»»June 16, 2012 Father's Day Cruise on the Fantasy!««

[thegales]

We have always stayed at the Radisson at the port, and have left our car there. Their shuttle works for us for getting to the port and returning back. The latest shuttle we have ever been on to get to the port has been the 10:30. When we have arrived at the hotel early enough to enjoy the pool (and the outdoor bar), we have always met others who were cruising (some DIS, some not) and have made good friends for the cruise.

I am debating staying at the Country Inn and Suites for this trip. While the Radisson is a clean hotel and has a nice pool, it is showing its age. We will do some more research as time gets closer.

 

[thegales]

So I looked at the Country Inn and Suites last night. Recognizing that I was looking at a date over a year out, the prices did not seem that reasonable. The pool was nothing special either.

I will look at CI&S again, but I think we may be at the Radisson again. The parking fee at the port is about the cost of a room.

 

[Silverfox97]

The parking fee at the port is about the cost of a room.

Ahh yes, but the port has a secured lot

 

[triplefigs]

We have always stayed at the Radisson at the port, and have left our car there. Their shuttle works for us for getting to the port and returning back. The latest shuttle we have ever been on to get to the port has been the 10:30. When we have arrived at the hotel early enough to enjoy the pool (and the outdoor bar), we have always met others who were cruising (some DIS, some not) and have made good friends for the cruise.

I am debating staying at the Country Inn and Suites for this trip. While the Radisson is a clean hotel and has a nice pool, it is showing its age. We will do some more research as time gets closer.

We stayed at the CIS last cruise and LOVED it! Got a great rate that and the room had bunk-beds and a twin bed for our triplets!

 

[Docjason2]

With the wife working at Hampton, we stayed there last year for our trip (Can't beat $30 a night for hotel!!!). I figure we'll rent a car one way again and either stay at the Hampton or Hilton in Orlando or near Port Canaveral.

But.... I am trying to see if we can swing a trip to WDW before our cruise. We've never been and I figure when do we really get a chance to go on vacation. So we're not exactly sure what we'll do...heck I have no idea about going to WDW either. There is more info on these boards about there than DCL

 

[Silverfox97]

With the wife working at Hampton, we stayed there last year for our trip (Can't beat $30 a night for hotel!!!). I figure we'll rent a car one way again and either stay at the Hampton or Hilton in Orlando or near Port Canaveral.

But.... I am trying to see if we can swing a trip to WDW before our cruise. We've never been and I figure when do we really get a chance to go on vacation. So we're not exactly sure what we'll do...heck I have no idea about going to WDW either. There is more info on these boards about there than DCL

Docjason,

If you have any questions about WDW, feel free to ask. We literally go every other Friday - no exaggeration. In fact, we are going next Friday I feel like we are "experts" at the resturants especially.

 

[tiggerb]

Docjason,

If you have any questions about WDW, feel free to ask. We literally go every other Friday - no exaggeration. In fact, we are going next Friday I feel like we are "experts" at the resturants especially.

I wanna be like YOU! Lucky ducks!

 

[Silverfox97]

I wanna be like YOU! Lucky ducks!

We feel blessed, that is for sure. Before moving to Tampa, I had been to WDW 4 times (including our wedding), and DL once. We have long surpassed that now We try to explain to DD how lucky she is, that people save up lots of $$ to come every year or every other year for a vacation - being 4, she doesn't get it yet........(she will). No, it still doesn't lose it's "magic."

We will go next Friday, but then have a break, as it fills up for Spring Break. We will still manage to go in April twice, but we try to avoid the crowds. We stop going after DH's b-day in June until the end of August to avoid summer crowds, too (except when our friends come for 2 weeks). Don't know what we are going to do when DD starts pre-school in the fall

 

[Docjason2]

Docjason,

If you have any questions about WDW, feel free to ask. We literally go every other Friday - no exaggeration. In fact, we are going next Friday I feel like we are "experts" at the restaurants especially.

I definitely will take you up on that. Unfortunately for us, it's more the plane travel that keeps us from going there more than the cost of actually going inside. As the family gets bigger, the more we have to spend. Funny I don't think I've been to any amusement park more than once every other year or so

We've all wanted to go to WDW, just need to find the time and money. I am trying to squeeze it in either before or after the cruise, since we'll already be in FL and school will be out. The consensus is that going to WDW before the cruise would be best, run around and see/do it all, then take a nice relaxing cruise.

