1/14/07 Wonder Anyone?

[Tikihula]

[*]Gorgeous weather for sure, although the water at Castaway Cay was too cold even for my wife (which is unheard of). The pool on the ship was nice and warm though. Did anyone see the pools the last night of the cruise? Instant wave pools!
[/LIST]

Yes - we sat and watched those wave pools slosh back and forth and wished we were in one enjoying the "surf." Good thing there were some parents in with the kids to keep them from going under when the "tsunamis" hit each end of the pool. Too funny!

 

[Tikihula]

Quote: "Did y'all hear that Al Weiss, head of Disney, was on our cruise? They were also making a video during our cruise and it will be on the Travel Channel the first of March. It's called "Secrets of Disney Cruising." "

Well, I was given some bum scoop by one of the crewmembers at the Disney Cruise Terminal. Robert Iger is President and CEO of Disney, so who is Al Weiss?? Maybe he's head of marketing? I don't know. Sorry 'bout that. Can somebody clarify? Thanks.

 

[Bella8286]

Glad everyone's made it home safely so far. I took over 300 pics despite not really being able to do much! I can't wait to see everyone's pics too. I plan to take my memory card to Walgreen's today and get them all developed. I also plan to write my trip report tomorrow since Jason will be out of town riding 4-wheelers.

I would like to mention the food... Keep in mind I'm not using this cruise as a comparison since things didn't go well BUT I have to admit I was very disappointed in the food. This was our first cruise and I guess I just had really high expectations from reading all the great reviews on this board but we were not impressed. Our servers were GREAT! We had Jennifer from South Africa and Miguel for the 8:00 seating and they were excellent. I don't remember our server from Palo but he was nice... nothing to write home about.

We ordered mainly beef every night as well and the meat was "okay." Everything else tasted like it was frozen or instant such as the potatoes. Jason ordered the crab cake for appetizer one night and it was the same thing as the frozen patties you buy in the grocery store. The chocolate cake one night tasted just like the Pepperidge Farm cake at the grocery store. The creme brulee was excellent though!

Our Palo meal I was just NOT impressed with. I mean, the food was really good but nothing better than a nice restaraunt here at home. Jason I think had a bit of the virus that day so he didn't eat much and I think his taster was off. The chocolate souffle was okay but nothing to die for like people write on this board. We also didn't get offered any "extra" choices like I hear of almost EVERYONE else getting during their meal at Palo. Some friends of ours here just raved about Palo and when I got home and asked what they had eaten, they said their server had just brought them like 4 different apps and entrees and several desserts to try. We certainly didn't get this royal treatment!

I will certainly go on another cruise again. The food from room service and up on deck 9 were excellent. Taylor loved the chicken fingers and the pizza from room service was really good!

By the way were were on Deck 10 during Sailaway port side. I didn't see anyone though!

We went to the 6:15 Golden Mickey's and 2:00 Disney Dreams show as well! I'll have to put up pics of Taylor as one of the dwarfs so you can see her!

On another note, Tucker is better today. No vomitting since Thursday! Now on to finish my laundry and pack a few things around the house!

 

[3dog2kidmom]

Regarding the food... I thought for the number of people they served as quickly as they did that the food was amazing. Of course you're not going to get the same quality as if you were at a restaurant where they're individually preparing your meals as you order them. But compared to the two cruises I've been to the food was indeed better. And Palo blew everything else away.

 

[Hygiene99]

And so, so sad!!

Laura - we are broke and exhausted as well! I really would love to cruise again next January, too; but we are going to have to take a year off and see how things go. Probably skip a year and see. DH did talk to a few different people about DVC while he was there and is convince we are going to buy. So we need to save for that!

None of us had any real issues with seasickness. I took Dramamine the first night, and Dave, Robert and I all took it the last day. I didn't realize it at the time, but Dramamine really wipes me out. I will have to look for the non-drowsy kind next time. I didn't really enjoy my dinner at AP because I was tired from the dramamine and still a little unsure of my stomach. My TA sent us a bottle of wine which I had served at dinner and I was only able to drink one glass. Disappointing but I still enjoyed the show there.

Bev, it was nice to meet you and Steve. We were on deck 10 at sailaway too but didn't see anyone else there except Bev & Steve. I was probably busy taking photos and enjoying watching Taylor dancing!

I have to know who left the surprises on our door! The whole family loved them!! Thank you -- it made our cruise more magical if that's even possible.

