Just booked a November cruise!!

[ntongan]

Four days on the Wonder.

So now the questions for those that could help.

Since I will be traveling with my kids, (9-turning 10 on the cruise, and 11 y.o.) and most dinners I plan on eating with them, will we still be able to see whatever show exists? I would like to squeeze in Palo if possible, is there any night when the kids do dinner in the Oceaneer Lab?

On the excursions to Nassau, how wonderful is the waterslide park? Worth the price tag? (My kids have been to Great Adventure and loved the waterslides there)

The dolphin experience, Blue Lagoon vs Atlantis? One I saw in old posts is a 30 minute with swim, the other just you sit next to them? Are there any pros or cons to the swim-how rough are the dolphins for the swim and how proficent of a swimmer do you have to be? I also found one called UNEXSO, anyone have experience with that? One of my daughters will be having a birthday on the cruise, so I'd like to get her a nice treat, but don't want to be bled to death $$$ wise for something I could find better and cheaper elsewhere.

Castaway Cay, how is the para sailing? And the giant what looks like a water ski boat? Should I bring my own sand toys? Wetsuits? Flotation vests? Do they have helmets for the bike riding?

How are the personal trainers on the cruise?

The one thing I learned on the last cruise on CP was that even though an excursion sounds interesting, it isn't always the best for kids. Mine had more fun just on the beaches, plus one day snorkeling in Bonaire and the hotel pool, then in virtually any of the "experience" or "history" trips--silly me thinking they would like the tour of Grenada. But they loved the 4wd adventure on Aruba and the trip to the Ostrich farm. And swimming in Megan's bay.

Also, we are stuck with the late seating for dinner -is that not a bad thing re the evening shows and the kids club? Is there a way to change that?

So if anyone has some time to answer my questions, thank you! (I'm so excited!!)

[TheWog]

Shows are timed around dinner seating times so no problem there with getting to see the shows.

If they love water slides and the beach, then Atlantis would be worth it. The Aquaventure water park is great. www.atlantis.com will give you a lot more information. Consider booking a room at the Comfort Suites. You get full use of all amenities at Atlantis for less cost. The rooms accomodate up to four. Can save you a significant amount of money depending on the number of people.

Go to the dining room when you board and they will attempt to change your dining time for you. The clubs are open all night, so yes you can get Palo in if you so choose.

[rph117]

Yes, there is a personal trainer.

[PoohJen]

Four days on the Wonder.
Hooray! Congratulations!!!


Since I will be traveling with my kids, (9-turning 10 on the cruise, and 11 y.o.) and most dinners I plan on eating with them, will we still be able to see whatever show exists? I would like to squeeze in Palo if possible, is there any night when the kids do dinner in the Oceaneer Lab?

Yes. There are (at least) two showings of each "main" show each night. Earlier for the late seating dinner, and after dinner for the early seating. Most families w/ younger (even your age) kids go to early ("main seating") dinner. Then there's usually time for a quick half hour show, like "Mickey Mania" or "Who Wants to be a Mouseketeer" before going to the main evening show (like "Golden Mickeys" "Twice Charmed" etc)

Kids can eat dinner with the Lab on any night. I like to go to Palo's on formal night, since we are already dressed up. Usually we'll go to dinner with the kids and just get an appetizer, then eat at Palo's later.

Castaway Cay, how is the para sailing? Do they have helmets for the bike riding? My DH, mom and kids all enjoyed the parasailing (I didn't go, b/c I've done it before elsewhere - loved it!). Looked the same to me as other parasailing offerings - but this one is neat, b/c your are flying around the Wonder/Magic!.

Yes, they have helmets. Bike rentals are a great way to see other parts of the island!

I've been to Castaway Cay in Nov before, the water can be chilly, but I dont' expect you need a wet suit. Yes to sand toys if your kids will use them. There is a "jungle gym" type play area in the water at the family beach that occupies my kids (although, if the tide is out, this will be closed due to shallow water). They have flotation vests there for free - simple, blow up vests. There's no waves or riptide, etc.

Re: excursions: On our 3 day Wonder, we didn't even get off the ship in Nassau - there was plenty to do onboard, and the 3 day is so short! You don't need to overdo it re: excursions - if there's something really appealing to your family, go for it. Otherwise, check out the Navigators and see if there's enough on board to keep you entertained.

Also, we are stuck with the late seating for dinner -is that not a bad thing re the evening shows and the kids club? Is there a way to change that?

It's not a bad thing per se, but you may find that the club quiets down after late seating, more activities are done earlier (maybe not as much in the Lab). I prefer Main Seating. Ask your TA to get you switched if you like, or at least wait listed.

So if anyone has some time to answer my questions, thank you! (I'm so excited!!)

I'm excited for you! Especially because this is your first DCL! Woo Hoo!!! May I recommend you look at the top of this DIS forum for the FAQ thread - under "Navigators" it will show you recent daily itineraries for cruises. Check the 4 day Wonder - it'll give you a great idea of times and types of activities. Congrats again and Happy Planning!

