Panama Canal Eastbound Sept. 14, 2013--it'll be WONDER-ful

[Sparky47]

We booked the cruise on June 6th at the GTY (category VGT, with restrictions) Any one else doing the GTY? Hopefully we won't regret this, but could not resist the cost of this cruise. The way I understand it I won't get a stateroom assignment until 14-7 days before the cruise, and can't check in until after July 1st to book any excursions till then. Have been on 4 cruises but this is our 1st Disney Cruise.

Put us down for the meet and greet: Russ & Janice. Not sure about the FE, Wine Tasting, and postcards; need to do research on these as I am not familiar with how they work.

We live in Richmond, TX. (close to Houston)

Russ

Welcome! FE can be as easy or hard as you make it but a lot of fun! You just bring gifts to leave with all the cabins involved and they leave things for you - it really makes it fun to see what is in your FE holder when you go to your cabin plus a good time delivering goodies all over the ship! Some do several during the the trip others just do one thing - it is up to you.

We booked GTY as well. This is our first time doing this but I have done it for other people and it turned out well for them.

Wine tasting all you need to do is bring a bottle you want to share. It could be a one from home or your favorite.

This will be our first time participating in the FE as well - I know there are a number of threads on the main board that explain what an FE is, how it works and even examples of gifts people have made/bought/given/received. I'll try to find them and post them here so it's easier for you.

On past cruises we have participated in the postcard exchange - you give a postcard (from your hometown) to each cabin participating. We have always included a little blurb about our city as well. In this exchange, a recipe from your hometown is being incorporated as part of the postcard exchange. It was explained to me that you can mark that part of your postcard or in addition to your postcard. I hope that helps!

 

[cmesq61]

We can change the location if you would feel more comfortable. I haven't been on that deck on the Wonder, but it was very accessible on the Magic - we discovered it because it was by the accessible stateroom where my mother in law was staying and we wheeled out there a few times but this is our first time on the Wonder. The only reason I was thinking the deck as a backup is that the promenade lounge often has things going on there on the second day - at least on the Magic they had a preschool play time in the mornings. I think we will be able to find an area on the ship that is not being used at that time - but I haven't found anyone on land that can put us in a room without charging us - once we can talk to the crew members I think we can arrange it.

Can anyone give more info on how/why thus area is hard to reach by WC? I use a walker but could manage a few steps & DBF could carry my walker for me.

 

[CrusinLattas]

There is also a Facebook page that is all about FE gifts - I love looking at all the pictures and getting ideas. Some folks are very creative!

 

[GatorMomInNC]

We might be interested in Cartagena. I really think we will want to get off the ship but was not thrilled with the DCL offerings. I think our kids would have fun together and we are used to traveling with older family members.

Sounds good. I'm pretty sure I can book it and cancel if we don't use it - I will double check, then if I can get it I will book it and we can work out the details later.

My friend gave me a photobook of Cartagena to look at today - very neat mix of old and new - reminds me of San Juan.

 

[gooscar]

Welcome! FE can be as easy or hard as you make it but a lot of fun! You just bring gifts to leave with all the cabins involved and they leave things for you - it really makes it fun to see what is in your FE holder when you go to your cabin plus a good time delivering goodies all over the ship! Some do several during the the trip others just do one thing - it is up to you.

We booked GTY as well. This is our first time doing this but I have done it for other people and it turned out well for them.

Wine tasting all you need to do is bring a bottle you want to share. It could be a one from home or your favorite.

Please add me to the FaceBook Page: Name: Russell Nunan

 

[MPS516]

Okay... I checked with http://www.airporthoustontaxi.com/area_port_of_galveston.shtml about the van and they confirmed the $120 price for 7 pass. I asked if we could make reservations now and he said they don't take them this early. What do you think? check out their link.

http://www.airporthoustontaxi.com/area_port_of_galveston.shtml

Sounds great, lock it in whenever we can.

 

[Paragd911]

Can anyone give more info on how/why thus area is hard to reach by WC? I use a walker but could manage a few steps & DBF could carry my walker for me.

The Entrance to it has a steep incline. I tried to get in there before, I couldn't

 

[Sparky47]

There is also a Facebook page that is all about FE gifts - I love looking at all the pictures and getting ideas. Some folks are very creative!

Do you know if it is an open group? Thanks.

 

[cmesq61]

Thank goodness there are so many DCL vets here whose brains I can pick! We have a standard inside cabin & I've been planning to try for a port upgrade. The DCL website says the cruise is sold out of verandas and outside cabins of any type. Is that pretty accurate so I should let go of my upgrade dream?

 

[cmesq61]

The Entrance to it has a steep incline. I tried to get in there before, I couldn't

Thanks for the head's up.

 

[GatorMomInNC]

Thank goodness there are so many DCL vets here whose brains I can pick! We have a standard inside cabin & I've been planning to try for a port upgrade. The DCL website says the cruise is sold out of verandas and outside cabins of any type. Is that pretty accurate so I should let go of my upgrade dream?

Wow, no offense, but I didn't believe this post so I checked for myself and yep, can't book a OV or a Verandah with either 2 or 4 guests. I know they had a few categories left in both as of a couple days ago, so I wonder if they are just working on assigning cabins so they took availability offline for a while.

I was actually hoping this would NOT be a sold out cruise because I like my cruises a little less crowded. On the other hand, I'm feeling really good about booking the VGT rate when I did.

BTW, just in case we get assigned a Navigator's verandah, has anyone here ever done a Navigator's and can tell me - are you able to sit in a chair and look out, or do you need to stand to see the view?

 

[MPS516]

Wow, no offense, but I didn't believe this post so I checked for myself and yep, can't book a OV or a Verandah with either 2 or 4 guests. I know they had a few categories left in both as of a couple days ago, so I wonder if they are just working on assigning cabins so they took availability offline for a while.

I was actually hoping this would NOT be a sold out cruise because I like my cruises a little less crowded. On the other hand, I'm feeling really good about booking the VGT rate when I did.

BTW, just in case we get assigned a Navigator's verandah, has anyone here ever done a Navigator's and can tell me - are you able to sit in a chair and look out, or do you need to stand to see the view?

We have done Navigators several times and I enjoyed sitting in the chair enjoying the view. While docked I would have to adjust sometimes to look under the rail to see what was closer, never a bother.

 

[GatorMomInNC]

We have done Navigators several times and I enjoyed sitting in the chair enjoying the view. While docked I would have to adjust sometimes to look under the rail to see what was closer, never a bother.

Cool - thanks for the info!

 

[sinado4]

Hi group-
Anyone going who has little kids? We have 2yr old twins and would love to make buddies with you.
-Mel

 

[sinado4]

Are we to bring our fav wines?

 

[sinado4]

To those who have been around the block a few times---would it be best/cheaper if I purchase a day spa pass/voucher before we sail ($15 each) or hope I run into an on board special?

 

[fltink]

To those who have been around the block a few times---would it be best/cheaper if I purchase a day spa pass/voucher before we sail ($15 each) or hope I run into an on board special?

I've found that in order to get the value of the pass, you'd have to go to the Rainforest every day, which I found hard to do. Maybe that's just me though. Last time I cruised, I bought it only on the days I made it there.

 

[twokats]

Are we to bring our fav wines?

Yes, that is the plan.

 

[CrusinLattas]

Please add me to the FaceBook Page: Name: Russell Nunan

Added

 

[CrusinLattas]

Do you know if it is an open group? Thanks.

Fish extender Disney cruise line is the group name - it is closed, but active. Just send a request to join.