Rebekkah, I am so sorry Tucker was sick and you didn't get to enjoy the cruise fully. I'd be curious to know how much your travel insurance reimburses you for. Hopefully that will help you cruise again. What show was Taylor picked for? We went to the 6:15 Golden Mickeys and the 2 p.m. Disney Dreams. We loved both of them! We also hit the family cabaret show in Wavebands one night, and Santa Clause 3 in the Buena Vista theater on Nassau day.

I'll try to post a trip report myself. I can't complain about a single thing on the cruise. Some observations and things I'd do differently next time, though:

* I don't think I'll do land/sea again -- it was too difficult to pack and we had way too much luggage. And yes, I came home with half of what I brought specifically for the cruise unworn.
* If we did do land/sea, I would probably use DCL's transfers. I realized we'd have to take care of our own luggage upon arrival at MCO, but didn't account for the fact that we'd also have to take it to the port, and back, and all the extra tipping that entailed. I figure we spent over $100 in tips for luggage alone.
* I love Palo! But after reading mixed accounts of what or if people tipped over and above the service charge I decided not to budget for extra tipping there. After experiencing such fabulous service, however, we did tip extra and I need to budget for this next time.
* My kids were wiped out from all the fun, and 8:30 was probably too late for them to have dinner. I still wouldn't want the early seating where I imagine the majority of kids were, but maybe an earlier version of 2nd seating is what I'd request next time.
* The day room at the Hyatt yesterday since we didn't have a flight until 7:15 p.m. was a lifesaver. The pool there was really nice and heated, and we had it to ourselves. DH took a nice nap and we just chilled. However, I believe we definately could have made an 11:30 flight even though DCL says not to book before 12:30 or whatever it is.

Well, more later. Since Daniel and Juan Pablo won't be serving dinner to my family tonight, I'm going to have to go find something to cook!

Glad you all had a great time...

Yes, the first cruise can be overwhelming !!!!

Going here and there so on and so fourth....

When you have More time to relax they are much better!!!!

You dont know this - you dont know that and so on ...


Bella8286 - If you wanted the royal treatment at Palo, all you had to do is ask!! and your server would have done so, We had the same Guy you all had for Brunch, he was just ok, IMO.
But again, You just dont know!

Bev - we think we sat across from you..... @ brunch
Remember hearing the comment about the desert...



Was not happy with a couple things - but overall it was a Wonderful cruise...

But we had a couple extra special thing happen on the cruise.

One was a surprise goodie bag in the kids cabin, from Shirley's shop..
From a friend of ours! Winotracy they loved it..

Another was a surprise bag from DCL

Each child received a, DCL ballcap - pin - braclet
stuffed animal, all packed in a DCL beach bag.

How this happened we do not know! D.A.I.D

But we feel very lucky!
These little things added to the excitement for the kids!

The Stateroom Girl for the kids cabin went above and beyond!
for the kids.. Can you imagine 4 kids in one cabin we checked it from time to time can you say disaster area!
When Anna was done everything was perfect!

 

[Bella8286]

The special surprises sound great. I had wanted to order gift baskets for Jason and Taylor but just never got around to it.

As for the food... I understand they are serving mass quantities. I also have nothing to compare the food too as I've heard DCL does have better food than other cruise lines. Don't get me wrong, nothing was gross but I guess I just wasn't prepared. Dumb on my part for thinking that 2500+ people would get served homecooked type meals...

 

[3dog2kidmom]

I didn't order baskets but did a couple of fun things for the kids. The first night I left "pirate princess" and a pirates of the caribbean hoodies on their beds along with new sunglasses and a mickey sticker book. One night we left boxes of movie candy for them. And the last night our room attendant delivered their autographed pillowcases which was a nice treat for them! And the kids just died over our door signs! Even Dave thought they were fun

 

[Tikihula]

We did the behind the scenes tour of the ship's galley and it was very interesting to see how spotless and organized everything is. DCL has scored 100% on almost all of the inspections of their food services over the last eight years. They lost a couple points this year because the floors were a little slippery, which was quite evident during the tour, but they are changing out the flooring to make it safer.

It's amazing how they prepare food for thousands of people in 3-4 restaurants 3 times a day. I thought most of the food was well above average. The ribs at Parrot Cay were quite good, but the veal chops at AP on our last night were a little tough, although they were quite tasty. I'd say overall the desserts were the high point of our meals. The appetizers and main dishes were good, and everything was beautifully presented, but the desserts were especially yummy. Disney bakes about 80% of their own breads, and some of the varieties offered were interesting. I especially liked the Italian herbed foccacia bread and the rolls that had bits of black olives in them.

