced house bound days but kids definitely change that. lolI can't wait to meet more cruisers as they check into this board.

[Tikihula]

Welcome to the newcomers! We are slowly building a group of fans for our November cruise, and hopefully we'll have some more join us.

Jo - Yes, there is a Pirates in the Caribbean Party on the 3-night cruise. It happens the night we leave Nassau. We always bring our pirate gear (pirate themed t-shirts, bandannas, earring, eye patch, etc.) and dress for the party. In fact, we wore it to dinner on our last cruise, not realizing that most folks were dressing up just a wee bit to dine at Triton's. We definitely felt "underdressed" and probably should have waited until after dinner to change into our pirate clothes, but at least there were a few kids also wearing pirate gear at dinner. pirate:

There are fireworks after the Pirate Party, and then there's a late night buffet on deck that includes everything from pizza and turkey legs to lots of wonderful desserts. This time I'll remember to dine lightly at dinner so I can indulge in some of those chocolate confections at 10pm. :banana:

I've read some of the cruise reviews on cruisecritic.com but never posted there.

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Bev ~ thanks for the quick response. Wow that sounds like a fun time!!
I love food & fireworks!:thumbsup2:

Do any of you have opinions on the food plans at WDW? Do you think they're worthwhile/less expensive?

Just sitting here watching the Olympics & hoping we get a gold medal in something this time we host them. Well we didn't get one in moguls.:sad2:
Take care & have a great weekend.
~Jo~ :)

[cmadara]

Hi-
I have never used the food plan- we like to plan a character b-fast and maybe Ohana's, but the rest of our meals are on the run- counter service. So it always seemed like a waste for us. But then I heard they have a new plan for counter service? Not sure what that is. Maybe ask in the dining section of disboards.
We have been following the Olypmics as well. Love it! Whistler looks so beautiful, but I have to admit, I HATE snow!
My husband and I are planning a summer trip up to Maine and then crossing over to Novia Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Do you know anything about that part of Canada. I realize Canada is HUGE but just wanted to know if you have ever been there.
Are you headed to WDW before or after the cruise? We are headed for just 2 days after the cruise. We will be staying in the Poly and just plan on going to EPCOT and Magic Kingdom because of the short time. It will be the Food and Wine Festival- so much fun- tons to eat and drink!
Take care and stay warm everyone- even you, Bev in Florida- lucky!

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Cindy ~ I posted a long response to your post last night while using my netbook & watching Olympics & somehow poof it was gone!:confused3

Thanks for the suggestions re dining. I'll have to investigate as I think I'd just catch a meal wherever I happen to be. I'm going to DW from Nov 1 & hope to see Epcot & AK mainly as I've never been there. I do want to try the boat to DD & the monorail. After the cruise I'm taking the 7 day Freedom of the Seas Eastern Caribbean as I loved that ship when I did the Western last Nov.

Whistler does look nice. We've never been there but did drive out to BC in Sept. The scenery out west is amazing!

Funny you should mention going down east. Our DD just moved to Fredericton NB last summer so we plan on going down in June. Matter of fact I was just checking out when the Church lobster dinners begin as I'd like to go there again in PEI. Quite a feast to be had! We drove down in 2001 & were on our way to the border coming from NH when we heard about 9-11(still hard to believe that happened!:sad2:)
We also drove down in 1969 (probably before you all were born!!)

There's quite a bit to see down there. Halifax was nice. We went to Pier 21
which is where my DH entered the country in 1961 (like your Ellis Island which is much better!). We also went to the cemetery where the Titanic victims are buried, to Peggys Cove a nice fishing village & to the monument
to the Swissair plane crash.
In PEI there was a potato museum, Anne of Green Gables house & the big bridge to get there plus the yummy lobster dinner & beautiful scenery.
In NB we saw Hopewell Rocks, Hartland covered bridge & St Andrews by the Sea, a neat place where you can go whale watching (if it's not foggy!).
Well, I think I've rambled on long enough.
Do have a great day ~ looks like we're finally getting some of the white stuff!
~Jo~ :)

[cmadara]

Wow thanks! Some really good info. I have heard about the lobster dinner and it is high on my list of places to go. My DH and I also like to bike ride, so we thought of renting bikes in PEI and explore that way. Also, I think we will take the ferry from Portland, ME, explore the coast of Novia Scotia up to Halifax, do the things you mentioned and head over to PEI. Really looking forward to this summer's trip as we have never been to Canada except for Niagra Falls.
Now on to Disney Plans! You will love EPCOT. The Food and Wine Festival will be going on then. If you go on www.allearsnet.com, they have past festival reports including lists of each country's food and alcohol sampling. This is alot of fun! But also very easy to blow through tons of money:scared1: When the Festival starts in Sept, on all ears, they will give a list of the countries, menus and prices and then you can kind of decide what countries you want to hit and what you want to skip. I must say our favorite comes from your country- The Chedder Cheese Soup-YUMMY!
We are headed to EPCOT on Sunday after the boat docks.
You mentioned something about SNOW! I am so tired of snow. We have about 3 feet on the ground- 2 major snowstorms in less than a week and I am so tired of it! You can have it all. It looks pretty when it is falling, but quickly it turns into black snow which is not so pretty. So, if you want snow, I hope you get it- me, I hope it goes away as quickly as it came!!
Enjoy!

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Cindy ~ you're welcome. Thanks for your help with the dining.
I think PEI would be a great place to bike ~ quaint & quiet.
We really enjoyed the trip down east & the lobster dinner for sure!

We just got a sprinkling of snow today. 3 feet sounds terrible!
Hope it stays away Friday as I hope to meet a friend for lunch an hour's drive away.
Take care.
~Jo~ :)

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Well the weather was good for driving so spent a nice day having lunch & running around picking up a few things. I got the MM lime green paint
sample from Home Depot & a Birnbaum's Guide to WDW from the CAA.
Have a great weekend ladies.
~Jo~ :)

[cmadara]

OMG- we are waiting for ANOTHER snow storm here in South Jersey! I can't stand it! Where is Spring?
All this snow makes we want our cruise NOW- not 9 months from now!

[Tikihula]

We might even get a little snow here in northwest Florida on Saturday morning. This is crazy!

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
We got snow here too overnight, just enough to prevent me from driving into Town for my
mammo, lunch & movie.:mad:
Yeow that's bad when snow's forecast for FLA!
Take care & is it almost November?!!!
~Jo~ :)

[cmadara]

Global Warming?!:rotfl2:

I'm sitting here in school on my break watching the snowflakes fly! At least we made it in this morning as the roads weren't covered yet. They are calling for 8-12 inches so I'm sure we will miss another day tomorrow. We have no air conditioners here in school and if you have ever been to South Jersey in the summer, it is unbearable! As it is, we are going until June 24.
Oh well! Can't change the weather.
Have a nice weekend everyone.
Hope it doesn't snow in FL, Bev!

[Tikihula]

Well, no snow in Florida today, thank goodness, as it didn't get cold enough.
It's 49 degrees, with a high of 56 forecast but I don't think we're gonna make it. Partly sunny after some rain during the night and this morning.

I hope the guests at WDW are bundled up and enjoying themselves. I still think it beats the heat and humidity of summer in central Florida.

[goofylovers]

I will be sailing on Nov 4th as well with DH and DD 8. We can't wait. I have been sitting here all day planning. Talking about snow. We have 3 feet of snow from Wednesday - Saturday and more snow today. We have so much snow we have nowhere to put it anymore. I look forward to talking to all of you as our cruise nears. Talk to you soon.

Kelly:goodvibes

[luv2cruise2]

HI all!
Kelly ~ welcome to the thread. I bet your DD is really looking forward to the cruise. Wow, you sure got a lot of snow!

Bev ~ glad to hear you didn't get any snow. That's pretty cool for FL, eh?
Today it was really sunny & in the 30's but felt quite warm. We've been so lucky this year, I think you guys got all our snow!
Have a great week & take care.
~Jo~ :)
ps Do any of you know how I check my resort reservation? I can find my cruise booking but don't know where to look for the resort. Thanks.

[cmadara]

Welcome Kelly. Boy, I thought we had a lot of snow- where about do you live? According to the Farmer's Almanac, we were to get a huge snowfall this week, but now they are only calling for rain and a bit of snow/slush- whew!
Jo- not sure how to check reservations on line- have only called Disney to check them. I guess I should check my cruise reservation on line. I'll try it.
Well, at least it is March- one month closer to November! Does anyone else feel like they are wishing their lives away?:rotfl2:
Have a good day everyone!
Cindy

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Cindy ~ yes, I feel like I'm wishing my life away too! I have an Alaskan cruise in May that can't come fast enough!

The weather's been great here this past week, lots of sunshine & drum roll please........
today I saw my first Robin!! Spring must be just around the corner!

Have a great weekend. I'm going to try to remember to watch the sailaway on Sunday.
~Jo~ :)

[cmadara]

Great news today. Here in NJ we have an annual teacher's convention. This year, the teacher's convention is November 4 and 5. In the past few years they have tacked on Monday after this break for Veteran's Day. I have been waiting for the new calendar to come out for next school year to find out if that is the case for this coming year. IT IS! So... now I can make my reservation for the Poly for Sunday night after the cruise and stay in WDW until the late afternoon on Monday the 8th! I am SO looking forward to the Food and Wine Festival! Nothing better than eating and drinking your way "around the World"!:banana:

It is finally warming up here! It has been close to 60 for the past couple of days- real nice! My daughter's friend is in Florida now and it is only in the 60's! I fell bad for her. Bev, is it like that by you?

Hope everyone is emerging from Winter and doing well.
Take care and have a great week!
Cindy

[Tikihula]

Great news today. Here in NJ we have an annual teacher's convention. This year, the teacher's convention is November 4 and 5. In the past few years they have tacked on Monday after this break for Veteran's Day. I have been waiting for the new calendar to come out for next school year to find out if that is the case for this coming year. IT IS! So... now I can make my reservation for the Poly for Sunday night after the cruise and stay in WDW until the late afternoon on Monday the 8th! I am SO looking forward to the Food and Wine Festival! Nothing better than eating and drinking your way "around the World"!:banana:

It is finally warming up here! It has been close to 60 for the past couple of days- real nice! My daughter's friend is in Florida now and it is only in the 60's! I fell bad for her. Bev, is it like that by you?

Hope everyone is emerging from Winter and doing well.
Take care and have a great week!
Cindy

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous in northwest Florida, sunny and mild; today is cloudy with light rain but currently 66 degrees. Looks like it got up to 71 in Orlando today. Spring is springing! We have daffodils in bloom, the Japanese magnolias are full of bright pink and magenta flowers, and the azaleas should be popping out any day now, especially if we get a good soaking rain.
Wishing you all a pleasant spring coming soon.

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Cindy ~ that's great news! You'll have even more fun to look forward to.:thumbsup2

Bev ~ oh that sounds lovely Daffodils, Magnolia & Azaleas! I was just thinking today I can hardly wait to see the Forsythia blooming. I did see a Robin last Saturday & today there was a moth fluttering outside on the LR window. There's hardly any snow on the ground here but the lake is still frozen. Spring'll soon be here.
Just 2 months from today I'll be sailing to Alaska, I can hardly wait!
Take care.
~Jo~ :)

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Where are you hiding?
I got a little taste of Disney yesterday at the "Canada Blooms" garden show. They had a moose topiary plus some fairies made out of flowers. & big Mickey ears. I had my picture taken in one of the cutouts of the fairies just for a lark! It sure was nice to see flowers & bright colours again instead of the drabness around here. Oh well it's Spring now so look forward to the greening taking place.
Take care & have a great weekend.
~Jo~ :)

[Tikihula]

Hi all!
Where are you hiding?
I got a little taste of Disney yesterday at the "Canada Blooms" garden show. They had a moose topiary plus some fairies made out of flowers. & big Mickey ears. I had my picture taken in one of the cutouts of the fairies just for a lark! It sure was nice to see flowers & bright colours again instead of the drabness around here. Oh well it's Spring now so look forward to the greening taking place.
Take care & have a great weekend.
~Jo~ :)

Hi Jo,
Checking in occasionally to see if there are any new posts, but am busy with planning our week at WDW in May. Once that's over I will focus on the November trip and cruise.
We're enjoying warmer temperatures and the beautiful spring blooming season it brings. Bradford pear trees are in bloom everywhere, and azaleas are just starting. We've had a cool spring and last night we had a gentle soaking rain so everything is bursting out in bloom.
The Weather Channel is having a contest to win a Disney cruise. Here's a link to check it out:
http://weather.promo.eprize.com/cruise

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Bev ~ that sounds beautiful, things finally blooming! Good for you getting ready for a May trip to WDW. I'm going to Alaska in May but am having a hard time keeping away from my new book "The Unofficial Guide to WDW 2010". Do you use it at all? Sounds like some good info in there. I'll have to check the link re the contest to see if it's good in Canada.
Have a great week, no flowers here yet but at least the lake is water again!
~Jo~ :)

[cmadara]

Our past weekend was great- highs in the low 70's!! YEAH!
Today it is a bit rainy and dreary but that is ok- my daffodils have bloomed and the tulips are on their way.
Can't believe next weekend is Easter! Time sure is flying.
Well, have a great week!:flower3:
Cindy

[Tikihula]

Hi all!
Bev ~ that sounds beautiful, things finally blooming! Good for you getting ready for a May trip to WDW. I'm going to Alaska in May but am having a hard time keeping away from my new book "The Unofficial Guide to WDW 2010". Do you use it at all? Sounds like some good info in there. I'll have to check the link re the contest to see if it's good in Canada.
Have a great week, no flowers here yet but at least the lake is water again!
~Jo~ :)

Yes, I've used the Unofficial Guide, the Official Guide (Birnbaum's), the PassPorter Guide, and the Complete Walt Disney World by Mike & Julie Neal. The last two are actually my favorites.

