March 24th,2013 / 4 nights Bahamas

[RopeDrop]

Hi all - I have been so busy at work that the time just got away! This will be our first cruise too = just me and DS 15. I am a little nervous that there seem to be lots more teen girls than boys! My son thinks he will be spending a lot of time in Vibe -- away from Mom and he is worried about me being alone!

We are from Batavia IL and in the middle of track season so he is wondering where he can work out - how old do you have to be to go to the fitness center? I am not a runner so I just want to relax with a book or take it all in!

I hope we will find all of you at 3:00! I am still wondering what to pack!

Rope Drop - are you on the MO Board too? It was your trip report from last year that convinced us to try a cruise! I am sure my son will see your older girls in the club!

Thanks for the help everyone!

Jan (and John)

Yes! That's me! I'm so glad I could help another cruise novice like myself.

I found this thread only a few weeks ago, since MO is where I usually hang out. I'm dragging all three girls to the 3:00 meet and greet with this fun group. Hopefully you can bring your son too. One of my daughters is on the track team in Libertyville so they already have something in common.
If it's anything like our last trip, they'll be friends after that first Vibe meeting. Looking forward to meeting you.

Niki

 

[chwtom]

This is my first time cruising. A lot of things at Disney require advance planning or some knowledge of the best way to do things, otherwise you miss out (like booking the Cindarella breakfast 180 days in advance or getting your Toy Story fast pass as soon as you get to the park).

Would any experienced cruisers be willing to help advise me on what I should do now, or as soon as we get on the ship? Feel free to send me a PM if you'd prefer.

I already missed out on getting a Cabana at CC, getting Remy reservations, getting massage reservations, FE, and we got the last port arrival time (3 pm), so I'd like to make sure we don't miss out on anything else because I was slow to get moving on planning. I've heard the scavenger hunt/detective game is fun, but I don't even know if/where/when you need to sign up for that, and I don't know anything else we might want to know in advance. Do we need to sign up for movies/shows?

I'm lost. Please help a cruise novice.

 

[moebear]

This is my first time cruising. A lot of things at Disney require advance planning or some knowledge of the best way to do things, otherwise you miss out (like booking the Cindarella breakfast 180 days in advance or getting your Toy Story fast pass as soon as you get to the park).

Would any experienced cruisers be willing to help advise me on what I should do now, or as soon as we get on the ship? Feel free to send me a PM if you'd prefer.

I already missed out on getting a Cabana at CC, getting Remy reservations, getting massage reservations, FE, and we got the last port arrival time (3 pm), so I'd like to make sure we don't miss out on anything else because I was slow to get moving on planning. I've heard the scavenger hunt/detective game is fun, but I don't even know if/where/when you need to sign up for that, and I don't know anything else we might want to know in advance. Do we need to sign up for movies/shows?

I'm lost. Please help a cruise novice.

LOL...Just know you are going to have a blast. We have a 2:30-3:30 window to board the ship, but I think they have general boarding much sooner - like 1:00ish. Hope I am not wrong.

Reach out to Ropedrop, think she is putting together a list of us 'late to the FE's' so that the kids can have a few gifts. I was late at coming to this link too!

You don't have to sign up for movies/shows. If you have early dinner seating - then you see the second show, or if you have late dinner seating - you see the earlier show.

Once you board the ship, ask where you can sign up for ressies to Remy/Palo. I have done that in the past and was able to get a dinner or brunch in. Also, you can usually book a spa treatment once you board. But even if you don't, you are going to have a blast.

I have no idea about the scavenger hunt/detective thingy - this is our first time on the Dream!

Cannot wait to meet you all!

Bonnie

 

[ssnow32539]

This is my first time cruising. A lot of things at Disney require advance planning or some knowledge of the best way to do things, otherwise you miss out (like booking the Cindarella breakfast 180 days in advance or getting your Toy Story fast pass as soon as you get to the park).

Would any experienced cruisers be willing to help advise me on what I should do now, or as soon as we get on the ship? Feel free to send me a PM if you'd prefer.

