You bet your aft we had a good time! A Wonder trip report Update 12/30 p.59-611

[rentayenta]

The Halloween cruise was awesome, particularly because there was an amazing Disgroup on that cruise and all sorts of goodies and extra activities were organized for just our group (personalized lanyards, trick or treating on the ship, beach scavenger hunt and a dig for buried treasure in Cozumel), not to mention the ridiculous loads of gifts we got in our FE. And yes, the did still do pirate night along with the DCL trick or treat which ended in a Halloween themed dance party.

How fun! Halloween is one of our favorites to celebrate. Candy, dress up, whats not to love? That reminds me.....we had our DIS meet to attend at 2:45 pm in the Promenade Lounge. It was so very Love Boat. Our FE gifts were insanely great too. I am going to have to up my game on our next cruise. Joshua loved participating in the FE. It got a kick out of the delivery and then coming back to find a bunch of goodies.​

My kids are 13 and 8. My daughter is super, ridiculously shy and very petite (the size of a 10 year old). My son is super, ridiculously outgoing and a tall skinny bean stalk (also the size of a 10 year old). Allison is a challenge on cruises sometimes because she is hesitant to participate in club activities. Michael is a challenge on cruises sometimes because all he ever wants to do is participate in club activities. I swear, this is something they have worked out amongst themselves in some sort of twisted plot to get Mommy to finally crack.

Isn't their goal in life to get us all to crack? I feel you on the clubs. I don't want to get ahead of myself but Joshua responded to the kids' clubs like I thiught he would.​

We usually do excursions through Disney because I am a total and complete worry wart, with constant fear that we won't make it back to the ship on time. On that 2010 cruise, I learned to be a bit braver and did a non-DCL excursion to Nachi Cocum since I wanted to be with the Disgroup that was going there. We are visiting Nachi again this visit and I may be brave on Grand Cayman too and do something on our own, we'll see.

Don't you just love Nachi? I think it's the perfect excursion. Beach, ocean, drinks, but close enough to the port. What does Grand Cayman offer? Beaches I'm guessing. I am a worrier too. ​

That is a hoot about how your son met Pam! And I dream about lounging around with a DOTD. After we get home, I'm always somewhat shocked that someone isn't still offering them to me!

It really was a riot.

I could be on a lounger now. I miss the service. ​

Ahh, the first day of the cruise, the best! Sounds like you had a good plan for the day.

It was perfect! ​

Ohhhhh!!!! whenever you guys want to plan something I'm there! It can be sooner, it can be later, whenever's good for you and I know your family time is important so of course I will not invite myself to your plans. (Just in case you were worried about that)

Do I seem worried? We had a blast with you! We are thinking about WDW in June 2015. I can't get too ahead of myself. Gabby will graduate in late May of 2015. It all depends on her and her plans. It's going by too quickly. ​

I thought I saw that look

He's not shy, that's for sure. ​

That pizza was so scrumptious!

I totally agree. I loved that pizza on board. I could use some right now! I miss the sweet CM offering me that new kind of the day as I was there so much. ​

I'm happy to chime in but let me know if it's too much, it is your TR after all

Chime, post, correct! It's all good. Like I said, the deatils are blurry so feel free. ​

I felt like a stalker!

Too funny and quite the ice breaker. You're a quality gal.​

I'm definitely feeling the pressure ladies!

Then we've been successful. ​

If you've got the time, why get rushed to a buffet when the pool, sun and cocktails are calling!

I found myself not concerned with the buffet at all. Not one single bit. There was always plenty to eat between the CS and room service, dinners and MRDs. Too much food.​

I do NOT think saving a chair for a friend is a party foul at all. The party foul is saving chairs for yourself...heading of to BBB and then coming back after you eat. What you did doesn't count at all.

Whew! I have read about some folks thinking you can't go to pee and leave your stuff. Insane uptight folks.​

I found I didn't love many of the DOTD offerings as well and...we also did find them to be a bit, um, more watered down than the non DOTD.

I noticed them looking pretty watery on the trays.​

What a great meet story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it!

Super cute pics too.

It's the best meet story we've had. It makes me laugh everytime I think about it!​

The name of the chandelier is Festa Venezia II. Festa Venezia I used to be on the Magic until was removed in the recent dry dock. The artist is called Dale Chihuly and he is from Tacoma in Washington State. I am a huge Chihuly fan and I was in my element in Seattle last year.