Now I'm making myself hungry. Time to go start supper.

 

[Hygiene99]

We did the behind the scenes tour of the ship's galley and it was very interesting to see how spotless and organized everything is. DCL has scored 100% on almost all of the inspections of their food services over the last eight years. They lost a couple points this year because the floors were a little slippery, which was quite evident during the tour, but they are changing out the flooring to make it safer.

It's amazing how they prepare food for thousands of people in 3-4 restaurants 3 times a day. I thought most of the food was well above average. The ribs at Parrot Cay were quite good, but the veal chops at AP on our last night were a little tough, although they were quite tasty. I'd say overall the desserts were the high point of our meals. The appetizers and main dishes were good, and everything was beautifully presented, but the desserts were especially yummy. Disney bakes about 80% of their own breads, and some of the varieties offered were interesting. I especially liked the Italian herbed foccacia bread and the rolls that had bits of black olives in them.

Now I'm making myself hungry. Time to go start supper.

That score of 100% was the reason we did not leave Nassau until 2 AM.
The crew had some time to party!

 

[Bella8286]

Oh yeah... does anyone know what was in the banana bread at Parrot Cay? To top things off, our last night at dinner, Taylor broke out in a horrible rash and we had to leave dinner immediately so I could give her Benadryl. She had the mozzerella sticks for an appetizer and Mickey alfredo pasta for dinner so the bread was the only thing she had that she normally doesn't eat. Thanks.


Jason thought the Parrot Cay meal was the best as well. He loved the wings for appetizer and thought the ribeye was really good. We both ordered the beef tenderloin from Tritons and creme brulee (which I already stated I loved!) the first night to our room since we both missed dinner that night. I had the pasta envelopes at AP which I LOVED as well. I ordered beef tenderloin again but didn't care for my mashed potatoes that night. At PC I had the crab dip (it was just "ok") and the ribeye which was good. I didn't get my dessert that night so I didn't get to try the creme brulee cheesecake I had ordered.

 

[3dog2kidmom]

Oh that banana bread was to die for!! Does she have sensitivities to nuts? That is usually in banana bread.

We didn't have our regular dinner in Triton's as we went to Palo that night. But did eat lunch there that day. It was wonderful - DH had the "best seafood pasta he had ever tasted", and I had a delicious Hawaiian salad. I don't think we had any creme brulee on the ship, but we had some that was out of this world at Chefs de France at Epcot on Saturday

 

[Bella8286]

Oh that banana bread was to die for!! Does she have sensitivities to nuts? That is usually in banana bread.

That's what I was thinking but didn't know what kind of nut might be in it b/c I know she's eaten nuts before and eats peanut butter... maybe walnuts?

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Unfortunately Tucker was sick the ENTIRE cruise and was confined to the room which really sucked.

I will post more later but I have to gather all my thoughts without sounding really negative and upset.

It turns out he had the GI virus and low and behold I got it at 2:30 in the morning on our way back to Port Canaveral when the seas were really rough. I had to travel the whole way home yesterday with nausea/vomitting. But HEY... I'm up this morning and feel 100% better.

I can't wait to hear everybody else's great stories. Maybe I can live some excitement through your reports!

Did anyone rebook onboard????

Hi! We got back last night after our cruise and a few days at the Polynesian. So sorry to hear about Tucker - it is so sad when the littlest ones are sick! Emily got the GI bug Nassau night and started throwing up at 1:30 am. I knew it wasn't seasickness since we had been docked all day! She got confined for 48 hours starting Tuesday, which meant until we got off the ship! I felt so bad for her - she didn't get to go to Castaway Cay (she was feeling better in the morning and I hoped to get her some fresh air away from anyone she might get sick, but they wouldn't let us off the ship). She didn't get to get her hair braided since we were going to do it at Castaway Cay. We both spent the last two days in the stateroom - thank goodness we got a verandah! I missed Palo brunch since none of our extended family would come near us, except for one very sweet cousin who came to see her (but she was going to brunch too).