I already missed out on getting a Cabana at CC, getting Remy reservations, getting massage reservations, FE, and we got the last port arrival time (3 pm), so I'd like to make sure we don't miss out on anything else because I was slow to get moving on planning. I've heard the scavenger hunt/detective game is fun, but I don't even know if/where/when you need to sign up for that, and I don't know anything else we might want to know in advance. Do we need to sign up for movies/shows?

I'm lost. Please help a cruise novice.

You don't need reservations for the detective game. You can go to the kiosk at any point during the cruise to get your cards for the game and play at your leisure. It's really fun! You may also be able to book Remy or Palo once you board the ship.

One thing we plan to do, and have never done before, is to drop something off at guest services to have signed by all the characters. I never knew you could do that and this will be our 5th Disney cruise. I bought two picture frame mats, a pack of sharpie markers, and some gum for the cast members to share. I put them all in a padded envelope with our name and cabin number on it. From what I have read from other threads, it should be ready to pick up by the end of the cruise. Others have had pillow cases signed. I think they will sign just about anything. There may also be a limit to the number of objects they will sign per stateroom. Some people said two items, while others thought it was based on the number of children per room.

While at Guest services, you may also want to sign up for one of the tastings. They have wine, beer, tequila, and a few others. I know that a few of us are wanting to try the mixology tasting while on board.

I'm sure you will have a great time no matter what you sign up to do. Hope to see you at our DISmeet at 3pm at Vista Cafe!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[EDH Family]

This is my first time cruising. A lot of things at Disney require advance planning or some knowledge of the best way to do things, otherwise you miss out (like booking the Cindarella breakfast 180 days in advance or getting your Toy Story fast pass as soon as you get to the park).

Would any experienced cruisers be willing to help advise me on what I should do now, or as soon as we get on the ship? Feel free to send me a PM if you'd prefer.

I already missed out on getting a Cabana at CC, getting Remy reservations, getting massage reservations, FE, and we got the last port arrival time (3 pm), so I'd like to make sure we don't miss out on anything else because I was slow to get moving on planning. I've heard the scavenger hunt/detective game is fun, but I don't even know if/where/when you need to sign up for that, and I don't know anything else we might want to know in advance. Do we need to sign up for movies/shows?

I'm lost. Please help a cruise novice.

Just like any Disney vacation there does require alot of planning even for a cruise. There are so many things that if you have not been on a Disney Cruise before, it is really hard to know ahead of time. Bonnie summed it up very good. You can still get reservations/spa appts onboard. Just stop by and check with them. Cabanas sell out with in the 1st few minutes at the 120 mark, so even if you would have tried to get one early it is tough.


I am a part time travel agent specializing in Disney Cruises. I always make sure my clients are well informed with what to expect. I know we are so close to sailing already but if you have any particular questions feel free to call me. If you or anyone else is interested in using a Travel Agent for their next Disney cruise, I would be more than happy to help you get that planned

Tammy Myers
Disney Travel Advisor * Glass Slipper Concierge
916-410-7072
http://www.glassslipperconcierge.com/about-us/specialist/tammy-myers
https://www.facebook.com/GlassSlipperConciergeTammyMyers

 

[EDH Family]

A few Disney Cruise tips.....

Leave a wake-up call. It's Mickey Mouse who will call you. When you answer, hit the speaker phone button so your entire cabin can hear.

Take a pillowcase or picture frame matte or to guest services at the beginning of the cruise and leave it in a ziplock baggie with Sharpies. They will have the characters sign it before the end of the cruise. You can request just princesses, Fab 5 or all the characters sign it.

Guest Services has single doses of "stuff" like Tylenol, ibuprofen, Band-Aids, etc. Just ask.

If traveling with an infant, consider the babies travel lite service that will deliver diapers, formula, etc. to your cabin.
Pack a collapsible Laundry basket. This is great for storing your dirty clothes and even using it to carry your laundry to the self service laundry machines.