 

[tiggerb]

We are also looking at doing the parks (and going to the "other park(s)) too for the 1st time since DS is now tall enough to make it worth the $$ for tickets) BEFORE the cruise.

As I have told my sons, it's ok to tell kids, but be careful not to brag about going to WDW and 4 or 5 times already---- including the surprise trip unknown to them until the airport arrival). I know for a fact, many classmates will probably not get a chance to go, at least while being a child due to the financial cost.

As for your daughter and PreK next year... it's only PRESCHOOL. Absents DO NOT COUNT or go on their school record. This is coming from a PREK teacher! Have fun anytime. As I tell my boys even... it IS a LEARNING experience every time you go while having FUN! My youngest doesn't understand why we didn't build a house next to the Indy Stunt show instead of in WI! DH wants to be a machinist/pump specialist @ WDW. Is there a PreK for CM families that I could teach at? HHmmmm....

 

[Susiesark]

We feel blessed, that is for sure. Before moving to Tampa, I had been to WDW 4 times (including our wedding), and DL once. We have long surpassed that now We try to explain to DD how lucky she is, that people save up lots of $$ to come every year or every other year for a vacation - being 4, she doesn't get it yet........(she will). No, it still doesn't lose it's "magic."

We will go next Friday, but then have a break, as it fills up for Spring Break. We will still manage to go in April twice, but we try to avoid the crowds. We stop going after DH's b-day in June until the end of August to avoid summer crowds, too (except when our friends come for 2 weeks). Don't know what we are going to do when DD starts pre-school in the fall

We are the same, but go to Disneyland at least once a week. In the summer it's up to 3 times a week. But we are close enough that we can go for a few hours and if it's too crowded, head home. I NEVER get tired of it, although I can't say the same for my family. Every time I go, I'm amazed at how much it must cost to take a family, even if it's for the day. Since WDW is so spread out compared to my little Disneyland, I'd like advise on which parks would be the best for us to visit since we won't have time (or money) to see it all. If I had, say 2 or 3 days, what are the 'must sees'?

 

[Silverfox97]

When we go to a park for the day, It's leisure-time for us, too. Usually, we get to the park close to when it opens, walk around, ride (we never wait more than 20 min except for Toy Story Mania), and we do things like sit on a bench and let DD play at the playground in Toon Town (now closed). Or, just ride the train around MK, stuff like that. We usuall spend 3 or 4 hrs at a park, then do lunch at that park, or a resort - we've been to most every restaurant. We have Tables in Wonderland, so we get 20% off. Then, we might go to a different park, or we might go to one of the Orlando outlet malls, etc. We do enought to keep it fun & fresh. Sometimes, we'll go to a character breakfast, or eat at a place that only serves dinner ('Ohana is our #1 fave!!!). We like it, as DH & I remember on our honeymoon marathoning the park - get there early, try to see everything, wait in long lines, then see the night shows. We were exhausted, it was hot; then we had to get up and do it again. This works much better for us. And, when DD gets bigger, we can still add on the water parks

Thanks for the Pre-K advice. In Florida, our Pre-K is free, they call it "VPK." it's from 9-12 everyday. I actually have to go & register her next Tues. She is going to the Primrose school down the street - I think there are attendance restrictions, and she will already be missing a week in Oct for our cruise this fall. Truthfully, I didn't even want to send her - the VPK curriculum sucks & it's the same at any school. One day, they learn to count to 4. Ummm, 4? Are you kidding me?? Our DD will be 4 next month and she counts to 100 & can spell & write her name with no help, so we are sending her to socialize & trade bad habits with other kids....I am afraid she will misbehave because she is bored (that is what I did in school!!!), but I suppose I can always yank her out and continue to socialize here at WDW

You want to be a Pre-K teacher for CMs?? I want to be the RN on the Fantasy!!! DH can work from the ship, just need a school for DD......

 

[Silverfox97]

We are the same, but go to Disneyland at least once a week. In the summer it's up to 3 times a week. But we are close enough that we can go for a few hours and if it's too crowded, head home. I NEVER get tired of it, although I can't say the same for my family. Every time I go, I'm amazed at how much it must cost to take a family, even if it's for the day. Since WDW is so spread out compared to my little Disneyland, I'd like advise on which parks would be the best for us to visit since we won't have time (or money) to see it all. If I had, say 2 or 3 days, what are the 'must sees'?

