Spending Christmas with The Mouse

[JohnsPrincess]

With just over (by a day, I believe) 3 months to go until our cruise, I thought I ought to start a pre-trip report. My notebook is getting very jumbled!!! Lol

Cast of Characters:

Me - Lexi - I'm 30 years old and this will be my first cruise! (This will actually be the first Real cruise for all of us...though I believe my mom went on...like a Day cruise once). I've been a fan of Disney my entire life with my first trip when I was 3 years old. My husband told me he loved me for the first time in front of Cinderella's Castle and asked me to marry him on the beach near the Wedding Pavilion. I LOVE it there!!

DH - John - He's 35 and while he didn't dislike Disney...he wasn't exactly a fan of it before I came along. However, he quickly learned that if he wanted to be with me, he had to at least go along on my Disney outings without complaint. I had to DRAG him into the parks the first time, but now I think he actually truly enjoys himself.

Mommy - Kathy - The cause of my obsession. She (and my grandparents) brought me to Disney for the first time (and many subsequent times!), listening to me tell her the entire trip how I was going to meet Mickey Mouse. At the time the characters weren't out like they are now. You weren't guaranteed to meet the Main Man or any of them! She kept trying to tell me that MAYBE he wouldn't be there, but I wouldn't have it. Nope. I was going to meet him. My poor mother was terrified that I wouldn't and that I would be crushed. But, as soon as we walked through the gates on our very first day - HE was there. And all was well.

DSissy - Nikki - She's 9, though will be a month from turning 10 when we go on the cruise. She's a mini me in a lot of ways, Disney being one of them. Her fear of the Tower of Terror NOT being one of them. Curiously enough, she went on the Rockin' Roller Coaster with me for the first time this past summer and loved THAT. But the mere Mention of ToT and she starts crying. Love that kid.


Background: My dh came here to Kuwait LAST year (Aug 08) and I was back home in Tampa packing, sending, packing, blah blah blah. I arrived in country mid Dec...1 week after they moved him to Iraq. Because I didn't relish spending Christmas alone - in the Middle East - I met my mom, sister, and step-dad in London. We'd actually been planning this for a while, but dh couldn't go so I wasn't going to...until Iraq. Going on that trip reminded me how much I truly love traveling. It's been Really hard to get my Dh to go on a real vacation, and I missed it. ... Thankfully - around mid Jan, he was sent back to Kuwait and we were here together until June. We both went back to the states for various personal things when he got a job offer he couldn't refuse...come to Little Rock, AR for 3 years and be an AMEDD recruiter. He took it. But *I* still had 6 more months in this armpit. So I decided that we needed something special for Christmas this year. And that would be a Disney Cruise. Since it's STILL my moms turn for Christmas with us (5 year boycott on Christmas with his family...lol) we thought it would be great if she could come too, and Sissy of course.

Which brings us to today. We are booked on the Disney Wonder - 4 nights - leaving Dec 23.

I am slightly nervous about seasickness...I got VERY ill on the Chanel crossing between Dover, England and Calet (sp?) France years ago. Yes, it was a MUCH smaller ship and Yes, that water is extremely rough, but I'm still scared. Any and all advice on what to take is appreciated. (Dramamine makes me incapacitated. I can NOT stay awake on it.)

Anyways...I don't get (to my new) home until Dec 15. We plan to be back in Tampa by at least the 22nd which only gives me a week to do anything that must be done in the states/in person...

[JohnsPrincess]

1) Underwater Camera - I think I'm settled on the Cannon Powershot D10. It's 12mp and goes underwater up to 33ft. I also looked at the Olympus Stylus 1050, but that's only 10.1mp and 10ft...so I think I'm going to order the Cannon in a couple weeks.
1a) I'll need 1 or 2 memory cards. I'm thinking 4gig.
1b) I'll need probably 2-3 extra batteries. I take a LOT of pictures...

2) Snorkel Gear - I will NOT use a snorkel that another person has used!! Gross!! I've already ordered my own set - snorkel, mask, fins, and bag for them. I just need dh to confirm his shoe size (...I think it's 10.5 but I don't buy him shoes...at all!!). I hope I got a good set for myself...but I know nothing about it. I got a "dry" snorkel which was the one thing I knew I wanted. Oh, and it's all pink. LOL ****All our snorkel gear has now been ordered!!