Don’t wait until the last night of the cruise to view and decide on the portraits you want to buy. It is super crowded on the last night. Try to do it earlier to avoid the crowd.

Arrive 5-10 minutes after your scheduled seating time. There are no points for being the first 50 into the dining room. Avoid the lines of people waiting to be seated.

Bring your pirate gear and attire for the Pirate Party!

Bring ziplock baggies (you can take off sandwiches or other goodies when in port)

You have a refrigerator in your stateroom.

If you are a scrapbooker, the evening before disembarking, pick up extra luggage tags of all the characters - great for your scrapbook pages! Ask your room steward for an extra copy of the daily Navigator for each day of your trip.

If you think that you or anyone in your family has the potential to get sea sick, I recommend talking with your Dr. before the cruise and get a motion sickness patch prescription to take with you as a precaution. It is a small patch that goes behind the ear.

Stop by guest services when you board the ship to check to see what things they have available to reserve like tastings and other things.

Bring an envelope of $1 bills to keep by the door for room service tips.

 

[luvdmouse]

Who all is staying at the Hyatt at MCO?

We are staying at the Hyatt. We tried to stay there on our last cruise, but they overbooked and sent us to another hotel. I have been promised that this won't happen again. Luckily, we arrive at noon. We will be hanging out by the pool if the weather is nice. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

 

[luvdmouse]

Hi Momtomattclare and Bataviamom,
We are also from the Chicago area, Buffalo Grove to be exact. I have twin almost 14 years old boys and a 16 year old daughter. Our friends, by chance, ended up on the same cruise. It sounds like there will be lots of teens around. I hope my guys find some 13-14 year old boys to hang around with.

 

[divinemissm2]

Who all is staying at the Hyatt at MCO?

We are staying at the Hyatt. We tried to stay there on our last cruise, but they overbooked and sent us to another hotel. I have been promised that this won't happen again. Luckily, we arrive at noon. We will be hanging out by the pool if the weather is nice. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

We are staying Saturday night too! Flight gets in at 7:00ish so I am not sure if we will make it in time to relax by the pool.

 

[BataviaMom]

We are staying at the Hyatt but we don't get in until 11 pm - mistake by me booking so late!

What do we do - we just check in and tell them we are cruising? Do we bring everything to the bus (where is it)?

Sorry - such a newbie! My son is 15 and is excited about all the teens so he is up for anything - though he is looking for some running buddies to stay in track shape!

I am too excited!

Jan

 

[divinemissm2]

We are staying at the Hyatt but we don't get in until 11 pm - mistake by me booking so late!

What do we do - we just check in and tell them we are cruising? Do we bring everything to the bus (where is it)?

Sorry - such a newbie! My son is 15 and is excited about all the teens so he is up for anything - though he is looking for some running buddies to stay in track shape!

I am too excited!

Jan

I'm a newbie too so I am not sure about the Hyatt piece. I know the buses leave from the airport so I assume we let them know at check in and figure out whether we take our bags to the bus with us or if they do it.

My DS 17 would love to run with your son. He is a field events guy but runs to stay in shape for football.

Molly

 

[BataviaMom]

So awesome - he will look forward to having at least one running buddy!

He is thinking of doing the 5K at Castaway Cay - good for him - not for me!

One more question - what do you veterans suggest for lunch before we leave? Are there certain places open?

Thanks - so sorry for all the questions!

Jan

 

[Princess Bette]

Who all is staying at the Hyatt at MCO?

We are staying at the Hyatt. We tried to stay there on our last cruise, but they overbooked and sent us to another hotel. I have been promised that this won't happen again. Luckily, we arrive at noon. We will be hanging out by the pool if the weather is nice. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

I remember reading about this earlier and I got real nervous! So today when I called to book a day room for Thursday (we have a late afternoon return flight), I talked with a very helpful young lady and made sure she knew when our flight was due to arrive, etc. She was most helpful and very pleasant. I have been very pleased with their service to date.

I got most of our packing done today! The excitement around here is growing each day! One week until cruise day!