Corinna

Thank you. Does I look like II? I'll have to Google to see more of his work. The little I saw is unreal.​

Ok, I'm clearly a horrible human being because I looked at your pool picture and immediately thought "Nice butts!" Too funny that you explained that...

Our cruise: Copenhagen, Oslo, 2 other Norwegian ports, 2 ports in Iceland, Faroe Islands, Dover (England). We spend the night in the capital of Iceland (I won't bother trying to spell it because I'll fail miserably and be embarrassed). I think there's a sea day or 2 in there but I can't remember.

Amanda

I felt the need to explain.

Wow, thats a neat itinerary! Am I silly to think it'll be cold at your ports?​

I too want to try all of the Drinks of the Day. Another Rum lover here! I associate Rum drinks with tropical, fun, little umbrella drinks. So what was your favorite?

Great start! Looking forward to seeing your cabin pictures.

Me too. Rum is vacation! Sand, water, relaxing, RUM! I think my favorites are a Bahama Mama, Mai Tai, Pina Colada, and Rum Runner. Yours?​

 

[dolphingirl47]

Thank you. Does I look like II? I'll have to Google to see more of his work. The little I saw is unreal.​

Festa Venezia I was very different. I love them both though.



Corinna

 

[rentayenta]

Festa Venezia I was very different. I love them both though.



Corinna

Oh my gosh, stunning. That's quite the talent. I love the colors. I'd be elated with two table lamps in the bedroom like these. Can you imagine how relaxing to wake up to such art every morning?​

 

[Pinkocto]

Do I seem worried? We had a blast with you! We are thinking about WDW in June 2015. I can't get too ahead of myself. Gabby will graduate in late May of 2015. It all depends on her and her plans. It's going by too quickly. ​

me too!

Does she know what she wants to do? I think you said cruise before, has she changed her mind?

He's not shy, that's for sure. ​

Definitely not, and that's a good thing!

I totally agree. I loved that pizza on board. I could use some right now! I miss the sweet CM offering me that new kind of the day as I was there so much. ​

She was so nice. I still want to know how many pizzas they make a day. I should have asked.

Chime, post, correct! It's all good. Like I said, the deatils are blurry so feel free. ​

Will do

 

[rentayenta]

me too!

Does she know what she wants to do? I think you said cruise before, has she changed her mind?

She thinks she wants a family trip then she wants a friend trip. Plus finances are always an issue especially with college etc etc.....My friend Jenna will be on WDW with her family and they are dong the three night Disney cruise to the Bahamas; CC and Nassau. I can't believe how much the cruise part costs. We're going to try to hook up with them but its just so far off right now.

Did I mention I could kick myself for not rebooking on board? If nothing else, I could have moved the cruise. Live and learn.​

Definitely not, and that's a good thing!

I don't think there was s shy thing abut the three of us. ​

She was so nice. I still want to know how many pizzas they make a day. I should have asked.

I am guessing about 500. I'm thinking if Joshua and I shared a while one and we came close many times and there were 2,000 + people, that'd be a pizza for every 4 people. Maybe 400? Maybe less? Maybe folks didn't gorge on pizza like we did? ​

Will do

Yay!



Your Mother's Day cruise is so close! ​

 

[Pinkocto]

She thinks she wants a family trip then she wants a friend trip. Plus finances are always an issue especially with college etc etc.....My friend Jenna will be on WDW with her family and they are dong the three night Disney cruise to the Bahamas; CC and Nassau. I can't believe how much the cruise part costs. We're going to try to hook up with them but its just so far off right now.​

A family AND a friend trip? Can she help pay for the friend one?

Did I mention I could kick myself for not rebooking on board? If nothing else, I could have moved the cruise. Live and learn.

I'm sorry you seemed so sure I didn't try to convince you to book one.

I don't think there was s shy thing abut the three of us. ​

I LOVED it! And we tried a bunch of dishes we wouldn't have tried otherwise

I am guessing about 500. I'm thinking if Joshua and I shared a while one and we came close many times and there were 2,000 + people, that'd be a pizza for every 4 people. Maybe 400? Maybe less? Maybe folks didn't gorge on pizza like we did? ​

Isn't that amazing! I was thinking a high number too. One of these days I'd love to see where they store all the food. But they probably don't let guests see that.

Yay!​

You're ok if I post some pictures every now and then?

Your Mother's Day cruise is so close!

24 days!!!!!

 

[rentayenta]

A family AND a friend trip? Can she help pay for the friend one?