Glad to hear your lake is liquid! It's already inching up to 80 degrees F this week and summer won't be far behind.

[luv2cruise2]

Hi All!
Bev ~ thanks for the info re the books. I do have the first 3 & think that should be enough especially with all the info on the boards. I saw some Daffodils yesterday but mine aren't up yet. It was 25C (78F) here yesterday
so we went for a little hike to a waterfall where the Suckers were going upstream to spawn. Pretty neat!


Happy Easter!
~Jo~ :)

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Just popped in to say less than 200 days 'til we sail away!:thumbsup2

Bev ~ guess you're getting excited for your Disney vacation, eh?

I can hardly wait 'til a couple from our Church return & let me know all they
did & saw. I think they were staying at the Caribbbean Beach Resort.
Take care & enjoy the nice weather (I hope).
~Jo~ :)

[Tikihula]

Just a quick update. I spent a week at WDW from 5-11 May with my sister, who flew out from the west coast, and two local friends of mine. We had two deluxe studios at OKW, using my and my sister's DVC points. We had a great time, but it was hot (up to low 90s a couple of days).

Now that the trip is over, I can focus on our November visit. Trying to decide whether to transfer my cruise reservation to a travel agent to take advantage of any onboard incentives they might offer. We used Small World Travel last time.

[luv2cruise2]

HI all!
Well it's just 5 months until we sail away on the Wonder. I can hardly wait!
I sure hope we don't have weather in the 90's in November!
I had a great time in Alaska where it was in the 50's. It was so beautiful I'd like to go again.
We're having an early summer here in Ontario, how about you?
Take care & have a great weekend.
~Jo~ :)

[Tikihula]

Hi Jo, and the rest of you travelers. If the weather is going to be in the 90s in November - I AIN'T GOIN'! I can't stand the heat. I'd LOVE to do the Alaska cruise. 50s and 60s sound good to me.

We're just loitering around, waiting for our window to open so we can reserve our shore excursions.

I wonder if there is a newer post on DISBoards or PassPorter for our cruise date. I think I'll check it out. If I find something, I'll post a link.

In the meantime, everybody stay cool and enjoy your summer.

Bev

[Tikihula]

Hi Jo, and the rest of you travelers. If the weather is going to be in the 90s in November - I AIN'T GOIN'! I can't stand the heat. I'd LOVE to do the Alaska cruise. 50s and 60s sound good to me.

We're just loitering around, waiting for our window to open so we can reserve our shore excursions.

I wonder if there is a newer post on DISBoards or PassPorter for our cruise date. I think I'll check it out. If I find something, I'll post a link.

In the meantime, everybody stay cool and enjoy your summer.

Bev

Nope - nothing new on DIS or PassPorter. I guess everyone is hibernating for the summer. Hopefully as the date for our cruise gets closer, everyone will come out of the woodwork and start making plans for shore excursions, etc.

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Hope you're enjoying your July 4th holiday.
Only 4 months now 'til we sail away!:thumbsup2
Take care.
~Jo~ :)

[Jamesfam]

Hey Everyone !
I hope you don't mind me joining in on the group. I just booked the November 4th cruise and am so excited. It is our 2nd Disney cruise, our last being Sept. 2009. In my group are myself, DH, DS9, DS7, DD2, my mom, and my niece who is 14. We will also be heading to Disney for 5 nights following the cruise for some added fun !!

[luv2cruise2]

HI all!
Welcome Jamesfam, the more the merrier! Was your last Disney cruise on the Wonder? I'm staying 3 nights before the cruise at WDW then going on Freedom of the Seas after the cruise. I am so looking forward to trying a Disney cruise just to see the difference.
Take care & have a great week!
~Jo~ :)

[Jamesfam]

Hi Jo
Wow! 2 cruises and Disney, sounds like it's going to be a great vacation!
Yes, our last cruise was a 4 day also on the Wonder. That was our first cruise ever and it was so much better then I had expected. They really go out of their way to make their guests happy. I'm not sure how they compare to other cruise lines, but I thought it was really great!

[luv2cruise2]

HI all!

Jamesfam ~ yes, it's a vacation I'm really looking forward to as I haven't been to any Disney place since 1987 & this time I'll be doing what I want.;) I've been reading some trip reports & am really getting excited to try a Disney cruise, I think it'll be better than others in some respects. I bet your Children are really looking forward to it!
Take care.
~Jo~ :)

[Jamesfam]

Hi!
I have also been reading some trip reports and am trying to figure out whether to go on an excursion this time around. Last year we got of the ship for a little while in the Bahamas, but ended up returning to the ship and just enjoying all the activities there.
It's funny, I actually tried keeping the cruise part of our trip a secret from my kids. I really wanted it to be a surprise, they have been asking to go on another cruise since we stepped foot off the last one. Needless to say, I have been so excited about it I had to share my excitment with them. November can't get here soon enough for them !

[luv2cruise2]

HI all!

Jamesfam~ I'm like that too, wouldn't be able to keep that secret! I've never been to Nassau so do want to see Atlantis for sure. I'm also interested in the private island to compare to the ones I've seen. Where are you staying in WDW? I'm staying at POFQ & am really excited about it as we've only done day trips to Disney places before.

Have a great weekend folks.
~Jo~ :)

[Tikihula]

Hi Jamesfam and Jo! Welcome, Jamesfam, to our little group of DCL cruisers. Thanks for joining us. I'm sure the group will grow as the time gets closer.

Don't know if you've read previous posts, but we're staying at Kidani Village with my son and his family and my sister and her family. The only ones coming on this cruise are me and DH, and my dear daughter-in-law and grandson age 10. This is their very first cruise of any type and it's a total surprise for them (so far). My son is going to have his DW's and DS's bags packed secretly and when we gather at Animal Kingdom Park to say goodbye, we're going to invite them to come along with us. Of course they'll say they can't come but we'll say "Yes, you can!" and explain that everything has been arranged. DIL has always wanted to try a cruise and they will be so excited!

After the cruise we'll return to WDW for another few days of the parks and to share our stories and pictures with the rest of the family.

In Nassau we plan to do the Discover Atlantis tour (again) to show them the beautiful Atlantis Resort and visit the awesome aquarium. It's worth a trip to marvel at the splendid resort and explore the beautifully landscaped grounds. We may also do the Nassau Harbor Cruise if there's time. In the past we've also done the Ardastra Gardens and it was fun.

On Castaway Cay we want to snorkel with the stingrays, rent bikes and explore the island, and go parasailing which is our favorite activity. We've done all these before, but it will be fun to introduce my DIL and grandson to new adventures.

Jo, we'll be looking forward to your comparison of the different cruise lines. I just hope you won't be TOO disappointed with Freedom of the Seas after experiencing the exceptional Disney quality and service. ;)

Bev

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

Bev ~ welcome back, long time no hear from.;) You guys are amazing to keep such a big secret! I want to see Atlantis too & swimming with Stingrays sounds good to me after petting them at the Toronto Zoo last Sunday. Parasailing is too adventurous for me!:scared1: I'll suffer on the Freedom!:rotfl:
Take care, bet you all can't wait for your amazing adventures!
~Jo~ :)

[twinmom_kr]

We are going to WDW Oct. 28 through Nov. 4 then onto the ship Nov. 4. Cruisers are me (42), DH (46) and twin DD (9). The cruise is a surprise our girls. They know we are going to WDW, but nothing about the cruise. We are hoping to keep it a secret up until the time we get on the ship. They asked how long we are going to be at WDW and I told them a week which is true so I didn't lie. ;)

They have been wanting to take a cruise ever since my DH surprised me with a cruise for our 10 year anniversary three years ago. :hug:

I am so excited I am jumping out of my skin. October cannot get here soon enough.

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
twinmom_ kr ~ welcome to the thread! Another secret keeper, lol!
Which resort are you staying at & have you been to WDW before?
I feel your excitement, after all the cruise is only 100 days away!!:yay:
Take care.
~Jo~ :)

[2canadianfans]

Just booked this cruise.We have cruised Disney 5 times before ..but not for many years.Very excited !!:banana: Last 3 cruises have been on Carnivals new ships. Decided to book a quick 3 niter then hit the Parks.My husband Jean- marc is turning 50 :) and thought it would be kewl to celebrate on a Disney ship . We are booked in a inside cabin. Have always had a balcony..but for a quick cruise hoping this will be ok. Loved cruises on other Cruise lines..but Disney is near and dear to us..sharon

[Tikihula]

Welcome twinmom_kr and 2canadianfans! :welcome:

Oh boy, another secret keeper - I hope you can get to the ship before the girls figure out what's up!

Hey - I'm celebrating my birthday during the cruise, too! Actually, it's on the 7th, our day of departure, but I plan to celebrate on the cruise and in the parks, since we'll be getting off the ship and heading to Epcot on the 7th. ;)

Maybe we can all gather together for a quick meet-and-greet before the lifeboat drill, if anyone is interested. Would love to meet you all in person and at least say hi before things get too crazy. Would anyone be interested in meeting in the atrium lobby, say around 2:30 or 3pm, for a quick hello and maybe a picture or two? What do you think?

Bev

[Jamesfam]

Hey Everyone ~

Only about 3 more months till our cruise !! I'm glad to see the group is growing. My sister and her 2 boys have also decided to come along.

Jo~ I see you are staying at POFQ, we are actually staying at POR. It's our first time staying at that resort and have heard great things about both French Quarter and Riverside. I also just finished making my dining reservations so now we are really ready to go.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Renee

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Nice to see this thread picking up!

2canadianfans ~ welcome to the thread. Where in Canada are you? Sounds like you have a lot of experience on DCL. That reminds me I ordered & received the cruise DVD but now I'm ticked as I can't find it anywhere.:sad1::

Bev ~ I'd like to have a meet 'n greet. I assume DCL doesn't sponsor one
like RCI or X does, correct?

Cindy ~ did you have your trip to Canada yet? If so how did it go? Did you have the lobster dinner in PEI?

When do you find out your dining rotation please? I'd like to try the pay restaurant & think Parrot Cay would be the meal to miss. Is this correct?

Do have a great weekend. Does anybody watch sailaway on Sundays?
~Jo~:)

[2canadianfans]

We have booked Palo for dinner...a real treat.Any questions about Disney ask away :)

[Tikihula]

We have booked Palo for dinner...a real treat.Any questions about Disney ask away :)

What night will you be at Palo? We're booked for 6:30 on the third night of the cruise. I hope it's not Animator's Palate night, but if it is, we can change AP to our first night. Don't want to miss it or the Pirate Night on our 2nd night.

[2canadianfans]

What night will you be at Palo? We're booked for 6:30 on the third night of the cruise. I hope it's not Animator's Palate night, but if it is, we can change AP to our first night. Don't want to miss it or the Pirate Night on our 2nd night.

