rentayenta
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2007
I've been non stop reading about Disney Cruises for the past 48* and think I've come to some sort of decision.
DS and I are wanting to do a Disney Cruise for his bar mitzvah gift, it's in leu of a big party, and believe it or not less expensive. We're leaving DH and his sisters at home. Our wants are 5 nights and a day at Castaway Cay. The Western Caribbean on the Wonder looks like it would most fit the bill. He'll be 12 at the time we set sail.
I've been reading like crazy and taking copious notes but thought it may be easier if anyone would be willing to answer any of my gazillion questions or point me to useful, not crazy long links...
1. Is using the $70 pp rt Disney transportation option the easiest? Ideally we'd fly in the morning of the cruise but affordable airfare from SLC to MCO is not likely so we'd probably fly in the day before. How does that work using the Disney option, do they pick you up from the hotel?
2. Good hotel near the airport that will shuttle us to the hotel upon arrival?
3. Does the ship provide beach towels?
4. Porthole vs verandah? Generally I'd insist on a verandah and I love my DVC balconies but think DS would get a kick out of the porthole. The usual romantic sunset watching with DH obviously won't apply.
5. What are some things you always bring on your cruise? Nalgene water bottles and stuff like that? Is there a place to fill up water bottles?
6. Cozumel? I've been to Cabo and Zihua etc but never Cozumel. DS and I are beach people- any advice there? We'd love to rent rafts and float around the ocean and then enjoy a local lunch, not touristy. We're not big shoppers.
7. Tipping? Pre or after, is there a difference?
8. Anything in particular I need to know about the Wonder?
9. Do they do a Pirate night or any other themed nights?
10. Do I need to make any dining reservations? DS is not picky and I don't want to miss any must-haves.
11. I have read all sorts of abbreviations I don't understand as far as dining rotations. What does all that RAERAA mean?
12. We're not super big show people so what would your one not-to-be-missed-show be?
13. Fish Extenders, will my brain explode if I find out?
14. Is room service really free?
for any insights. I really appreciate it.
DS and I are wanting to do a Disney Cruise for his bar mitzvah gift, it's in leu of a big party, and believe it or not less expensive. We're leaving DH and his sisters at home. Our wants are 5 nights and a day at Castaway Cay. The Western Caribbean on the Wonder looks like it would most fit the bill. He'll be 12 at the time we set sail.
I've been reading like crazy and taking copious notes but thought it may be easier if anyone would be willing to answer any of my gazillion questions or point me to useful, not crazy long links...
1. Is using the $70 pp rt Disney transportation option the easiest? Ideally we'd fly in the morning of the cruise but affordable airfare from SLC to MCO is not likely so we'd probably fly in the day before. How does that work using the Disney option, do they pick you up from the hotel?
2. Good hotel near the airport that will shuttle us to the hotel upon arrival?
3. Does the ship provide beach towels?
4. Porthole vs verandah? Generally I'd insist on a verandah and I love my DVC balconies but think DS would get a kick out of the porthole. The usual romantic sunset watching with DH obviously won't apply.
5. What are some things you always bring on your cruise? Nalgene water bottles and stuff like that? Is there a place to fill up water bottles?
6. Cozumel? I've been to Cabo and Zihua etc but never Cozumel. DS and I are beach people- any advice there? We'd love to rent rafts and float around the ocean and then enjoy a local lunch, not touristy. We're not big shoppers.
7. Tipping? Pre or after, is there a difference?
8. Anything in particular I need to know about the Wonder?
9. Do they do a Pirate night or any other themed nights?
10. Do I need to make any dining reservations? DS is not picky and I don't want to miss any must-haves.
11. I have read all sorts of abbreviations I don't understand as far as dining rotations. What does all that RAERAA mean?
12. We're not super big show people so what would your one not-to-be-missed-show be?
13. Fish Extenders, will my brain explode if I find out?
14. Is room service really free?
for any insights. I really appreciate it.