I like your little DL; my parents too me to CA for 2 weeks as a college graduation gift. DH & DD have never been, so I would love to go back.

I think when you have a pass somewhere, it is so much cheaper. Some people are getting 3 meals on property for their whole family, plus tickets, souvenirs -- very costly.

Must do's? It depends on what you like and how old your kids are. I would think you might like to skip MK, since you have it there, but in 2012 the construction should be done, and there is going to be some cool new stuff. If there is a park that you need to skip, I'd vote for AK. I am sure you'll get many different opinions, though.

 

[davidls]

When we go to a park for the day, It's leisure-time for us, too. Usually, we get to the park close to when it opens, walk around, ride (we never wait more than 20 min except for Toy Story Mania), and we do things like sit on a bench and let DD play at the playground in Toon Town (now closed). Or, just ride the train around MK, stuff like that. We usuall spend 3 or 4 hrs at a park, then do lunch at that park, or a resort - we've been to most every restaurant. We have Tables in Wonderland, so we get 20% off. Then, we might go to a different park, or we might go to one of the Orlando outlet malls, etc. We do enought to keep it fun & fresh. Sometimes, we'll go to a character breakfast, or eat at a place that only serves dinner ('Ohana is our #1 fave!!!). We like it, as DH & I remember on our honeymoon marathoning the park - get there early, try to see everything, wait in long lines, then see the night shows. We were exhausted, it was hot; then we had to get up and do it again. This works much better for us. And, when DD gets bigger, we can still add on the water parks

Hey Silverfox97 - DW and I go to WDW pretty often too. We have season passes. We don't go in the summer at all either because of the crowds and because it is sometimes just too darn HOT!!!
But like you. it never gets old. DW and I are just two big kids at heart............we never want to grow up!!!!

 

[tiggerb]

Silverfox97 ~

As for the whole PreK and curriculum stuff ~ I hear ya! Our school district is very literacy driven. This year I even took on the role of MN Reading Corps Professional Member for Pre-K. This is a sub program of AmeriCorps. So, if you want ideas and such to keep going, contact me. We assess our PreK kids
3x/yr on literacy skills (standardized test). As for the #s and counting, well, we are part of a pilot group (only a few districts in the nation in this) for numeracy skills and indicators of PreK. Counting to 4 may be simple for your child (Rock on! 100, Fabulous!), but it amazes me how little these kiddos know about #s besides oral counting- including older 4's and even 5 yr olds. I also do the Early Childhood Screening Developmental part required of all children 3 to 5 (or 6) before entering K in MN for our school district. PreK is no longer what it use to be... yet so much focus is on the cognitive skills, that many now lack the social/emotional and problem solving skills needed just to interact with others--- including manners.

I stress the social and emotional aspects (unbelievable some of the manners or lack of, some of these youngins have ) in my classes. I hate rude people and manners. Now stepping down off my "don't get me started" box. Sorry, just had my yearly review today.... HIGH marks though, so I get to keep my job! YAY!! Still want to teach down by the Magic someday...

Maybe we could have you as the RN, I deal w/ PreK kids, my DH a machinist/pump specialist on a cruise ship while your DH conducts his business from the ship, while sipping a cocktail or two!

 

[Docjason2]

Silverfox97 ~

As for the whole PreK and curriculum stuff ~ I hear ya! Our school district is very literacy driven. This year I even took on the role of MN Reading Corps Professional Member for Pre-K. This is a sub program of AmeriCorps. So, if you want ideas and such to keep going, contact me. We assess our PreK kids
3x/yr on literacy skills (standardized test). As for the #s and counting, well, we are part of a pilot group (only a few districts in the nation in this) for numeracy skills and indicators of PreK. Counting to 4 may be simple for your child (Rock on! 100, Fabulous!), but it amazes me how little these kiddos know about #s besides oral counting- including older 4's and even 5 yr olds. I also do the Early Childhood Screening Developmental part required of all children 3 to 5 (or 6) before entering K in MN for our school district. PreK is no longer what it use to be... yet so much focus is on the cognitive skills, that many now lack the social/emotional and problem solving skills needed just to interact with others--- including manners.

I stress the social and emotional aspects (unbelievable some of the manners or lack of, some of these youngins have ) in my classes. I hate rude people and manners. Now stepping down off my "don't get me started" box. Sorry, just had my yearly review today.... HIGH marks though, so I get to keep my job! YAY!! Still want to teach down by the Magic someday...