We booked Nov 5 at 1930hr for Jm 50th birthday..we hope Tritons is not that night !Will try to change Palo if thats the case.Pirate night starts at 2130 hrs..so will be out of Palo by then.So much food..so few days :rolleyes:

[Tikihula]

We booked Nov 5 at 1930hr for Jm 50th birthday..we hope Tritons is not that night !Will try to change Palo if thats the case.Pirate night starts at 2130 hrs..so will be out of Palo by then.So much food..so few days :rolleyes:

Oh, you are so right about the food! :tongue:

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Well tomorrow's the day I can make my dining & shore excursion reservations so that'll be exciting!

Would it be best just to make a Palo appt then change it if it interferes with Animators than not make one at all?

Have a nice weekend folks, we're getting closer to our cruise!!:thumbsup2

~Jo~ :)

[Jersey_Shore]

We getting away for the very same reason, the NJEA Convention..Were on a late night flight out of Atlantic City on Wed, Nov 3rd and will be taking the 3-day cruise on the 4th. After the cruise were staying at the Disney Swan until the 10th..Let's keep our fingers crossed for great beach weather!!!

[Tikihula]

Hi all!
Well tomorrow's the day I can make my dining & shore excursion reservations so that'll be exciting!

Would it be best just to make a Palo appt then change it if it interferes with Animators than not make one at all?

Have a nice weekend folks, we're getting closer to our cruise!!:thumbsup2

~Jo~ :)

Yes - make that reservation. On a 3-day cruise there are only a few opportunities to dine at Palo. You can possibly switch the Palo reservation later, or it might be easier to switch your Animator's Palate rotation to another night so you don't miss it. You won't know your rotation until you board the ship (the dining tickets will be in your stateroom), but you can go to Guest Services and they can rearrange your rotation if you'd like.

[Tikihula]

We getting away for the very same reason, the NJEA Convention..Were on a late night flight out of Atlantic City on Wed, Nov 3rd and will be taking the 3-day cruise on the 4th. After the cruise were staying at the Disney Swan until the 10th..Let's keep our fingers crossed for great beach weather!!!

Hi Jersey Shore - Welcome Aboard! Early November should be great weather in the Bahamas. :thumbsup2
Are you sailing with kids, or just adults?

[Tikihula]

I was just rereading all our posts. Can't believe it was cold and snowing when we first started this discussion, now Florida is suffering through their annual summer heat and humidity. Thank goodness it will be cooling off a little before we go cruising.

We decided not to do the Discover Atlantis tour this time. I signed us up for the Blackbeard's Cay Stingray Adventure in Nassau, which is a little different than the one at Castaway Cay. If we have time we'll catch a cab or boat shuttle over to Paradise Island just to check out the interior of Atlantis before heading back to the ship.

On Castaway Cay we're signed up for the very last session of parasailing. If you're the last person to parasail on the very last trip, they'll sometimes leave you up there a little longer. The local guys who drive the boat are a lot of fun. I took their pictures last year and will bring them along to see if it's the same crew.

I looked at a copy of the Navigator, which is the daily newsletter/information sheet that they deliver to your stateroom every night and which lists all the entertainment, special events, etc. We want to attend one of the DVC presentations and the first one is on our departure day at 2:30pm. They offer them every day, usually at 4pm on days 2 and 3, so we'll pick one of other days to attend. That way we can still meet up at 2:30 or 3pm in the atrium lobby if anyone is still interested.

For you who are new to Disney cruising, Castaway Cay Club website is where you'll find lots of good detailed information on Disney cruising. Once you open the site, scroll down a little and you'll see a purple heading of Navigators. Click on the 3-Day Navigator and you can print out each day's schedule. It's a detailed agenda of everything happening on the ship. You might need a magnifying glass to read it, but it will really help you plan what you'd like to see and do while onboard. I can't post a direct link but you can go to Castaway Cay dot com.
The latest Navigator is from January 2010, so the movie and some of the shows or events may have changed.

We're down in the double digits now - is anybody else getting excited?? :cool1:

[2canadianfans]

Hi all!
Well tomorrow's the day I can make my dining & shore excursion reservations so that'll be exciting!

Would it be best just to make a Palo appt then change it if it interferes with Animators than not make one at all?

Have a nice weekend folks, we're getting closer to our cruise!!:thumbsup2

~Jo~ :)

We have Palo booked.Its a must do.Will try to change our rotation on board if needed.

[2canadianfans]

We getting away for the very same reason, the NJEA Convention..Were on a late night flight out of Atlantic City on Wed, Nov 3rd and will be taking the 3-day cruise on the 4th. After the cruise were staying at the Disney Swan until the 10th..Let's keep our fingers crossed for great beach weather!!!

We are heading to the Dolphin :goodvibes !!

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Welcome Jersey Shore, is this your 1st Disney cruise too?

Bev ~ thanks for the info about the other site. Yes it was quite cold & snowy when the thread began!

Well I managed to book "Discover Atlantis" for the time I wanted but had to take what was left for "Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage". I also made a reservation for Palo at 6:30 on
day 2.. Now all that's left is to actually get there! I can hardly wait!

Do any of you see your reservations for the Disney Resorts online anywhere? I haven't been able to find that.
Boy if we keep up this chatting we'll be on page 6 soon!;)
TTFN
~Jo~ :)

[Jersey_Shore]

Hi Jersey Shore - Welcome Aboard! Early November should be great weather in the Bahamas. :thumbsup2
Are you sailing with kids, or just adults?
We are traveling with our two boys (7) & (4)..They have been to Disney a number of times, this will be our 1st time on the Disney Cruise...Were all looking forward to it...

[Jersey_Shore]

Hi all!
Welcome Jersey Shore, is this your 1st Disney cruise too?

Bev ~ thanks for the info about the other site. Yes it was quite cold & snowy when the thread began!

Well I managed to book "Discover Atlantis" for the time I wanted but had to take what was left for "Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage". I also made a reservation for Palo at 6:30 on
day 2.. Now all that's left is to actually get there! I can hardly wait!

Do any of you see your reservations for the Disney Resorts online anywhere? I haven't been able to find that.
Boy if we keep up this chatting we'll be on page 6 soon!;)
TTFN
~Jo~ :)
Our very 1st Disney Cruise..My husband and I have cruised Royal Caribean (Voyager of the Seas)..Looking forward to it, can't wait!!!

[Jersey_Shore]

We are heading to the Dolphin :goodvibes !!
We've stayed at both the Dolphin & Swan through the years..The resort has one very large pool with a built in slide and cascading waterfall..There are some addtional pools on either side of both hotels, It may be to cold to swim in the large pool which is (unheated)..We were there last Nov and it was kind of chilly, however; the smaller pool by the dolphin is heated to 82 which was nice...

[Jamesfam]

Woo Hoo!! Only 72 more days till we set sail :yay:

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

Now it's only 70 days, yippee!:thumbsup2

I received a folder with a "Bon Voyage H****** Party" & "Welcome to Your Disney Cruise Bahamian Cruise Vacation" brochures a week or so ago. Does that mean I'll receive paper documents instead of edocs? I sure hope so as it's much more fun!
Take care.
~Jo~ :)

[Tikihula]

Hi all!

Now it's only 70 days, yippee!:thumbsup2

I received a folder with a "Bon Voyage H****** Party" & "Welcome to Your Disney Cruise Bahamian Cruise Vacation" brochures a week or so ago. Does that mean I'll receive paper documents instead of edocs? I sure hope so as it's much more fun!
Take care.
~Jo~ :)

Have you received your luggage tags yet? They'll be sent to your home address along with additional documents, usually a couple of weeks before the cruise. That's when you know the cruise is REAL and only a couple of weeks away! :banana:

[Jersey_Shore]

Has anyone been to the Atlantis Waterpark in Nassau, Bahamas? I am a little uneasy about spending that kind of money on a day excursion, my oldest who is (7) is only 45" tall and the ride minimum for many of the water slides are 48". My husband placed a call down there and they informed him it strictly up the the park manager in regards to making any exceptions on height requirements. My son has been to a lot of water parks, both here in NJ, as well as, Florida. Just wondering if anyone else has encountered this, and what the end result was? Any help would greatly be appreciated, thanks...

Barbara

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Well the cruise is only 65 days away now, sounding closer!:woohoo:

Bev ~ no I haven't received luggage tags yet. Can hardly wait to get them & the other
documents.

Barbara ~ sorry I have no idea about Atlantis, I'm going there for the 1st time on this cruise.:thumbsup2
Seems to me someone from "America's Got Talent" is from near you. Do you watch the show?

Take care, hard to believe August is gone already, soon the kids will be back in school.
~Jo~ :)

[Tikihula]

Has anyone been to the Atlantis Waterpark in Nassau, Bahamas? I am a little uneasy about spending that kind of money on a day excursion, my oldest who is (7) is only 45" tall and the ride minimum for many of the water slides are 48". My husband placed a call down there and they informed him it strictly up the the park manager in regards to making any exceptions on height requirements. My son has been to a lot of water parks, both here in NJ, as well as, Florida. Just wondering if anyone else has encountered this, and what the end result was? Any help would greatly be appreciated, thanks...

Barbara

If this is your first cruise to Nassau, you might want to just do the Discover Atlantis tour which lets you visit the aquarium, rather than spending the money for the water park where your son may or may not be allowed to do some of the slides, especially if he is 3" too short. You can always come back again another time when he's older and taller. Good excuse for another Disney cruise!
They have a new water play area at Castaway Cay that includes a slide. Not nearly as large or exciting as the water park at Atlantis, but it's free!

[funcinderella]

Another fellow Jerseyan here who will be on this cruise! My kids have the whole week off, so we are leaving on Oct 31 for 4 nights at Disney (AKL, DVC) then the cruise. It's me (39) my Mom (62) and my 9 year old boy/girl twins. This is our first Disney cruise and we are so excited. We just did RC Oasis in July, which my kids loved. Figured we'd take a chance on this one and changed our ressie from one cat 11 room, to two Cat 12 guarantees. (AFter all 4 being in one room on Oasis, we thought the extra $100 for 2 rooms was worth it, even if we are on opposite sides of the ship!)

To the poster who asked about Atlantis, they are very strict with the heights. With a 3" shortfall, I doubt he will get on any of the slides. We booked the Comfort Suites for the day, it was worth it since there are 4 of us, came out to about $270 with all of the taxes/add-ons. My kids loved when we visited Atlantis, but it's so expensive I doubt we will ever go back to stay. The one day visit to the waterpark while on the cruise will hopefully satisfy their urge to go back!

[Tikihula]

Hi funcinderella and welcome to our group of cruisers! :grouphug:
It will be interesting to hear your comments about the Disney cruise versus the Oasis.

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

Welcome to the thread funcinderella. This is my 1st Disney cruise too & I'm booked to go on the Oasis in Nov 2011. I'll be at WDW Nov 1 - 4 & am looking forward to the whole trip.:woohoo:

Did you ever sail on Freedom of the Seas?

Take care & have a great weekend..
~Jo~ :)

[Jamesfam]

61 days people ! :banana: Can't wait !!

[Jersey_Shore]

Hi Jo-

We still have yet to r'cieve our luggage tags..:{

Although; I do not follow "America Go Talent" I did here that we have a local who is doing quite well on the show...He's a sophmore at the local HS..

I spoke to some co-workers and they had mentioned the "height requirement," is at the sole discretion of the park manager. Basically mentioned it's hit-or-miss, they have seen where they had allowed "smaller" children on the water rides, and the very same day, the same kids who rode ealier in the day were denied due to not meeting the height requirement? Many of them mentioned there is still plenty of rides & activities aside from the restricted slides, so we'll prob spend the day at the Atlantis...

[funcinderella]

Hi funcinderella and welcome to our group of cruisers! :grouphug:
It will be interesting to hear your comments about the Disney cruise versus the Oasis.

Thanks, and me too! While my son is a die hard disney fanatic, he LOVED the Oasis, so curious to see what they will think...

[funcinderella]

Hi all!

Welcome to the thread funcinderella. This is my 1st Disney cruise too & I'm booked to go on the Oasis in Nov 2011. I'll be at WDW Nov 1 - 4 & am looking forward to the whole trip.:woohoo:

Did you ever sail on Freedom of the Seas?

Take care & have a great weekend..
~Jo~ :)

Nice mix! You'll love Oasis (especially if you have teens! I wWANTED to be a teen on that ship!)