3) Pirate Costumes - Dh has a costume and some other nice pirate stuff. The problem is...most of our stuff is still in boxes and I'm not sure it was sent to AR anyways...so he's supposed to be looking for that. I don't have one yet and I don't want to order one online. I'm trying to tone up/slim down and so I think I'll wait until I get home to get one. Google says there are a couple Party City's in the area...that should work.

4) Seasickness stuff - Ginger Capsules? Sea Bands?? ??? My mom is supposed to talk to a Doc she works with and get some advice.

5) 3M Command Hooks - gotta hang our Christmas lights and stockings somehow!

6) Room gifts - I'm going to order the little Cruise Minnie for my sister (to be in the room when they get there)...but I'm not sure about Mom and Dh? Water bottle for my mom? It's nice. She might actually get use out of it. Passport/document holder? That's nice...I don't think she already has one. I think I may order one of these for myself! DH?? Maybe the Bon Voyage package with the Fairy Tale Cuvee (we had it there on our honeymoon). And/or the little ship model?

**** Will add more as I need...

[JohnsPrincess]

1) Snorkel stuff
2) Camera
3) Personalized magnets
4) 3M hooks & alcohol to wipe wall
5) power strips
6) alarm clock
7) seasick meds/meds
8) booze, booze, booze
9) Xmas lights
10) Mickey/Minnie Santa Hats (if John can find them)
11) Mini Mickey tree
12) stockings
13) Pillow case w/sharpies for the front desk to be signed
14) Fish extender/Fish Extender stuff
15) Magnetic dry erase boards

[JohnsPrincess]

1) Stockings - Dh and I LOVE Christmas decorations so I decided to make us each a stocking this year. I got a couple kits from Joann's and already started on his. They are applique and actually fairly easy AND fun!! IF I finish them (and all the other things I need to do) early enough, I will also make one for Mom & Sissy.

2) Magnets - I found a wonderful lady here on the Dis who will design my magnets once I have the time to sit down and go through all the pictures she has!! The problem then will be printing them out. If I do it here, I have to order the magnet stuff and then pray the ONE printer I have access to will work. I really don't think I'd be able to get Dh to do it...and I'd like the ones I'm giving to mom and Sis to be a surprise/gift. So...hmmmm

3) Gift baskets? We won't bring ALL our Christmas gifts onto the ship, lol, but I would like to bring SOME things. Stocking stuffers and maybe some other little stuff. I want Sissy to have an underwater camera so I'm going to see if there are any cheap digital ones...other wise I'll just go ahead and grab her a couple of throw aways!

[JohnsPrincess]

I'm def doing the fish extender! I ordered one off of Ebay and I can't wait to see it. I know that it's Green & Red and has our last name at the top. One pocket has Mickey with a Santa hat and Dh's name and the other has Minnie with a Santa hat and my name! So cute!

I have some stuff that I want to make...but realized I don't have a glue gun here and I DEF need that for these things. So...I have to either order a new one (no way Dh will find mine) or wait until I get home and bust my butt making them in my "free" time in the week before the cruise. Ugh. There's also a couple things here that I think would be cool to get...I'm just holding off until I have a better idea of how many people are going to take part.

[JohnsPrincess]

Dh's - U.S.Divers Admiral Lx / Island Dry Lx / Trek / Travel Bag (Black, Fin Size 10-13)



Mine - U.S. Divers Aqua Lung Sport Diva LX Mask, Island Dry Snorkel, Trek Travel Fins & Bag

[JohnsPrincess]

I'm having a pretty hard time deciding on our excursions. Dh is happy with whatever I want (which is sweet, and I love, but doesn't help! ).

I've read multiple things about the weather. Most seem to say that December will still be nice and the water will still be warm. But of course, "they" say that there are nice days and Not So Nice Days. I'm worried that if I book an excursion in the water and it's FREEZING and we don't do it...we'll just lose the money. Which would suck. And it would suck more to have only booked something to do in the water and then not be able to do anything. *sigh*

So right now my top choice is:
Seahorse Catamaran Snorkel Adventure
Location: Castaway Cay At a Glance
Activity Type: Nature Adventures, Splashtacular, Family Adventures, Action Adventures
Activity Level: Moderate
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Adult Price: $52 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $36 (ages 5-9)
Ages: 5 And Up
Just a short stroll from the ship, board the Seahorse Catamaran, a 63-foot power-catamaran, and receive your snorkel gear and instruction. Depart the Cay, snapping a picture of your Disney Cruise Line® ship as you head into open water to the northern end of the island. Set anchor at a specially selected snorkel stop boasting a vibrant reef and colorful fish native to the Abaco region.