Maybe we could have you as the RN, I deal w/ PreK kids, my DH a machinist/pump specialist on a cruise ship while your DH conducts his business from the ship, while sipping a cocktail or two!

I'd quit my job just to serve drinks to you two, if it means I get to spend my time on the cruise ship!!!!

 

[Silverfox97]

Hey Silverfox97 - DW and I go to WDW pretty often too. We have season passes. We don't go in the summer at all either because of the crowds and because it is sometimes just too darn HOT!!!
But like you. it never gets old. DW and I are just two big kids at heart............we never want to grow up!!!!

Yes, one thing that is hugely different than our costal cities of Tampa and NPR - Orlando lacks the breeze big time. It can be down right sweltering in the summer there.

Silverfox97 ~

As for the whole PreK and curriculum stuff ~ I hear ya! Our school district is very literacy driven. This year I even took on the role of MN Reading Corps Professional Member for Pre-K. This is a sub program of AmeriCorps. So, if you want ideas and such to keep going, contact me. We assess our PreK kids
3x/yr on literacy skills (standardized test). As for the #s and counting, well, we are part of a pilot group (only a few districts in the nation in this) for numeracy skills and indicators of PreK. Counting to 4 may be simple for your child (Rock on! 100, Fabulous!), but it amazes me how little these kiddos know about #s besides oral counting- including older 4's and even 5 yr olds. I also do the Early Childhood Screening Developmental part required of all children 3 to 5 (or 6) before entering K in MN for our school district. PreK is no longer what it use to be... yet so much focus is on the cognitive skills, that many now lack the social/emotional and problem solving skills needed just to interact with others--- including manners.

I stress the social and emotional aspects (unbelievable some of the manners or lack of, some of these youngins have ) in my classes. I hate rude people and manners. Now stepping down off my "don't get me started" box. Sorry, just had my yearly review today.... HIGH marks though, so I get to keep my job! YAY!! Still want to teach down by the Magic someday...

Maybe we could have you as the RN, I deal w/ PreK kids, my DH a machinist/pump specialist on a cruise ship while your DH conducts his business from the ship, while sipping a cocktail or two!

My daughter can count that high because my MIL is a retired teacher, and bought her an abbacus!!! Old school counting. Plus, I have one child, work weekends and one weekday every other week, so I am home with her and we do a lot (depending on our moods!!) We have 1 electronic toy (a VTech laptop) - no others. Zero. Seriously. My MIL even bought her "Good Manners" flash cards, although sometimes no matter what, she can be quite a brat......I will contact you - look for a PM.

I could end every day at work with a drink of the day - no prob!!! I tease DH about this all the time - we'd be at Castaway Cay every Friday. I can just hear the conversation now, "Are you getting off the ship in Grand Cayman today?" "Na, we'll be back in another 2 weeks."

I'd quit my job just to serve drinks to you two, if it means I get to spend my time on the cruise ship!!!!

Now THAT is what I am talking about!!! Hey, I am a good tipper!!!!!

 

[tiggerb]

I'd quit my job just to serve drinks to you two, if it means I get to spend my time on the cruise ship!!!!

Like Silverfox97, I'm also a really good tipper... DH is even better than me, especially after a few cocktails! Sshhh... we might scare some fellow cruisers if they think we get too rowdy! I have another thought, but must keep it to myself...

 

[Silverfox97]

As I told quirty30, I will be bringing my box of Target wine (which is 4 bottles in 1 box) I can't wait to share!!!

tiggerb, I am so mad. I was typing a reply to your PM and it was long, and the window closed!!! I am going to have to re-group and reply later. Ugh.................. Sometimes, these netbooks have keybords that are too small.........

 

[thegales]

As I told quirty30, I will be bringing my box of Target wine (which is 4 bottles in 1 box) I can't wait to share!!!

tiggerb, I am so mad. I was typing a reply to your PM and it was long, and the window closed!!! I am going to have to re-group and reply later. Ugh.................. Sometimes, these netbooks have keybords that are too small.........

Speaking of sharing - I have been known to bring a rolling soft sided cooler filled with beer. Once on board, we hang out by the pools and enjoy a beverage or two. As we meet people, I have always been very eager to share, especially with newbies who did not know you could bring beer on board. It is a great start to the cruise, and a great way to meet people.