Oh no, one minute she wants a family trip and the next minute she'd rather have a friend trip. She's not asking for both.​

I'm sorry you seemed so sure I didn't try to convince you to book one.

Joshua is still sure we shouldn't have rebooked. He assures me that dad and the girls will also like the parks better. LOL!​

I LOVED it! And we tried a bunch of dishes we wouldn't have tried otherwise

For sure.​

Isn't that amazing! I was thinking a high number too. One of these days I'd love to see where they store all the food. But they probably don't let guests see that.

I would too. I saw them loading food on from our verandah while in port. I am guessing the crew is one a couple decks below 1 and then food under? I'd love a behind the scenes but can imagine thats a no no.​

You're ok if I post some pictures every now and then?

As long as I look good in them. Of course, post away. I'd love it!​

24 days!!!!!

I am so excited for you both. One of these days we'll have to have a trip overlap when you are going with your cute mom.​

 

[DrMomof3]

Yes. Our cruise will be more similar to an Alaskan Cruise in terms of temperatures. I think several of the ports will be chilly (50-70F, I think?).

Amanda

 

[rentayenta]

Yes. Our cruise will be more similar to an Alaskan Cruise in terms of temperatures. I think several of the ports will be chilly (50-70F, I think?).

Amanda

I can't wait to read about it. I can't imagine taking a cold weather cruise though......I thought maybe I could get DH on board if we took an Alaskan one but that'd be about the only way to get me on a cold weather one; it'd have to be Disney! I think I blew it, I should have got him on DCL to Alaska 5 years ago when he could still stand the cold. He used to want to really visit Alaska but he's as over the cold weather as I am. We're quite the miserable pair in winter. ​

 

[DrMomof3]

I can't wait to read about it. I can't imagine taking a cold weather cruise though......I thought maybe I could get DH on board if we took an Alaskan one but that'd be about the only way to get me on a cold weather one; it'd have to be Disney! I think I blew it, I should have got him on DCL to Alaska 5 years ago when he could still stand the cold. He used to want to really visit Alaska but he's as over the cold weather as I am. We're quite the miserable pair in winter. ​

My husband doesn't really like the beach so a colder weather cruise was a big selling point for him.

Amanda

 

[rentayenta]

My husband doesn't really like the beach so a colder weather cruise was a big selling point for him. Amanda

Thats awesome! It's going to be amazing. I bet the kids will flip.

Both DH and I are total beach people so we have a hard time doing anything else.​

 

[I❤MICKEY]

Just came across your trip report and thought I would join in.

A few months back we had compared notes about moving to Utah and passport stamps. Don't want to spoil future trip report posts but I was wondering if you able to get the stamp? Castaway Cay? Cozumel? Both? Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Glad you and your son had a great vacation. I think it's awesome you were able to take a mother/son trip.

 

[rentayenta]

Just came across your trip report and thought I would join in. A few months back we had compared notes about moving to Utah and passport stamps. Don't want to spoil future trip report posts but I was wondering if you able to get the stamp? Castaway Cay? Cozumel? Both? Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated. Glad you and your son had a great vacation. I think it's awesome you were able to take a mother/son trip.

Yes I remember and

Ya know, we were so into and relaxed that the stamps were a non issue. I asked Joshua once and he said he didn't care anymore.

We didn't see anyone stamping passports but also didn't ask or look all that much.​

 

[HermanTriplets+1]

I felt much the same about the plans to re-imagine the Magic, but I was absolutely blown away by the changes they made when I actually got to see the ship. They will hold off re-imagining the Wonder until the Panama Canal extension is finished as the Wonder would no longer fit through the existing locks after her make over.
Corinna

I sailed on the Wonder with 5 friends all new to DCL, and I was really glad to be able to "show them" the original, not re-imagined. That said, I'm hoping to sail on the Magic next time, to see what the new bits are! And, maybe, with a little Pixie Dust, the Fantasy one day... But I love the original Wonder/Magic so....

 

[dolphingirl47]

I sailed on the Wonder with 5 friends all new to DCL, and I was really glad to be able to "show them" the original, not re-imagined. That said, I'm hoping to sail on the Magic next time, to see what the new bits are! And, maybe, with a little Pixie Dust, the Fantasy one day... But I love the original Wonder/Magic so....

I hear you. As I said, I adore what they have done to the Magic, but by the same token, I am glad that I had the opportunity for one last trip on the Magic before she was re-imagined and it was very important to me to get this chance on the Wonder, too. 15 nights should be plenty to revisit all my old haunts. We have yet to sail on the Dream and Fantasy and are in no rush to do so.