I have never sailed on Freedom, only Voyager out of NJ in 2004. Sorta skipped over that class, although I have heard great things about Freedom.

[goofylovers]

I was just wondering if anyone received their cabin assignments yet? I have not. I know it is typically 45 days out or so but I am really anxious to see what we get. Just wondering what guaranteed everyone else booked and if they got their assignment what category they received.

[Tikihula]

We requested room #5020, one of the "secret porthole rooms" and got it. We had 3 adults traveling last November and also had that room assigned but got a free upgrade to a veranda room, which was great! I'm hoping the same thing will happen this cruise because we'll have 3 adults and a 10-year-old in the room. They do have a privacy curtain that draws across between the queen bed and the sleeper sofa, and we really don't spend much time in the stateroom other than for sleeping, but it would sure be nice to have that veranda to stretch out on.

[cmadara]

Well, I'm back! Got off of the boards for a while, but now I am back and ready to go on our cruise!!!!
August was very busy. Didn't make it to Canada- went to Myrtle Beach and Williamsburg. Then right before school started, we flew into Orlando and went to Key West for a week. Don't EVER drive from Orlando to the Keys- much further than it looks! But, on our way back, we stayed at Buena Vista Palace (don't ever stay there- they nickle and dime you to death!) and spent an evening in Downtown Disney and spent a day at Typhoon Lagoon-FUN!

We should be getting our cruise docs soon? I have a room number from when I made the reservations- an inside stateroom on deck 6 (I think!) Hopefully we will get an upgrade.
For the Bahamas, we plan on venturing into port to have a look around, but don't plan on going anywhere and spending anymore $. I think I would like to spend more time on the ship.
My 13 year old DD is nervous about meeting people on the ship and going to the teen club. Since she is an only child, she is more comfortable around adults than kids her own age. I think once she sees what is going on and meets the castmembers at the club, she will be fine!

Well, I'm glad to be back and looking forward to reading all of your plans!
Getting really excited!
Have a great week all!

[kathymike]

Hi, just wanted to join the thread...

We are on the cruise....Kathy/Mike Kaitlyn-16 Sarah-12. Haven't booked all the details yet of trip....need to do flights...but it is all coming together!!

See you next month!:cool1:

[Tikihula]

Hi KathyMike - Welcome to our little group of cruisers, which is actually growing every few days as other guests find us and join in. Is this your first cruise?

Cmadara - Glad to have you back.

Isn't Key West an all-day drive from Miami? I can't imagine driving there all the way from Orlando.

Maybe you'll get upgraded to our outside stateroom if we get upgraded to a veranda room. Or maybe there will be enough vacancies for you to get upgraded to a veranda, too. Wouldn't that be great! :thumbsup2

[goofylovers]

Well, I'm back! Got off of the boards for a while, but now I am back and ready to go on our cruise!!!!
August was very busy. Didn't make it to Canada- went to Myrtle Beach and Williamsburg. Then right before school started, we flew into Orlando and went to Key West for a week. Don't EVER drive from Orlando to the Keys- much further than it looks! But, on our way back, we stayed at Buena Vista Palace (don't ever stay there- they nickle and dime you to death!) and spent an evening in Downtown Disney and spent a day at Typhoon Lagoon-FUN!

We should be getting our cruise docs soon? I have a room number from when I made the reservations- an inside stateroom on deck 6 (I think!) Hopefully we will get an upgrade.
For the Bahamas, we plan on venturing into port to have a look around, but don't plan on going anywhere and spending anymore $. I think I would like to spend more time on the ship.
My 13 year old DD is nervous about meeting people on the ship and going to the teen club. Since she is an only child, she is more comfortable around adults than kids her own age. I think once she sees what is going on and meets the castmembers at the club, she will be fine!

Well, I'm glad to be back and looking forward to reading all of your plans!
Getting really excited!
Have a great week all!

Wow. Sounds like you had a very busy summer. We love Myrtle Beach and try to go every August but missed it this year due to me having a new job and no vacation time until the cruise. Boy do I need this vacation.

We also plan to do nothing but walk around in Nassau. Hit the straw market maybe and Senor Frogs for a couple of drinks and look at the view. Nothing else planned there. We were going to do the Sea Lions excursion but thought we would do Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at MK before the cruise. Personally I can't wait. We booked a guaranteed Cat 7 room so hopefully we get an upgrade and cabin assignment soon. I have a DD8 also an only child and she is really looking forward to making new friends at the clubs. She is not so shy but I still worry about her. Our last cruise she did not want to leave the clubs so I will have to put my foot down and try to get her to join us a little bit. lol.

Booked Palo for the first night so we are pretty excited about that also. Anyway have a great week and maybe we will meet on board.:banana::banana::banana:

[funcinderella]

I've been looking every day for our cat 12 gty room assignments but nothing yet...sigh

[luv2cruise2]

HI all!
Welcome to the new people & welcome back Cindy. Too bad you didn't make it into Canada but there's always next year!;)

It looks like the cruise is not sold out so there's probably a chance of getting an upgrade.

Nice to see we're on page 7 with 50 days to go. Sure hope we can meet up on the cruise.

I was looking at someone's pictures on another website & they sure got me excited for our cruise. Can adults have their pictures taken with characters too?

You're not going to believe this but I can't find the replacement cruise DVD that I put in a location I'd be sure to remember!:confused: I also lost my car key between the driveway & the house & can't find it either!! I need a cruise desperately!!

Take care.
~Jo~ :)

[goofylovers]

Tonight I was making tea and was wondering why my tea kettle was not boiling. After looking at the stove and seeing my tea kettle was not even there I began to look for it. Low and behold there it was in the refrigerator. Now how did that happen? :rotfl: I really need my vacation to start now.

[cmadara]

From Miami, Key West is about 3 hours. From Orlando it is about 7! Oh well, it gave us time to go to WDW!!! So it was worth it to me- but of course I wasn't driving!
So, the cruise is not sold out so maybe we can get upgrades- the only problem with that is once you are upgraded, would you ever be happy with a lesser cabin in the future? That happened to us on our first visit to WDW with our DD. We booked the Caribbean and got upgraded for $100 to the Poly! They had shut the Caribbean down for rehab and we stayed at the Poly- now I can't stay anywhere else!!
Oh well, I am just about finished with the 2nd week of school and I am SO ready for this. Here's to wishing our lives away!!!!!!:cool1:
Have a great day fellow cruiser!!!

[funcinderella]

Tonight I was making tea and was wondering why my tea kettle was not boiling. After looking at the stove and seeing my tea kettle was not even there I began to look for it. Low and behold there it was in the refrigerator. Now how did that happen? :rotfl: I really need my vacation to start now.


I do stuff like this all the time... last night I was driving home in the dark with no headlights...then realized I had absokutely no idea how to turn the headlights on...it just escaped me for like 5 minutes; granted I've only had the car 2 months...but still...scary....:eek:

[Jamesfam]

So excited! I just checked our reservations and were upgraded from Cat. 12 gty to a Cat. 9. Woo Hoo. 49 days !!

[goofylovers]

Well I got my assignement also. Room 6136. Cat 7 but no upgrade.

[Tikihula]

So excited! I just checked our reservations and were upgraded from Cat. 12 gty to a Cat. 9. Woo Hoo. 49 days !!

Congratulations on the upgrade!! Goofylovers - good luck, and maybe it will come through soon.

We requested a specific stateroom so I'm not sure if they'll upgrade us, although they did last time.

If anyone is interested in reading a trip report from a couple who just went on their first DCL cruise, send me a PM and I'll send you the link. It won't let me post it here.
The TR has lots of gorgeous photos of the ship and especially Castaway Cay.

[funcinderella]

So excited! I just checked our reservations and were upgraded from Cat. 12 gty to a Cat. 9. Woo Hoo. 49 days !!

Me too, me too! Booked two cat 12 gty, and got two cat 9s, right next door to each other. Yay!:cool1:

[kathymike]

double post- sorry

[kathymike]

Is this your first cruise?

This is our second cruise with Disney. We went about the same time 6 years ago. This trip...We arrive at WL on 10/31 and hit the MNNSHP at MK and have some fun in Disney for a few days. Then the cruise and then back home to reality. I am looking forward to this cruise so much because my kids are older! 6 years ago I was tracking a 12 year old and 6 year old and felt like the family cruise director...what activities did they want to do, who was going into the kid programing and when did they want to get out. TOTAL PAIN. This time they are older....they can track me this time. :) LOL

[kathymike]

She is very nervous about not "knowing" anyone and that she will have to hang out with us!:rotfl: hopefully this will give her the opportunity to meet others her age before the trip.
:

cmadara, We are on the cruise and I have a daughter who is 12. She is in
7th grade. What grade is your daughter in? It would be great if our daughters hooked up and hit it off.:)

[cmadara]

Hmmmm! Interesting idea! My DD is 13 and in the 8th grade. Now, a friend of hers went on a DCL cruise over the summer and talked about the teen club and she is all excited to try it- just a bit nervous about going alone. I told her that we would check it out together after lunch when we board. How close is your daughter to 13? I read on here somewhere that they allow kids to "bump up" a club is they are close or mature enough to. What do you think?:confused3

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

Congrats to those of you who got upgrades, very nice!

Bev ~ I'd like to read the review you spoke of but not being very technical don't know what a "pm" is.:confused3

Just 6 weeks from today I'll be heading to the airport hotel to begin my Disney adventure! I can hardly wait!:thumbsup2

Take care
~Jo~ :)

[kathymike]

How close is your daughter to 13?

I have a 16 year old daughter and Sarah will be 13 in April. I was going to try the teen club (Aloft) for Sarah as I think the younger club might be to young. I hope they let her in.....I think I will have to research that. :)


Kathy

[cmadara]

By November she will be closer to 13 than not- does that make sense?:lmao:
Would she be interested in corresponding with my daughter? If so, send me a pm (hope you know how to do this, because I don't!!) and they can e-mail each other, facebook, whatever. Whatever you think is best. I said something about it to my DD and she thought it was a good idea.

Well, alot left to do:
-Make reservation at a nearby Orlando airport for the night before- we get in around 10:30 pm.
-Got a great deal on a rental car for the entire time- $142- Hertz-done
-Shop for stuff- been reading on the cruise boards of the things I need.

YEAH! It will be here before we know it!
Everyone, have a great week!
Cindy

[Tikihula]

Hi all!
Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

Congrats to those of you who got upgrades, very nice!

Bev ~ I'd like to read the review you spoke of but not being very technical don't know what a "pm" is.:confused3

Just 6 weeks from today I'll be heading to the airport hotel to begin my Disney adventure! I can hardly wait!:thumbsup2

Take care
~Jo~ :)

Hi Jo,

PM is Private Message. Click on my name in the far left column of this post, which will open a new window. Click on Send Private Message and then just type your request and hit Send. I'll send you back a PM with the link to the trip report. You should receive an email letting you know you have a private message.

You have to have a certain number of posts before you can use PM, but you've got enough to qualify (I think it's maybe 10 posts?).

Bev

[grace&philipsmom]

We will be aboard with all of you. We had planned a 12 day trip to WDW. DD has been talking about a Disney cruise for the last 2 years, so this year we decided to add this 3 day Wonder to our trip. We told her we are changing hotels near the end of our WDW stay, and that way when we go to the port she will be surprised. Technically we are changing hotels as we are going back to a different WDW resort for 2 nights after the cruise as well ;). DH jokes that this is the trip that never ends, as we keep adding on to it! Flying from Canada's east coast we need to have a long trip to make it worth the airfare!

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

Bev ~ I just saw your PM but the link is blocked out so I sent you my email address on a PM.
Thanks for sending it.

grace&philipsmom ~ welcome to the thread! Wow that's some vacation you'll be having! What a nice surprise for your DD!
My DD just moved from eastern Ontario to near Fredericton, are you in NB? We were down that way & over to PEI in June to see her & some of our beautiful country. We had a really nice time.

Well apparently some of my WDW stuff is at my TA's office but not the cruise info. I can hardly wait to get it! Less than 40 days now until we sail!:thumbsup2
Take care.
~Jo~ :)

[Tikihula]

Got our cruise documents Saturday in the mail! Luggage tags, booklet with all the cruise info, shore excursion info, etc. Yippee!! Gettin' close now! :banana:

[kathymike]

HI, I am curious if anyone wants to do FE's??? We would LOVE to participate.