[ntongan]

Thanks for the input!

A couple of more questions please re the 4-day Wonder .

Re Castaway Cay

Snorkeling on Castaway Cay, is it worth it? Is the equipment decent?

Renting a tube, snorkel gear and bike together? Do you really use the tubes ir is it one more thing to schlep? Then if you go biking, do you have to worry about someone stealing your tube or equipment while you bike?

Re Nassau?

If we go on the dolphin gig in the am, is it still worth it to go to Aquaventure in the afternoon?

Re Aquaventure I read on one site that someone's child fell off an individual tube and the lifeguard didn't even go in to try to right her, she kept going under and swallowing water and the parent and child were terrified. Are they really that lax about lifeguarding there ? Since I will have my two kids with me, do they have three man rafts for Aquaventure?

Are there any afternoon trips that anyone would recommend?

Re the personal training?
Has anyone used them? Are they knowledgeable or is it just someone in rotation on a cruise job?

Thanks in advance

[PoohJen]

Snorkeling on Castaway Cay, is it worth it? Is the equipment decent?

It's basic snorkeling gear; gets the job done. There are fish to see, and different buried items (you have to swim pretty far out, as I recall - it can be very tiring for younger kids); not as good as, say, Hawaii, but my family enjoys it there! We bring our own equipment; I didn't think it was worth schlepping it, but DH thinks it is. The flotation vests are free.

Renting a tube, snorkel gear and bike together? Do you really use the tubes ir is it one more thing to schlep?
If you'll use all 3, go for it! Yes, the kids really do use the tubes - so do the adults! They are just for lounging around in the water. You can leave it by your lounge when you aren't using it. At the end of the day, there are tons of abandoned tubes/floats to go around for anyone who so desires!

Then if you go biking, do you have to worry about someone stealing your tube or equipment while you bike?

No worries about leaving the tube/snorkel stuff on your lounge! We leave all our stuff behind, except I carry my camera gear with me when I bike/go to Serenity Bay.

[TheWog]

Originally Posted by ntongan

Thanks for the input!

A couple of more questions please re the 4-day Wonder .

Re Castaway Cay

Snorkeling on Castaway Cay, is it worth it? Is the equipment decent?

Renting a tube, snorkel gear and bike together? Do you really use the tubes ir is it one more thing to schlep? Then if you go biking, do you have to worry about someone stealing your tube or equipment while you bike?

Re Nassau?

If we go on the dolphin gig in the am, is it still worth it to go to Aquaventure in the afternoon?

Re Aquaventure I read on one site that someone's child fell off an individual tube and the lifeguard didn't even go in to try to right her, she kept going under and swallowing water and the parent and child were terrified. Are they really that lax about lifeguarding there ? Since I will have my two kids with me, do they have three man rafts for Aquaventure?

Not sure about worth it. If you want to experience Atlantis and Aquaventure, then yes, if you could take it or leave it then probably not. Aquaventure was a great time. We saw great lifeguarding there and very vigilant. I can't comment on that person's experience, but sometimes people can get very dramatic. If they are referring to the river ride portion the child may have been very small and the parent should have used better judgment to let him/her go alone. As an adult or older child you can stand in most locations along the river, it isn't all that deep. I wouldn't recommend trying to stand in the area where the waves are though. There are no 3 person tubes, but you can all link your arms together or hold on to each to stay close - I would paddle up behind DW and she would link my feet through her arms sometimes. There are two person tubes as well. They also allow two person tubes to go down some of the the slides, but again, no 3 person tubes.

[ntongan]

Thanks for your replies!

Anyone else out there that can comment re Aquaventure and the Dolphin Swim from Blue Lagoon? A poster on another Disney board thought that if we did the Dolphin swim it would not leave enough time for Aquaventure--has anyone else tried to do both or either one? Preferences?

Your comments would be greatly appreciated Thanks so much!

[eeyoresmountainpals]

Originally Posted by ntongan

Thanks for your replies!

Anyone else out there that can comment re Aquaventure and the Dolphin Swim from Blue Lagoon? A poster on another Disney board thought that if we did the Dolphin swim it would not leave enough time for Aquaventure--has anyone else tried to do both or either one? Preferences?

Your comments would be greatly appreciated Thanks so much!

Sorry but I can't help with the Aquaventure or Dolphin Swim - haven't done either!

But, since it looks like you're new on here I just wanted to add that you need to go to the links for your particular cruise and meet some of the people cruising with you. It's really exciting to "talk" with people that are actually going to be sailing with you! Here's the link for that:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1692803

When are you cruising in November??? My son and I will be on the Wonder on 11/8.

[loveysbydesign]

How is the weather in November? We may be switching or cruise from Oct. to mid-Nov. so my in-laws can come along for thier 1st cruise!