Corinna

 

[rentayenta]

It was nearing 1:30 and we were eager to see our cabin, check out the Edge and spa, and attend our DIS/FB meet in the Promenade Lounge at 2:45. We still hadn't seen the buffet at BBB so we thought we'd check it out on the way to our cabin. Pam joined us and I was so grateful. She was a fabulous tour guide.

Beach Blanket Buffett:

We weren't hungry but we grabbed a little fruit to say we ate something. The pineapple was amazing and would find myself eating a lot of pineapple this cruise.

Our view at that moment. We really weren't hungry which is like cruise blasphemy so we took our fruit with us.

After our quick trip to BBB and sitting on the deck, it was time to check out our home away from home for the next 5 nights: cabin 7620. I found out a few weeks before the cruise that we scored a secret verandah room. We had planned on and paid for a Navigator's Verandah and were so happy with that choice so imagine my sheer joy when I found out we'd have a full verandah with a mild obstruction? Elated! I will be hard pressed to book anything other than a room with a verandah. We used the heck out of it. I am a view and ocean junkie so having a view of the ocean while on the ocean was pure nirvana.

Our view from the verandah. I'll tell you, this was the only bad view we had. In both Cozumel and CC we had amazing views of the area upon docking. Incredible.

I may or may not have taken those paper glass covers home.

Some very fitting POTC art:

Love this locker:

I was surprised by the size of the bathroom and loved the split bathroom. It made getting ready a breeze. Well done Disney. You nailed maximizing the available space. Love!



I couldn't resist getting Joshua an in room gift upon arrival. His gift was a DCL backpack, water bottle, waterproof playing cards, clock, and a speaker. And a $50 OBC for the arcade.

If you look behind the water bottles, our dining rotation ticket is on the desk. I had read a lot about the different restaurants and about suggesting a certain rotation. I had decided to let the dining chips fall where they may (after texting Pam to see what she thought). Pam and I did request to have a table together though. Our rotation was A,P,P,T,A. I loved this rotation. I'll go into full dining details but we were very pleased with our rotation and having Parrot Cay on pirate night was perfect.

And as you can tell it took him no time to bond with his stalker. Pam and Joshua made fast friends. He was already being his ridiculous 12 y/o boy self. I'm glad Pam didn't leave running.

I told him then and there if he kept up with the terrible faces, I was going to kick his aft all over the ship. You bet your aft that became a running joke during the vacation.

I can't believe how much room we had. We could have easily fit another person in and had plenty of room. It was nice to keep the couch a couch. Joshua had them make the couch turned bed the first night but the first night only. The bed was crazy comfortable. The sounds of the ocean with the mild rocking and the comfy bed allowed me amazing sleep. I'm a poor sleeper by nature so this was heavenly.

We were very pleased with our cabin and I wouldn't hesitate to book it again.

And don't worry, I have more (better) rooms pics and tons of food porn. I was still in that dazed phase. LOL!

Up next; touring the ship.

To be continued.....


​

 

[jedijill]

Score on the cabin!

I always sleep well on the ship...It's the gentle rocking that does it!

Jill in CO

 

[rentayenta]

Score on the cabin!

I always sleep well on the ship...It's the gentle rocking that does it!

Jill in CO

The cabin was a total score! We would have been happy with the Nav verandah but this was heaven. I felt very spoiled. Joshua was in awe. Said it looked better than any video I had made him watch. ​

 

[DWGal210]

LOVE the cabin! Awesome!!

I agree, I always have a GREAT nights sleep on those beds. Oh, heaven. Between the sound of the water and the gentle rock-me-to-sleep of the boat, it's wonderful!

 

[franandaj]

Yay for a score on the cabin! I'm glad that Pam and Josh got along so well. Cute gift you got for him!

I am guessing about 500. I'm thinking if Joshua and I shared a while one and we came close many times and there were 2,000 + people, that'd be a pizza for every 4 people. Maybe 400? Maybe less? Maybe folks didn't gorge on pizza like we did? ​

I don't think I've ever eaten pizza on the ships!

I would too. I saw them loading food on from our verandah while in port. I am guessing the crew is one a couple decks below 1 and then food under? I'd love a behind the scenes but can imagine thats a no no.​

I know I've read TRs from the Fantasy where people took Galley tours, but I think they just didn't plan for things like that on the Wonder not knowing that folks would be all over that kind of thing.