Here is what an FE is.....

A fish extender is a fabric pocket organizer that is hung from the metal fish outside of a Disney Cruise Line stateroom door.

It's used to exchange gifts and messages with other cruisers that we meet on www.disboards.com.

Kathy

[cmadara]

Oh boy!!! Where is ours? I guess they should be here any day now!:yay:

[grace&philipsmom]

We got our cruise documents too! :banana:

[Tikihula]

We will be aboard with all of you. We had planned a 12 day trip to WDW. DD has been talking about a Disney cruise for the last 2 years, so this year we decided to add this 3 day Wonder to our trip. We told her we are changing hotels near the end of our WDW stay, and that way when we go to the port she will be surprised. Technically we are changing hotels as we are going back to a different WDW resort for 2 nights after the cruise as well ;). DH jokes that this is the trip that never ends, as we keep adding on to it! Flying from Canada's east coast we need to have a long trip to make it worth the airfare!

Welcome! And yes, you might as well take a nice long trip to make all that time and effort worthwhile.
What a fun surprise for your daughter, too.

[cmadara]

Hi all!
Well, we can finally say "next month we are going on a Disney Cruise!!":cool1:
For any of you spending time at WDW before or after the cruise, www.allearsnet.com has the list of food and prices for the Food and Wine Festival. We go to this every other year and it is great to eat and drink your way around the World!
OF course after all of the eating on the ship, I'll have to really try hard to eat on Sunday at Epcot:rotfl2:
In a couple of days it will be a month!!!!!
Still waiting for my documents- maybe this weekend!
Enjoy!
Cindy

[Tikihula]

When we leave the ship on Nov 7th (my birthday!), we're heading straight to Epcot to meet up with the rest of our family members. They'll be ready to eat lunch and we'll probably still be groaning from our last breakfast on the ship that morning. :rolleyes1

That evening we're having a Pirate Party in our villa at Kidani. My sister has made treasure maps for everyone, with clues to follow around the resort that lead to a treasure chest full of trinkets and goodies for everyone. My youngest grandson is also celebrating his birthday at WDW so we'll share a pirate ship birthday cake (we're picking it up on the way back to the resort, at the Publix grocery store on Hwy 192 quite near AKL). We'll all wear some kind of pirate gear during our treasure hunt, so if you see some adults and kids running around Kidani with pirate t-shirts, head scarves or eye patches on, it's us. Come say hello! :thumbsup2 You might receive an impromptu invitation to a pirate party. pirate: But we also hope to be done in time to hop the bus back to Epcot for Illuminations. Whew! That's gonna be a busy day.

[grace&philipsmom]

When we leave the ship on Nov 7th (my birthday!), we're heading straight to Epcot to meet up with the rest of our family members. They'll be ready to eat lunch and we'll probably still be groaning from our last breakfast on the ship that morning. :rolleyes1

That evening we're having a Pirate Party in our villa at Kidani. My sister has made treasure maps for everyone, with clues to follow around the resort that lead to a treasure chest full of trinkets and goodies for everyone. My youngest grandson is also celebrating his birthday at WDW so we'll share a pirate ship birthday cake (we're picking it up on the way back to the resort, at the Publix grocery store on Hwy 192 quite near AKL). We'll all wear some kind of pirate gear during our treasure hunt, so if you see some adults and kids running around Kidani with pirate t-shirts, head scarves or eye patches on, it's us. Come say hello! :thumbsup2 You might receive an impromptu invitation to a pirate party. pirate: But we also hope to be done in time to hop the bus back to Epcot for Illuminations. Whew! That's gonna be a busy day.


Wow that sound like a lot of fun! We may bump into you at Illuminations that night - I'll have to remember to wish you a happy birthday!

[cmadara]

Sounds like several of us will be in EPCOT after we dock.
Gotta hit Test Track and Soarin'- 2 of our favorite rides!
I will try to eat a "light" breakfast Bev, so I can pack in the food at Epcot. No worries- have the rest of the winter to diet:rotfl2:

Bev- your pirate evening sounds great. We will stay at Epcot until it closes and also see Illuminations. Last year, I took one of my severly handicapped students on her senior trip- she needed a one-on-one escort. I took her to see Illuminations. I was missing my husband and daughter so much just listening to the music that I called them and they listened along with me. I'm tearing up again thinking about it. I even have the CD so I can listen to it in my car.

Went to walmart today to pick up a couple of things. I have read in here that the cups at the drink fountain are small- I ALWAYS have to have something to drink. Walmart had these hard plastic, clear cups with lids and a plastic straw- 24 oz. They look perfect! They were only $5 each.

Well, cruise time is almost here!!:banana:
What will we do when it is over-I know, I just may need to book on board and look forward to that!

Have a great week- everyone!
Hey, do we all want to meet? Having never been on a cruise before, someone who has can set it up and we will be there!
Cindy

[Hygiene99]

page 11 :rotfl:

Hello :thumbsup2
luv2cruise2
Tikihula
cmadara
Jamesfam
Jersey_Shore
funcinderella
kathymike
2canadianfans
goofylovers
grace&philipsmom
trasor
twinmom_kr


Did I miss anyone...


This will be our first cruise! :worship: we are so very exited :yay:

My Wife Booked it while on board the Disney Wonder yesterday, after spending a Perfect Day At Castaway Cay.! :lmao:


Ok, It is 32 days until cruise time and we have a 1 Br at BLT and Then one night at BWv .... Best I could do this morning! With DVC.

We are flying home after the cruise.....
We have cruised with Sharon & J M before. in.. 2005 a 14 night May Repo cruise. :)


This will be our 15th with 16 & 17 booked.
What else do you do on your 15th anniversary :dance3::bride:


Peter & Jenn...

[Tikihula]

page 11 :rotfl:

Hello :thumbsup2
luv2cruise2
Tikihula
cmadara
Jamesfam
Jersey_Shore
funcinderella
kathymike
2canadianfans
goofylovers
grace&philipsmom
trasor
twinmom_kr


Did I miss anyone...


This will be our first cruise! :worship: we are so very exited :yay:

My Wife Booked it while on board the Disney Wonder yesterday, after spending a Perfect Day At Castaway Cay.! :lmao:


Ok, It is 32 days until cruise time and we have a 1 Br at BLT and Then one night at BWv .... Best I could do this morning! With DVC.

We are flying home after the cruise.....
We have cruised with Sharon & J M before. in.. 2005 a 14 night May Repo cruise. :)


This will be our 15th with 16 & 17 booked.
What else do you do on your 15th anniversary :dance3::bride:


Peter & Jenn...

Your name is very familiar. Were you by some chance on a Disney cruise last November, around the 20th? Or maybe I've just seen your name here on the DISBoards so much that you seem familiar. ;)

Did your wife surprise you a year or so ago with a fireworks cruise? Maybe that was it. This is going to drive me crazy until I remember where I know your name from. Maybe you rented some DVC points from me??

[Hygiene99]

Your name is very familiar. Were you by some chance on a Disney cruise last November, around the 20th? Or maybe I've just seen your name here on the DISBoards so much that you seem familiar. ;)

Did your wife surprise you a year or so ago with a fireworks cruise? Maybe that was it. This is going to drive me crazy until I remember where I know your name from. Maybe you rented some DVC points from me??


We did a Wonder cruise last Thanksgiving!

I did have a recall on your name but could not remember why! :laughing:


We don't rent points!!!!
LOL ok a few sometimes..

[Jersey_Shore]

Congratulations on the upgrade!! Goofylovers - good luck, and maybe it will come through soon.

We requested a specific stateroom so I'm not sure if they'll upgrade us, although they did last time.

If anyone is interested in reading a trip report from a couple who just went on their first DCL cruise, send me a PM and I'll send you the link. It won't let me post it here.
The TR has lots of gorgeous photos of the ship and especially Castaway Cay.

Sure-would love to see the Trip Report..Please send us the URL link, thanks...

Barb & Tom

[Hygiene99]

I read the entire thread, We are cat 11 GTY ... we are not big fans of deck 2

has anyone received documents yet?

going to DCL site to see if we got assigned a room yet. :littleangel:

Web site allows for GTY booking only....:teacher:

And the cruise Jenn got off of was booked solid! :grouphug:
as was the one before hers.

no upgrades at port... :rolleyes:

[cmadara]

Haven't gotten mine yet:confused3

I wish we would get it. It would give me something to look at while we are counting down.

[Tikihula]

Sure-would love to see the Trip Report..Please send us the URL link, thanks...

Barb & Tom

Sent it to you via email - I hope it comes through.

[Tikihula]

Sounds like several of us will be in EPCOT after we dock.
Gotta hit Test Track and Soarin'- 2 of our favorite rides!
I will try to eat a "light" breakfast Bev, so I can pack in the food at Epcot. No worries- have the rest of the winter to diet:rotfl2:

Bev- your pirate evening sounds great. We will stay at Epcot until it closes and also see Illuminations. Last year, I took one of my severly handicapped students on her senior trip- she needed a one-on-one escort. I took her to see Illuminations. I was missing my husband and daughter so much just listening to the music that I called them and they listened along with me. I'm tearing up again thinking about it. I even have the CD so I can listen to it in my car.

Went to walmart today to pick up a couple of things. I have read in here that the cups at the drink fountain are small- I ALWAYS have to have something to drink. Walmart had these hard plastic, clear cups with lids and a plastic straw- 24 oz. They look perfect! They were only $5 each.

Well, cruise time is almost here!!:banana:
What will we do when it is over-I know, I just may need to book on board and look forward to that!

Have a great week- everyone!
Hey, do we all want to meet? Having never been on a cruise before, someone who has can set it up and we will be there!
Cindy

Hi Cindy,
I mentioned in an earlier thread that it would be fun to have a short Meet and Greet our first afternoon, maybe around 3pm in the lobby atrium near Triton's Restaurant, next to where you first board the ship. We could chat awhile, learn everyone's faces, maybe get a group photo. We were going to attend the DVC welcome event about that time, but I found out they'll have other DVC events during the cruise so we don't need to make that one on the first day.

Would 3pm on our first afternoon be okay with other folks?? Don't forget there's a mandatory safety drill at 4pm and everyone will need to get their life vests from their staterooms for that.

[cmadara]

Sounds good to me:cool1:

My husband just e-mailed me to say the AAA travel agent called and our documents are in:yay:

Running home after school and then to the AAA office to pick them up- can't wait.

Have a great day everyone
Cindy

[Hygiene99]

Hi Cindy,
I mentioned in an earlier thread that it would be fun to have a short Meet and Greet our first afternoon, maybe around 3pm in the lobby atrium near Triton's Restaurant, next to where you first board the ship. We could chat awhile, learn everyone's faces, maybe get a group photo. We were going to attend the DVC welcome event about that time, but I found out they'll have other DVC events during the cruise so we don't need to make that one on the first day.

Would 3pm on our first afternoon be okay with other folks?? Don't forget there's a mandatory safety drill at 4pm and everyone will need to get their life vests from their staterooms for that.



Sounds Good :grouphug: pirate: Still no room! but i am not complaining...

having read that a lot have been upgraded...

Anyone book on points?

Jenn got a real nice present from DVC in her room, last cruise...

[luv2cruise2]

HI all!

Welcome to the thread Peter & Jenn. Looks like you got all the names right!:thumbsup2
Is this your 1st Disney cruise?

Bev ~ thanks for the link. It was very interesting to read an adult perspective of the cruise.
I'm in for a meeting as suggested but will have to say no to FE, thanks.

CIndy ~ thanks for the allears link.

I haven't received my docs yet although my TA has them. Apparently she's waiting for the park info. Did those of you who received your docs also get your park info?

See you real soon.;)

~Jo~ :)

[Hygiene99]

Just checkd and we got a room, upgraded , cat 11 to cat 9 on deck 2.
2060

[Tikihula]

Just checkd and we got a room, upgraded , cat 11 to cat 9 on deck 2.
2060

Congratulations on your upgrade!

I talked to DCL today when I noticed the Florida resident discount is now available for our cruise. However, because we booked during our cruise last November, we got a discount plus a $100 onboard credit, so the FL resident discount couldn't be applied. Plus, it would have been about $300 more than our current price.

The CM did say there were only about 45 rooms available on the ship. Not sure if he meant for the particular category we were hoping to upgrade to (from Cat 10 to verandah), or if he meant 45 rooms on the whole ship. Sounds like they might fill up the boat this time, too.