After approximately 75 minutes of snorkel time, reboard the catamaran and enjoying a refreshing beverage, before returning back to Castaway Cay with plenty of time to enjoy the island's other highlights.



I think that sounds Great and Nikki is old enough for it so we could all do it together...so long as it's not freezing out...

The stingray thing also looks pretty cool, but I'd like to go out and see more sea life than that!

[JohnsPrincess]

I'm really undecided about Nassau.

I think my top choice is the Ardastra Gardens and City Tour because the Gardens sound gorgeous, you get to see some of the town and the "history", and then you still have time for shopping, etc.

I also like the sound of the Nassau Forts and Junkanoo Discovery. I really like exploring places and think the Forts would be cool. Both my first choice and this one drive around the city a bit.

Has anyone done either of the above tours?

I know my Dh would love the Cigar one...but at almost 200$ a pop...I don't think he'd go for it. The wine and cheese one sounds nice too, but again...200$ a person!

I do know that I want to have time to shop and check out the Pirate Museum. I know Dh would like that!

Ardastra Gardens and City Tour
Location: Nassau At a Glance
Activity Type: Family Adventures, Nature Adventures, Sightseeing Adventures
Activity Level: Moderate
Duration: 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $42 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $29 (ages 3-9)
Ages: All Ages
Escape to the lush, tropical Ardastra Gardens — home to the world-famous marching flamingos — before discovering Nassau's fascinating history during a city tour.

Behold the scenic surroundings of Nassau — where verdant flora mingles with shimmering ocean views — during a 15-minute, air-conditioned bus ride to one of Nassau's most picturesque tourist destinations: Ardastra Gardens. Located just outside the heart of Nassau's city center, Ardastra Gardens is a five-and-a-half acre zoo, garden and conservation center that is home to a vast array of mammals, reptiles and exotic birds. Upon your arrival, make your way to the home of the world-famous pink flamingos and marvel as the birds march in unison and follow orders given by the onsite "drill sergeant" trainer with military precision during a delightful show.

Afterward, bask in the cool breezes and soak up the sun as you embark on a tour of the park's lush grounds. Wander along winding paths, cross over a pond via a quaint footbridge, and surrender to the burst of color — compliments of the exotic flora — and the air of tranquility that surrounds you at every turn. Snap pictures of the many animal exhibits, which include nearly 300 mammals, birds and reptiles, including jaguars, crocodiles, iguanas, snakes and monkeys, to name just a few. Children will love to spend time at the Farm Yard, where friendly goats, sheep, bunnies, geese and chickens are free to roam. Then, experience that magic of feeding a live bird during a visit to the Lory Parrot's habitat, where the brilliantly colored bird will sit quietly on your hand in anticipation of an apple treat.

After your approximate hour-long visit, savor a refreshing beverage and then journey once again via motor coach back into the city center and embark on a 45-minute city tour of downtown Nassau. Lose yourself to the colonial architecture of Nassau — bedecked in "government pink" — as you drive past historic Parliament Square, the Governor's Mansion and Gregory's Arch before stopping at Fort Fincastle. Built in 1793, Fort Fincastle was designed in the shape of a paddle-wheel steamer to ward off possible raiders; today, it offers sweeping views of the Caribbean Ocean. Wander the quaint grounds and snap a picture of the sprawling countryside and nearby city before boarding your motor coach one last time for your quick 10-minute trip back to the pier.



Nassau Forts and Junkanoo Discovery
Location: Nassau At a Glance
Activity Type: Family Adventures, Sightseeing Adventures
Activity Level: Mild
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Adult Price: $41 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $31 (ages 3-9)
Ages: All Ages
Explore some of the oldest sights in Nassau and learn about of one the most colorful festivals in the Caribbean: The Bahamian Junkanoo.