 

[Princess Bette]

Getting super excited!!! Can't wait to meet everyone at 3:00!

Jan-- I'm traveling solo with my DS (9) and DD (5). We're also sort of neighbors--I'm on the NW side of Chicago. My kiddos are younger than yours but I teach high school so guessing we might have some common ground. DS and I are doing parasailing at 11:00 as well--wonder if we'll be on the same boat? I'm hoping to run the 5K on Castaway Cay. I haven't read those threads in a while but I think you DS might be able to do that.

Hi Renee!
I was hoping to do the 5k as well, but it doesn't look like I am going to be able too - I injured my knee several months ago and after a couple of injections, it still hurts quite a bit when running on the treadmill. Also, I seem to have a groin injury as well. My age is really starting to show! But I am going to buy me a shirt for motivation for the next cruise! And yes, there will be a next cruise!

See you soon!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

One week from today we'll be dreaming on the dream

Guess what!! Yesterday, I FINALLY got my cruise booklet!!! It was dated Feb 8th on the stamp and arrived yesterday. I'm curious as to where it could have traveled in that time from Lake Buena Vista to Clermont (about 30 min drive) but there's no telling!

HAPPY PACKING AND TRAVELS THIS WEEK TO EVERYONE!!!!

 

[EDH Family]

We are staying at the Hyatt but we don't get in until 11 pm - mistake by me booking so late!

What do we do - we just check in and tell them we are cruising? Do we bring everything to the bus (where is it)?

Sorry - such a newbie! My son is 15 and is excited about all the teens so he is up for anything - though he is looking for some running buddies to stay in track shape!

I am too excited!

Jan

If you are staying at the Hyatt and have added transfers from DCL the busses leave right from the airport. The run continuously from about 10am-1:30pm making trips out to Port Canaveral. So when ever you are ready, head downstairs to the Magical Express section in the morning to board the bus. It is very easy and convenient. Hotel will have details for your luggage upon checking in.

 

[momtomattclare]

Hi Renee!
I was hoping to do the 5k as well, but it doesn't look like I am going to be able too - I injured my knee several months ago and after a couple of injections, it still hurts quite a bit when running on the treadmill. Also, I seem to have a groin injury as well. My age is really starting to show! But I am going to buy me a shirt for motivation for the next cruise! And yes, there will be a next cruise!

See you soon!

Hey Bette!

Getting so excited!!! Bummer about your injuries--I can definitely relate. I've been sidelined in the past with back and knee issues--even missed a half marathon last year that I had signed up for. Definitely get the shirt--you know you will be back!

Looking forward to meeting you!!

 

[momtomattclare]

Hi Momtomattclare and Bataviamom,
We are also from the Chicago area, Buffalo Grove to be exact. I have twin almost 14 years old boys and a 16 year old daughter. Our friends, by chance, ended up on the same cruise. It sounds like there will be lots of teens around. I hope my guys find some 13-14 year old boys to hang around with.

Hi!! I'm not to familiar with Buffalo Grove, but I was just there last week-had to take our dog to the ER vet there. Poor thing had an allergic reaction to her shots. Look forward to meeting you!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

For previous cruisers..does you OTC Medicine have to be in the original bottles? I use little travel cases for my OTC allergy medicine which is smaller than the bottle but is that permitted?? Please let me know so I can plan accordingly!! Thanks

 

[RopeDrop]

Hi there! I know a few people expressed interest in the last minute FE group. (The just-in-timers!). If you would be willing to give me your kids ages and your cabin number in a PM, then I can keep the list together.

I pick up some bottle top magnets. I have some Minnie and Mickey trinket boxes that I was going to fill. I also wanted to look for some bubbles and other little cruise goodies. Maybe pirate related?

All I need to know if who's in, how old and cabin number.i believe my cabin is 8130, but I ll double check. If you have suggestions for how to do FE send them on. I was just planning on putting some fun trinkets in everyone's door each day. So send me a message with your room number and kids names. Let me know what you think.

Niki