[Hygiene99]

Congratulations on your upgrade!

I talked to DCL today when I noticed the Florida resident discount is now available for our cruise. However, because we booked during our cruise last November, we got a discount plus a $100 onboard credit, so the FL resident discount couldn't be applied. Plus, it would have been about $300 more than our current price.

The CM did say there were only about 45 rooms available on the ship. Not sure if he meant for the particular category we were hoping to upgrade to (from Cat 10 to verandah), or if he meant 45 rooms on the whole ship. Sounds like they might fill up the boat this time, too.

Whole ship! :)

[Jersey_Shore]

Sounds like several of us will be in EPCOT after we dock.
Gotta hit Test Track and Soarin'- 2 of our favorite rides!
I will try to eat a "light" breakfast Bev, so I can pack in the food at Epcot. No worries- have the rest of the winter to diet:rotfl2:

Bev- your pirate evening sounds great. We will stay at Epcot until it closes and also see Illuminations. Last year, I took one of my severly handicapped students on her senior trip- she needed a one-on-one escort. I took her to see Illuminations. I was missing my husband and daughter so much just listening to the music that I called them and they listened along with me. I'm tearing up again thinking about it. I even have the CD so I can listen to it in my car.

Went to walmart today to pick up a couple of things. I have read in here that the cups at the drink fountain are small- I ALWAYS have to have something to drink. Walmart had these hard plastic, clear cups with lids and a plastic straw- 24 oz. They look perfect! They were only $5 each.

Well, cruise time is almost here!!:banana:
What will we do when it is over-I know, I just may need to book on board and look forward to that!

Have a great week- everyone!
Hey, do we all want to meet? Having never been on a cruise before, someone who has can set it up and we will be there!
Cindy

Were Staying At The Swan From Sun, Nov 7th-10th & Plan To Visit Epcot & Hollywood Studios..Can't Wait!!

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

Well I finally got my docs from my TA today!:thumbsup2 Sure was nice to get that compact
little book instead of the 25 pages I got from RCI.

I have a question about the Food Festival. I looked at the other site & see what's available to eat. Are these places like Argentina & Korea buildings or booths set up around Epcot please? Only 24 more days 'til I get to sample them!

Have a great weekend folks, it's our Thanksgiving but there'll be no turkey for me this year.:sad2:
~Jo~ :)

[cmadara]

Hi all,
At the Food and Wine Festival, there are booths that are set up. They are spread out around the lake. It is really alot of fun! We go from booth to booth eating and drinking-mostly eating, though- I'd rather eat my calories than drink them:rotfl:

Headed out this weekend to buy "needed" supplies. A new Target opened up at one of the malls in the area- hey, it's Jersey- there are 5 malls within a 30 minute drive!

Have a great week- Today is our 17th Wedding anniversary:love:

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

Cindy ~ thanks for the info. A couple more questions. Is there a map showing what booth is where?
Should I have received my Parkhopper with my cruise docs?

Happy anniversary & many more healthy happy ones!:flower3:
Have a great weekend!
~Jo~ :)

[Hygiene99]

Category 03 Available Staterooms

Select one of the staterooms below or click "View on Map" to view and select your stateroom. After you select your stateroom, click "Save."

Deck 8 View on Map

* 8100
* 8600

$2,849.22 LOL :rotfl:

we paid bout 800 for our cat 11 ...

these cat 3's are really kewl, I believe they are the handicapped rooms, So they are very spacious, been in them!



We have stayed in the Roy suite once, we had Palo cater a meal for 8! LOL No up charge for that!
LOL

[Hygiene99]

bump

10/10/10 10:10:10 a.m...

[2canadianfans]

bump

10/10/10 10:10:10 a.m...

Now that is kewl

[grace&philipsmom]

Category 03 Available Staterooms

Select one of the staterooms below or click "View on Map" to view and select your stateroom. After you select your stateroom, click "Save."

Deck 8 View on Map

* 8100
* 8600

$2,849.22 LOL :rotfl:

we paid bout 800 for our cat 11 ...

these cat 3's are really kewl, I believe they are the handicapped rooms, So they are very spacious, been in them!


We have stayed in the Roy suite once, we had Palo cater a meal for 8! LOL No up charge for that!
LOL

Where did you find that price? Is it a Florida resident discount?

[Hygiene99]

Where did you find that price? Is it a Florida resident discount?
Price came off the DCL website. when you view your reservation, next to your room it says Modify then change, click that and it will show you rooms to upgrade to, click concierge tab and it will show you the price, Select and pay! LOL
or just close the page to make no changes.

[cmadara]

Hi all!

Cindy ~ thanks for the info. A couple more questions. Is there a map showing what booth is where?
Should I have received my Parkhopper with my cruise docs?

Happy anniversary & many more healthy happy ones!:flower3:
Have a great weekend!
~Jo~ :)

Hi Jo,
Thanks for the wishes- had a great anniversary!

There are festival maps if I remember correctly. We just float from one country to the next and decide where we want to stop and nosh!
You should get you parkhopper when you check into your resort (are you staying in one of Disney hotels?) Your parkhopper is on your room key.
If you are not staying on the property, I'm not sure how that works- maybe someone else can answer your question.

We certainly are getting close. Keeping our fingers crossed for good weather- no tropical storms please!

Enjoy the day!
Cindy

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

Hygiene99 ~ thanks for the info. I checked out the cost to upgrade to an outside or balcony but it's not worth that amount of money to me.;)

Cindy ~ glad you had a happy anniversary. I saw on the other site where you could print out a map of the Festival area. It sure messed up our computer when I tried to print it.
There was over 20 jobs queued up but DH got it done for me.:thumbsup2
Yes I'm staying in a Disney resort so will look forward to getting my parkhopper at checkin.

Will anybody be dressing like a pirate for the party?pirate: I'm looking forward to seeing the fireworks, that'll be a first for me on a ship!

I hope the weather is better than last year before my Freedom cruise, seems to me it was cold & rainy. Fingers crossed for sunny & warm with no storms.
Take care.
~Jo~ :)

[Tikihula]

Hi all!

Hygiene99 ~ thanks for the info. I checked out the cost to upgrade to an outside or balcony but it's not worth that amount of money to me.;)

Cindy ~ glad you had a happy anniversary. I saw on the other site where you could print out a map of the Festival area. It sure messed up our computer when I tried to print it.
There was over 20 jobs queued up but DH got it done for me.:thumbsup2
Yes I'm staying in a Disney resort so will look forward to getting my parkhopper at checkin.

Will anybody be dressing like a pirate for the party?pirate: I'm looking forward to seeing the fireworks, that'll be a first for me on a ship!

I hope the weather is better than last year before my Freedom cruise, seems to me it was cold & rainy. Fingers crossed for sunny & warm with no storms.
Take care.
~Jo~ :)

Hi Jo,
DH and I wear pirate t-shirts, and striped headscarves with Mickey ears on them. DH might go with the gold earring and eye patch, too.

The fireworks aren't as good as the ones in the parks, but they are still fun to watch.

Don't forget that after the pirate party there is a huge buffet set up with pizza, turkey legs, and other goodies, including a ton of delicious desserts. I think it's on Deck 9? Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. It's in a semi-enclosed area, but you can take your plate over to the pool area to eat. I always forget to eat lightly at dinner that evening so that I can enjoy those yummy desserts. Hopefully I'll remember this time

[Jersey_Shore]

Hi Jo,
DH and I wear pirate t-shirts, and striped headscarves with Mickey ears on them. DH might go with the gold earring and eye patch, too.

The fireworks aren't as good as the ones in the parks, but they are still fun to watch.

Don't forget that after the pirate party there is a huge buffet set up with pizza, turkey legs, and other goodies, including a ton of delicious desserts. I think it's on Deck 9? Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. It's in a semi-enclosed area, but you can take your plate over to the pool area to eat. I always forget to eat lightly at dinner that evening so that I can enjoy those yummy desserts. Hopefully I'll remember this time

-----------------------

Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can get some Pirate Costumes? Can't seem to find any at the Disney Store or any of the local Halloween Stores...I'm going to check online and hope it's not too late to order something, however; if anyone has a specific URL website, please forward it my way, thanks...

Barbara

[Tikihula]

-----------------------

Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can get some Pirate Costumes? Can't seem to find any at the Disney Store or any of the local Halloween Stores...I'm going to check online and hope it's not too late to order something, however; if anyone has a specific URL website, please forward it my way, thanks...

Barbara

Try this site, Barbara. There is a Party City store in our town and they had pirate costumes and lots of accessories.

www.partycity.com

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

Bev ~ thanks for the pirate info. DD was a pirate in a skating show 30+ years ago & I still have her costume! Probably the headband & eye patch would fit me!:lmao:
Yesterday I went to Walmart & bought a cheap one size fits all but they did have more in higher prices too. They had mens Pirate & ladies Wench costumes.Sure hope this one fits!

The weather's been cold & rainy here the last few days but the leaves are still beautiful.
Are they nice where you are too? I can hardly wait to see palm trees & pretty blue water in 3 weeks!:woohoo:

Have a great weekend.
~Jo~ :)

[Tikihula]

Hi all!

Bev ~ thanks for the pirate info. DD was a pirate in a skating show 30+ years ago & I still have her costume! Probably the headband & eye patch would fit me!:lmao:
Yesterday I went to Walmart & bought a cheap one size fits all but they did have more in higher prices too. They had mens Pirate & ladies Wench costumes.Sure hope this one fits!

The weather's been cold & rainy here the last few days but the leaves are still beautiful.
Are they nice where you are too? I can hardly wait to see palm trees & pretty blue water in 3 weeks!:woohoo:

Have a great weekend.
~Jo~ :)

Hi Jo, and everyone else!

All the costumes I've ever bought or tried on at Party City, WalMart or Target have been cut small. Even the plus size costumes are not exactly generously sized. I always have to get something in a loose style. Hope your costume fits you okay.

The weather here in northwest Florida is absolutely gorgeous right now. It got down to about 49 degrees last night but it's low 80s during the day. We do need rain as we've only had one day of showers in the last few weeks. At least the humidity level is way down.
Hurricane Paula is over Cuba but should be winding down. Not sure what kind of rain or seas she is causing off the Florida coast, but as long as we don't get any more storms brewing, then the weather should be really nice for our cruise. Hurricane season does technically last until the end of November, but as the weather cools off this month and next, the storms will be much less likely to form, and a hurricane in November is (hopefully) unlikely.

We watched the Wonder leave port Thursday afternoon on the live web cam at Port Canaveral. There's also a cam at the jetty where it opens into the Atlantic, and another a little further down the beach, so we got three views of the Wonder passing by. She's such a beautiful ship. We can't wait to be onboard, sitting on Deck 10 with a tropical drink, listening to the horn blast When you Wish Upon a Star, and waving our Mickey hands at the CMs lined up to wish us bon voyage at the Disney cruise terminal. Only 19 more days and a wake-up (if I'm counting correctly). :cheer2: pirate:

[cmadara]

I am beside myself with excitement. I told my DD13 this morning that this time, 3 weeks from now, we will be in the Bahamas!!!!:cool1:
Can't wait!

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

Cindy ~ yes it is getting exciting. so close now!:yay:

Bev ~ I tried the costume on & it is snug but I think a lot of my clothes will be since I'm at my highest weight ever!:sad2: Between the Walmart costume & DD's I should come up with something!!
I sometimes watch the Freedom of the Seas sail away on Sundays, forgot I could watch Wonder on Thursdays too, thanks for reminding me. Your weather is sounding nice sure hope it keeps up.

I have another F&W question. Do you need to buy tickets in advance for the World Showcase "Eat to the Beat" shows? I see Boyz II Men are performing when I'm there & I've at least heard of them.;)

Take care & have a great weekend.
~Jo~ :)

[Jamesfam]

So exciting that we will be on the Wonder in a little more then 2 weeks. I called the cruise line yesterday to see what movies will be playing while we cruise, my kids wanted to see Tangled but it's not showing until Nov. 24. Still there are some great movies playing.
Oceans
Toy Story 3
You Again
Step Up
Secretariat
Sorcerer's Apprentice

[luv2cruise2]

Hi again!

Jamesfam ~ thanks for that info. I'm looking forward to seeing Secretariat as our local
movie critic gave it a really good review. I'll have to check out a couple of the others to see what they're about.