Take in the sprawling coastal sights as you embark on a breezy 15-minute stroll from the ship to the pick-up point for the day's adventure: an illuminating city tour of Nassau's history. After your walk, board an air-conditioned van and make your way along Bay Street, passing through the heart of Nassau's shopping district to nearby Fort Fincastle. Built in 1793, Fort Fincastle was designed in the shape of a paddle-wheel steamer to ward off possible raiders; today, it offers sweeping views of the Caribbean Ocean in the distance. Make your way to the top and wander the quaint grounds, which is home to three cannons that were never used in battle but have majestically stood the test of time. Continue on to the 18th-century Queen's Staircase. Built out of solid limestone in honor of Queen Victoria, Queen's Staircase is comprised of 65 steps and stands an impressive 100 feet high. Snap a picture of the city from the panoramic perch and have the option of descending the Queen's Staircase and have your driver rendezvous with you at the bottom.

Next, set off on an informative drive to a Junkanoo exhibit. There you will learn the history and different components that create this spectacular yearly National Cultural Festival of the Bahamas. Your host will demonstrate costumes, pictures and the pulsating music made from goat skin drums, cow bells and horns. Following your visit, continue your drive past historic Parliament Square, the Governor's Mansion and Gregory's Arch on your way to your final destination, Fort Charlotte. Built in the Napoleonic Era by Lord Dunmore between 1787 1789, Fort Charlotte is the largest fort in Nassau and features a dry moat, draw-bridge, ramparts and dungeons. Snap a picture in front of this relic of the past and surrender to the splendid views of Nassau Harbor in the distance. Finally, unwind during the short drive back to the pier, or have the option of being dropped off at the nearby straw market for some souvenir shopping.

[IceSk8ersMom]

I look forward to your TR. It will be a preview for my 2010 Christmas cruise with Mickey. Keep up the good job

[OurOhana]

I just found your report. It's really great, with tons of details. Can't wait to read more.

[JohnsPrincess]

Originally Posted by IceSk8ersMom

I look forward to your TR. It will be a preview for my 2010 Christmas cruise with Mickey. Keep up the good job

Thank you!! I enjoy having all my info in one place like this!!

[JohnsPrincess]

Originally Posted by OurOhana

I just found your report. It's really great, with tons of details. Can't wait to read more.

Thank you so much!

[JohnsPrincess]

Alrighty - not much new to report!

My snorkel gear arrived sometime last week and Dh opened it up and said it all looked good! His should get there this week.

My mom ordered a set for her and my sister too! She got them the same one that I got...except in the light blue. She said I could be "special" that way. My mom knows me too well!!!

Friends of the family will be in Orlando starting on the 19th so we've decided that we're going to spend at least one day at Disney before the cruise (though, I'm sure we'll spend at least a few days there, lol). This way we get to see our friends, use our military passes (since our annual passes have expired), and we'll be that much closer to the port on the morning of the 23rd. We'll only have about 1.5 hours to drive instead of 3! Yippee!! Not that I really had a doubt we'd go to Disney in Dec...but I'm glad that it's pretty much decided. Now we just have to figure out where we'll stay and what's going on the days we'll be there. And we need to figure out what day we can leave Arkansas to drive home!

What else...Just over a week until we can book our excursions! I think we've decided to just do the snorkel one at Castaway Cay and cross our fingers that a cold front doesn't come through - and do the Ardastra Gardens & City Tour. Both tours sound great...but this way I know we'll have time to see lots of other stuff in Nassau!

[JohnsPrincess]

Looks like we know ONE thing we're going to do. Lol. I think I mentioned that we def want to stay over night at Disney the night before the cruise. We have some friends of the family that we be there for about a week also so we HAVE to see them!! While I need to find out from DH exactly when we can expect to be in Tampa, right now we are planning on all doing the Candlelight Processional at Epcot on the 22nd. Brian Dennehy is the speaker, which is cool. Though I'd rather see Whoopi who is from the 18-20th! Drat! Ah well!! In all the years I've been going to Disney...we've never watched this program and I'm so excited!!

[JohnsPrincess]

Excursions are Booked!!! Yippee!!!

I booked for both Dh & I AND my mom and Sis...I didn't realize it would let me and figure that's one less thing for her to remember!!

We are all booked for the Ardasta Gardens & City tour from 1245-315 on Dec 24 in Nassau.

Dh and I are booked at Palo for Brunch on Dec 25 at 1130.

We are all booked for the Seahorse Catamaran & Snorkel Adventure from 0930-1230 on Dec 26 at Castaway Cay.