Take care & see you soon!
~Jo~ :)

[Hygiene99]

Hi all, just checking in ....

We are lucky enough to be going on another cruise in Jan.

on the Inaugural Disney Dream.

Today we learned that there is going to be 3 show times for the evening shows, and the assign you a time!

This is going to lead to all kinds of problems!

I don't remember who is a first time cruiser and who is not?


but, I suggest you hit the night time shows on this trip!
Dont miss Disney Dreams and Golden mickeys, the toy story one is just ok, IMO.
:surfweb:

Don't forget the meet and Greet at 3PM the first day of the Cruise in the Lobby area? that would be the area that you board the ship, Correct?

:grouphug:


Jersey shore I have been to Egg Harbor Twp., NJ. We stayed at Brigantine beach once for a week or so.
Lots of kewl Victorians.

[Tikihula]

Hi all, just checking in ....

We are lucky enough to be going on another cruise in Jan
on the Inaugural Disney Dream.

Don't forget the meet and Greet at 3PM the first day of the Cruise in the Lobby area? that would be the area that you board the ship, Correct?



Lucky you to join the inaugural cruise on the Dream. We hope to be on her December 11, 2011 for the 4-day cruise. Hey, too bad there's not a cruise on 11-11-11.

Haven't had much feedback on the 3pm meet and greet the first day, but hopefully some DIS folks will show up. I'll post it on PassPorter, too. Yes, it would be in the lobby atrium where you board the ship on deck 3, to the left of the gangway as you enter, near the entrance to Triton's restaurant. There's a statue of Ariel in front of the restaurant that serves as a good landmark/meeting place. It would be fun to meet a few fellow cruisers so we can recognize familiar faces as we sail and enjoy shore excursions and Castaway Cay. A group photo would be nice, too.
Bev

[2canadianfans]

Lucky you to join the inaugural cruise on the Dream. We hope to be on her December 11, 2011 for the 4-day cruise. Hey, too bad there's not a cruise on 11-11-11.

Haven't had much feedback on the 3pm meet and greet the first day, but hopefully some DIS folks will show up. I'll post it on PassPorter, too. Yes, it would be in the lobby atrium where you board the ship on deck 3, to the left of the gangway as you enter, near the entrance to Triton's restaurant. There's a statue of Ariel in front of the restaurant that serves as a good landmark/meeting place. It would be fun to meet a few fellow cruisers so we can recognize familiar faces as we sail and enjoy shore excursions and Castaway Cay. A group photo would be nice, too.
Bev

We will come by and say hi..

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

Hygiene99 ~ are the assigned show times on the Wonder or the Dream? Thanks for the recommendations. I'm a 1st time Disney cruiser but this will be my 15th cruise.

Bev ~ I'm going on Oasis of the Seas on 11/12/11 !;)
I plan on dropping by & meeting everyone at 3.

See you soon.
~Jo~ :)

[cmadara]

We are up for the meet and greet as long as I can get the DD out of the pool:goodvibes
Actually, I plan on taking her to the Stack so she can check it out, then touring the ship.
What is everyone planning on doing on Bahama day? I think we will wander around the dock area- check out the straw market. I have read some negative things about the area, but DH and DD have never been to the Bahamas before so we have to check it out. I was in Freeport in my previous life- before hubby :rotfl:

I want to check out the jewelry area and see what I can find.
But I really want to spend the majority of the day on the ship. On only a 3 day, I really want to see what the ship has to offer.
Thinking of booking a another cruise on board- summer 2012. I have read about "dummy dates"- a bit confused. Can I book a "fake" cruise date and then when I really figure it out, can I rebook for another cruise? I realize I may not get what I want if I wait but I can't make a decision about 2012 yet- want to bring my niece, etc.
So, I want to reap the rewards of booking on the cruise, but not sure on date or itinerary. Does this make sense? Have any of you booked "Dummy" dates? How did it work out for you?
Thanks for all the info and really looking forward to meeting you all.
I have been going to the gym and will continue to go everyday until we sail- working off the food BEFORE we leave!!
Have a great evening!

[Hygiene99]

We are up for the meet and greet as long as I can get the DD out of the pool:goodvibes
Actually, I plan on taking her to the Stack so she can check it out, then touring the ship.
What is everyone planning on doing on Bahama day? I think we will wander around the dock area- check out the straw market. I have read some negative things about the area, but DH and DD have never been to the Bahamas before so we have to check it out. I was in Freeport in my previous life- before hubby :rotfl:

I want to check out the jewelry area and see what I can find.
But I really want to spend the majority of the day on the ship. On only a 3 day, I really want to see what the ship has to offer.
Thinking of booking a another cruise on board- summer 2012. I have read about "dummy dates"- a bit confused. Can I book a "fake" cruise date and then when I really figure it out, can I rebook for another cruise? I realize I may not get what I want if I wait but I can't make a decision about 2012 yet- want to bring my niece, etc.
So, I want to reap the rewards of booking on the cruise, but not sure on date or itinerary. Does this make sense? Have any of you booked "Dummy" dates? How did it work out for you?
Thanks for all the info and really looking forward to meeting you all.
I have been going to the gym and will continue to go everyday until we sail- working off the food BEFORE we leave!!
Have a great evening!


Tell the agent you want to book a dummy date!

[Hygiene99]

page 3 oh my!

like 13 days and we are at the parks, food and wine.
I am now in the planning stages of a December weekend get away to see Trace Adkins do CP. :rotfl:

[Tikihula]

Hi all!

Hygiene99 ~ are the assigned show times on the Wonder or the Dream? Thanks for the recommendations. I'm a 1st time Disney cruiser but this will be my 15th cruise.

Bev ~ I'm going on Oasis of the Seas on 11/12/11 !;)
I plan on dropping by & meeting everyone at 3.

See you soon.
~Jo~ :)

Assigned show times will be on the Dream. If you have early dining on the Wonder, then you'll probably go to the later show. Late diners go to the show first, then eat. But everything is flexible when it comes to attending the shows.

We've been busy this week helping with the Extreme Makeover Home Edition build that is going on in Pensacola. My DH has been helping with framing and will be doing trim work in the house. I've been working at the volunteer sign-in tent. It's been quite an experience. It's amazing how fast a house can be built when there are 2000 volunteers to help. Yes, I said 2000! The community response has been incredible. This afternoon is the Braveheart March, where all the volunteers and workers march down the street. Sunday is the reveal for the family, unless they get the house done early. This will be their Christmas show, airing Dec 12th, and they will be decorating the home for Christmas. I hope to help move furniture into the new house so I can see the inside before December. :thumbsup2

I just wish I could be with the family at Walt Disney World this week to share their fun and excitement. :rotfl:

[cmadara]

What a great opportunity, Bev! Have you meet Ty or any of the other designers? A couple of yours ago, they were in Wilmington, DE (right across the Delaware River from us) and you couldn't get anywhere near the place. I was wondering how one got involved in this sort of thing. Can't wait to see the episode and think of you!

Two weeks from today, I will be struggling through school, counting the minutes until the bell rings and the kids go home. Then I will finally be able to go home, finish last minute packing and head to the airport for a 7:15pm flight!!
Watching the weather-even though I know they have problems predicting what it will be doing weatherwise an hour from now:rotfl2:
But still watching anyway!

[Tikihula]

Yes, we got to meet Ty, Michael, Johnny and Tracy. My DH Steve is working in the Art Tent building cabinets and furniture for the house, and I've been working every day in the volunteer check-in tent.

They put out a call for volunteers before the build started and every day people come to help out. We were able to sign up online, or we could just come by and hang out in the "holding pen" until the project foreman called for volunteers to come into the build site to help with whatever needed doing.

There are lots of pictures of the home under construction and the workers and celebrities at www.extremeheritagehomes.com.

It's been a fun experience, although we come home every night dirty and tired. We're in severe drought conditions, no rain in weeks, and there is dust everywhere. I'm surprised they haven't brought in water trucks to wet everything down. The "Move That Bus" moment will be this Sunday afternoon. Not sure if the program will air on Dec 12th or 19th, but it's definitely going to be their Christmas show - you should see all the elves running around the work site. :dance3:

Okay, now back to your regularly scheduled program of discussing our upcoming Disney cruise. :thumbsup2

[2canadianfans]

SIX more shifts at work :cool1:

[Jersey_Shore]

Hi all, just checking in ....

We are lucky enough to be going on another cruise in Jan.

on the Inaugural Disney Dream.

Today we learned that there is going to be 3 show times for the evening shows, and the assign you a time!

This is going to lead to all kinds of problems!

I don't remember who is a first time cruiser and who is not?


but, I suggest you hit the night time shows on this trip!
Dont miss Disney Dreams and Golden mickeys, the toy story one is just ok, IMO.
:surfweb:

Don't forget the meet and Greet at 3PM the first day of the Cruise in the Lobby area? that would be the area that you board the ship, Correct?

:grouphug:


Jersey shore I have been to Egg Harbor Twp., NJ. We stayed at Brigantine beach once for a week or so.
Lots of kewl Victorians.

Brigatine is awesome in the summer..Were a little south of Absecon Island, so I frequent the beach in Longport...Have you been to Cape May? They are known for their Victorian Bed & Breakfast places...

[luv2cruise2]

HI all!
Well our amazing Disney adventure is getting closer!
I was making notes today of what to see at WDW as this time next week I'll be there!:thumbsup2
Last night I dreamt that someone with a large stroller bumped into me twice in a food line, hope that remains a dream!
Well got to get off the computer.
TTFN
~Jo~ :)

[Tikihula]

I've got a whole bunch of magnets made to decorate our stateroom door. Looks like we'll be in room 5020, one of the secret porthole rooms. We were hoping for an upgrade, and it could still happen, but if not we're still happy with our room. It's so nice to be able to see what's happening outside when we're in port. Those virtual porthole rooms on the Dream are going to be great!

We're looking forward to meeting everyone, and perhaps we'll end up as tablemates with some of you.

Everyone enjoy their week, and we'll see you soon! :boat:

[cmadara]

Brigatine is awesome in the summer..Were a little south of Absecon Island, so I frequent the beach in Longport...Have you been to Cape May? They are known for their Victorian Bed & Breakfast places...

Love Cape May! Try and go there every summer- not far- about 1 1/2 hours away. Love the Lobster House!


Do you all realize that the Saturday night we are on the ship it is daylight savings? So...... we get an extra hour on the Wonder!!!!!:banana:

The excitement is really building! I'm not sure I will be able to contain myself much longer. I still have so much to do! For example, I just got around to putting in my request for magnet prints. I know, that 's what happens when you wait! If they are not done before we go, it's ok- my fault.

9 MORE DAYS:yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay:

[2canadianfans]

In my pre cruise excitemet ( cant sleep at night ) mode... one would think I would have long grown out of this :)

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

2canadianfans ~ if you're having trouble now what will it be like next week?!

I printed out my forms for boarding the ship but couldn't get the park reservation to work so guess I'll do it the old fashioned way.:laughing:

I sure hope we have nice weather.
See you all next week! Take care.
~Jo~ :)

[Hygiene99]

Hi all!

2canadianfans ~ if you're having trouble now what will it be like next week?!

I printed out my forms for boarding the ship but couldn't get the park reservation to work so guess I'll do it the old fashioned way.:laughing:

I sure hope we have nice weather.
See you all next week! Take care.
~Jo~ :)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38765704&postcount=17

[Bill K]

We are really excited to be experiencing our first disney cruise on the Wonder November 4, 2010. My party will include my DW, DD(14), and DS(14). My college bound DD(19) is mad she won't be going on this trip, but will make it up to her in the summer with a vacation to Disney then! We will be staying overnight @ BLT before our cruise!! Can't wait to hear those horns!!!:banana:

[2canadianfans]

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38765704&postcount=17

Goosebumps watching the Dream float out on Youtube...Sept 2011 the deam is a reality for us :cloud9:

[Tikihula]

A wrinkle in the fabric of life. Spent 3 hours this morning in the emergency room of the local hospital. DH woke me up at 5am this morning with severe pain. Turns out he's passing a kidney stone. :sad2: First one he's ever had.

After tossing and turning and moaning and groaning all day, tonight he came walking out of the bedroom and stated he was suddenly almost pain free, so he must have passed that stone. :thumbsup2

Now I just hope he's up to our 7-hour drive on Tuesday. He'll still be on meds so I may have to do most of the driving. We'll see how he feels.

I've been lecturing all my family members to be careful and not break, strain, sprain or otherwise injure themselves or come down with any sickness, allergies, whatever, before our trip next week. I guess I forgot to lecture my DH. ;)

[2canadianfans]

Glad your husband is doing better. :)

[Jersey_Shore]

Love Cape May! Try and go there every summer- not far- about 1 1/2 hours away. Love the Lobster House!


Do you all realize that the Saturday night we are on the ship it is daylight savings? So...... we get an extra hour on the Wonder!!!!!:banana:

The excitement is really building! I'm not sure I will be able to contain myself much longer. I still have so much to do! For example, I just got around to putting in my request for magnet prints. I know, that 's what happens when you wait! If they are not done before we go, it's ok- my fault.

9 MORE DAYS:yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay:
We frequent the Lobster House when were down in Cape May way, as well as, Uries in Wildwood...We live just outside of Atlantic City, Have you ever been to the Crab Trap Rest in Somers Point? The Carb Trap & Lobster House are very simular...

[Hygiene99]

Wow


Undocking Disney Dream October 30, 2010 HD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVeUCiKVToQ


the horn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs683CSc_LY

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

Bill K ~ welcome to you & your family to the thread. This is my 1st Disney cruise too & 1st time to WDW since 1983!

Bev ~ Glad DH is feeling better, that must have been scary! Have a safe drive to the cruise.

I'm sitting here in the hotel watching Amazing Race & listening to the planes take off every few minutes. Tomorrow at lunch time I'll be in FL where it's hot.
It was between 32 & 44F with some snow flurries on our drive to Toronto.
See you soon!
~Jo~ :)

[Tikihula]

Hi all!

Bill K ~ welcome to you & your family to the thread. This is my 1st Disney cruise too & 1st time to WDW since 1983!

Bev ~ Glad DH is feeling better, that must have been scary! Have a safe drive to the cruise.

I'm sitting here in the hotel watching Amazing Race & listening to the planes take off every few minutes. Tomorrow at lunch time I'll be in FL where it's hot.
It was between 32 & 44F with some snow flurries on our drive to Toronto.
See you soon!
~Jo~ :)

Hi Jo,
We'll be right behind you, sort of. Leaving early Tuesday morning for the 7-hour drive to WDW. See you all Thursday afternoon!

[Hygiene99]

scheduled for 2 pm flight, hoping to get on the 11AM flight!

See ya all soon

[Jersey_Shore]

I recently checked on the weather forecast, probably shouldn't have, now I'm a little depressed that there is a 30% chance of scattered thunderstorms on Friday, Nov 5th, and a 40% chance of Thunderstorms for Sat, Nov 6th..We can't catch a break with cruising, last time we were in the middle of a hurricane..

[Hygiene99]

I recently checked on the weather forecast, probably shouldn't have, now I'm a little depressed that there is a 30% chance of scattered thunderstorms on Friday, Nov 5th, and a 40% chance of Thunderstorms for Sat, Nov 6th..We can't catch a break with cruising, last time we were in the middle of a hurricane..

What did you use to check it?
http://www.bahamas.com/vacation-planning/weather/the-abacos
5 miles away!


To far away!
we have never not made it to CC (14) OK once but it was the second time for that cruise! ( Hurrricane)

30 % is nothing!

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!
Sitting here in my Port Orleans room thinking of having a little snooze
Hope you had safe drives/flights.

It's been hot but has been pouring rain for the last hour or 2. Have spent time at Epcot & Downtown Disney so far.

The space shuttle might take off tomorrow.
See you Thursday, I'll be the one limping, my feet are killing me!;)
~Jo~ :)

[2canadianfans]

Every cruisers nightmare. We have to cancel our Nov 4th and 7 th cruise due to my father inlaw critical. Safe travels to everyone.sharon

[cmadara]

Every cruisers nightmare. We have to cancel our Nov 4th and 11th cruise due to my father inlaw critical. Safe travels to everyone.sharon

So sorry to hear this, but it is best to be with family at a time like this.
I hope you were at least able to get some of your money back- although I'm sure this isn't your first concern at the moment.:sad2:

[poohj80]

FYI for all those cruising tomorrow...

The final launch fo Space Shuttle Discovery has been bumped to 3:29 PM Nov 4 so you should have a great view from Deck 10 just before the muster drill. However, realize that if you are driving yourself to the port, traffic will be backed up on 528 so give yoruself plenty of time.

Enjoy and please post pix when you get back!

[luv2cruise2]

Hi all!

Sharon ~ sorry to hear of your FIL's illness & your need to cancel.
My prayers are with you for a good outcome.

poohj80 ~ thanks for the shuttle info. Sure hope it does go tomorrow.
There are thnderstorms in the area tonight so hope it clears up. Cute pix!

I've really enjoyed my time here at WDW & look forward to meeting you tomorrow. BTW is there anybody left in NJ?! :lmao:
TTFN
~Jo~ :)

[poohj80]

poohj80 ~ thanks for the shuttle info. Sure hope it does go tomorrow.


Sorry to say Jo, the launch has now been pushed until Friday. Sorry for getting your hopes up!:(

[cmadara]

Okay,
I have to tell you how disappointed I was about not docking at Castaway Cay and the weather. I know, I know, it is out of Disney control- "we're working on it, we're this close!" But, I was still very disappointed.

A couple of things I learned on this trip:
1. Book a bigger room- especially if going on a longer cruise. My OCD was really kicking in! We had an inside cabin and started to feel claustrophobic.
2. Book an excursion while in Nassau-did not care for Nassau at all! We walked around for about an hour and headed back to the ship.
3. Not book a cruise with a sea day. We were incredibly bored on the day we couldn't go to Castaway Cay. Of course if the weather had been better, laying out in the sun by the pool would have been ok, but laying underneath towels is not my idea of a good time. None of the activities interested us- I don't want to spend all this money and watch a movie.

Don't get me wrong- I would go on another Disney cruise in a heartbeat!
The food was great, the shows were awesome and the castmembers were fantastic- couldn't do enough for you! I guess I let my disappointment of not going to Castaway Cay get the best of me. Also, IMHO, the sailaway party in the lobby really disappointed me as well- couldn't get anywhere near it. Standing on the deck, in the rain, waiting for the much anticipated horn blast was disappointing.
Sorry I didn't get to meet up with you all. We had made our way to the spa and while the castmember was giving us a tour, I found out it was 3:15 already! Would have liked to have meet you all!

Some bright spots on our cruise:
1. My DD LOVED Aloft! She reluctantly went the first evening after the show while DH and I went to the whiskey tasting (he tasted, I watched- I would rather eat my calories than drink them!). After that, we couldn't get her out of there!
2. Because DD was at Aloft, my DH and I spent some time together- alone!
3. Greatly enjoyed meeting castmembers from around the world and talking with them about their experiences. Although, after finding out how much they work and how little they get paid, gave me a different view of Disney- one that really bothers me.
4. Seeing dolphins swimming along side the ship while we were leaving the port- amazing!
5. The food- need I say more!
6. The shows were awesome- Broadway caliber!

Let me know what you guys thought of the cruise.
Welcome back to reality!

[kathymike]

All....I totally agree with CMADARA.

This was our second cruise on the Wonder and our second time of not going to Castaway Cay. :( I don't think we will cruise with Disney again. It is too expensive vs other cruises and didn't offer us much. My kids were bored and I was a smidge bored especially day at sea.

I was disappointed in the food as well. :(

Kathy

[Tikihula]

Here's a mini trip report. The night before the cruise we surprised my daughter-in-law April and 10-year-old grandson Baruch with invitational letters from Mickey, inviting them to join us on their first ever cruise. They were totally surprised. Next morning my son and the other 2 grandsons drove with us to the port to drop us off, and my son promised he'd be back by 9am Sunday morning to pick us up.

We got checked in at the terminal and as we were waiting to board we saw my son and the 2 boys walking towards us! I knew they couldn't get into the terminal without tickets so I was totally surprised to find out they were joining us on the cruise! He was able to get a military discount on a room on deck 2. We were on deck 5 and once we boarded we were able to get him a room on deck 5, although he was aft and we were forward. No matter - we were closer than before and much closer to the kids' clubs.

We made it to the atrium lobby at 3:10 but nobody was there to meet up with. Waited about 10 minutes but no one else showed up so we went on to other things.

We went to the kids' clubs to check them out, then we couldn't get the kids out of there. The boys are 5, 8 and 10, and they LOVED the clubs. Between there and the pools the kids were well entertained. We also did some family things with them.

The first day was rainy and windy but not too cold and a lightweight windbreaker did the trick. We stood on the deck and waved goodbye to the CMs at the terminal, then watched the dolphins swimming alongside. After dinner we enjoyed the stage show, and later we went to Mickey Mania, where April and I won the trivia challenge and received cute little medals on lanyards. :yay:
On our Nassau day we did the Blackbeard's Cay Stingray Encounter and it really was fun. We had a 20-minute boat ride to a small island and enjoyed the beach awhile until they called us for the stingray portion. It was next to the dock in a large fenced off area. They provided snorkels, masks and flotation vests and we got to pet the rays and feed them small herrings. Our lunch was small burgers, dogs or chicken sandwiches (very dry) with chips and a soft drink. We relaxed in the shade for awhile then went back into the water with the rays. We were the only ones there so they gave us the rest of the bucket of herrings and we had the rays all to ourselves. The barbs had been removed so it was quite safe to mingle with them. It was a unique opportunity and we really enjoyed it. :thumbsup2

That night was the Pirate Party so we dressed in our pirate garb and danced on deck 9 with the rest of the swabbies. We lined up for the late buffet and took our plates to the pool area to munch away and watch Pirates in the Caribbean (for the umpteenth time). It was chilly on deck so we finally gave up and went to bed about 11:30.

More coming in the next post.

[Tikihula]

My DH likes to get up early and watch the ship dock at Castaway Cay, but he came back to report that they had tried twice to dock but it was too windy. The side thrusters were going full blast but couldn't keep us from going into the dock too fast so they finally aborted the docking after two attempts. We spent the day at sea and had time to do some of the things we don't normally have the opportunity to do on a 3-day cruise. We did watch Toy Story3 (fun movie) and Secretariat, which was much better than I expected based on reviews I'd read. We also did some onboard shopping and explored the ship some more. It was also nice to relax on the padded lounge chairs on Deck 4 and read and snooze a little.

That evening we had reservations at Palo and left the boys happily playing in the Oceaneer's Lab and Club while we dined. Dinner was very leisurely (perhaps toooo slow) but the food was quite good. We made a mistake by letting our server pick a glass of wine for 3 of us, which ended up costing from $6 to $11 each. Our $15 dinner ended up costing about $35 with wine and gratuity. The $15 used to cover gratuity, now it's called a "cover charge" and you are encouraged to tip on top of that. Dinner was very pleasant, and we were provided a whole table full of desserts to sample even before we had a chance to order them. The youngest son beeped twice asking to be picked up from the kid's club, but April went down to explain to him that we were having a leisurely dinner and he'd have to wait. One of the counselors played games with him and kept him well entertained at the club while we finished dinner.

We, too, were really disappointed not to experience Castaway Cay on this trip. We had hoped to go parasailing and bicycling to the observation tower. My son and his family had such a great time that they've already booked a 7-day cruise for 2012, which will give them time to pay for it ahead of schedule. DH and I have booked a 4-day cruise for early next December, too.

We found the cruise to be quite full of activities for kids, adults and families. We didn't visit the bars or lounges or play bingo, but still found plenty of things to do. I wish some of them were scheduled a little earlier in the evening, as we usually like to be in bed by 10:30 or so and get a good night's sleep. We even missed the DVC presentation on this cruise. They usually have giveaways (ballcaps, etc.) and someone wins a $300 onboard credit.

I forgot to mention our nice stateroom gifts. As repeat guests, we are Castaway Cay members and received a nice red and black drawstring totebag, rice krispie treats shaped like flip flops, and Silver Castaway Cay Club lanyards. As DVC members we also got a lovely wooden trinket box which was really nice. We had decorated our door with lots of magnetic pictures and got lots of compliments on them, and none of them disappeared during the cruise, perhaps because I had written our name on the back of each of them. ;)

So, we really enjoyed our cruise, and the surprise addition of my son and his family was icing on the cake.