Amy got sick the last night (about the same time you did, Rebekkah!), after we had put our suitcases outside. I had kept out extra clothes and pajamas for the girls just in case. We went on to WDW since I knew Amy couldn't ride in the car all day, and she stayed in bed while Thad and Emily spent a few hours at Epcot. We had a good day on Friday, then both girls got sick Friday night (too much, too soon, I think). We drove all the way home yesterday. It was pretty disappointing, but we will have to plan another trip soon!

Rebekkah, I need to file a trip insurance claim as well. Did you do that through your travel agent?

 

[Bella8286]

Sounds like your trip went about as well as mine

I'm trying to keep a positive attitude KNOWING I will be returning next year. Just trying to decide on another 4 night or 7 night. I personally thought the 4 night was long enough but then again, maybe b/c we didn't really get to enjoy ourselves and I just wanted to GO HOME!

I booked through DCL directly and bought my own travel insurance so I just contacted the travel insurance directly... I will find out more next week.

 

[3dog2kidmom]

Emily got the GI bug Nassau night and started throwing up at 1:30 am. I knew it wasn't seasickness since we had been docked all day! She got confined for 48 hours starting Tuesday, which meant until we got off the ship! I felt so bad for her - she didn't get to go to Castaway Cay (she was feeling better in the morning and I hoped to get her some fresh air away from anyone she might get sick, but they wouldn't let us off the ship). She didn't get to get her hair braided since we were going to do it at Castaway Cay. We both spent the last two days in the stateroom - thank goodness we got a verandah! I missed Palo brunch since none of our extended family would come near us, except for one very sweet cousin who came to see her (but she was going to brunch too).

Amy got sick the last night (about the same time you did, Rebekkah!), after we had put our suitcases outside. I had kept out extra clothes and pajamas for the girls just in case. We went on to WDW since I knew Amy couldn't ride in the car all day, and she stayed in bed while Thad and Emily spent a few hours at Epcot. We had a good day on Friday, then both girls got sick Friday night (too much, too soon, I think). We drove all the way home yesterday. It was pretty disappointing, but we will have to plan another trip soon!

Oh Mary, I'm so sorry for you too. How disappointing for both of you. I hope the travel insurance pays up and you are able to sail again.

I know this isn't the resort forum, but tell me how you liked the Polynesian. In looking back at the pictures I am torn as to whether we enjoyed that or the cruise more!

 

[grlzmom]

We got back this a.m. and still have sea legs.

Had a great cruise, a wonderful time at Universal afterwards (the parks were desserted) and are rebooked for October 13th eastern. We will also book something for the summer of 08 when booking opens, but are still undecided.

Didnt meet any dissers, although, Peter, in looking at your embarkation photo, I think you were seated next to us in Parrot Cay for embarkation lunch (we had the dd who was STUCK in the high chair, if you can figure that one out). Hope your gang of kids liked Atlantis. Ours loved it, but were exhausted and we headed back to the ship by about 4:00. We did NOT get charged any taxes or extras for the rooms. We were charged only 159 each, for rooms with FOUR adults in them. The guy at check out was wonderful and I have double checked my credit card. Hope you guys also lucked out with the lack of taxes/fees.

Four nights is too short for us (in comparison to the 7 nighters), but we found the Wonder to be for us a nicer ship. We liked the subtle differences.

For those who were sick, I am so sorry. It is awful to plan something and have it not go smoothly. I also feel bad for those who were disappointed in the food. While we find it good, sometimes even great, it isnt always excellent

We also managed ok with portholes vs. verandahs, and ended up with our rooms side by side after dh bribed someone to change rooms with us after boarding. Thanks to that sweet couple who spent half an hour of their cruise at guest services making it work!! A seven nighter for us requires a balcony though

We had Pong and Pandy for servers and they were EXCELLENT (early seating). They got us ALL chocolate souffle from palo and kept my dad happy with his favorite escargot all week (none of which were requested or expected).

We had no problems switching to early seating after boarding and making our Palo ressies then.

Our kids were the psychos who spent all day in the water at Castaway. The cold didnt bother them a bit.

We are back to the snow and ice, and back to the school and work routine tomorrow.

Happy thoughts to you all and wishing you a wonderful week.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Oh Mary, I'm so sorry for you too. How disappointing for both of you. I hope the travel insurance pays up and you are able to sail again.

I know this isn't the resort forum, but tell me how you liked the Polynesian. In looking back at the pictures I am torn as to whether we enjoyed that or the cruise more!

We loved the Poly! We stayed there in 2001 (the week after 9/11 - an eerie time to be at WDW), and the rooms are so much nicer now. The rooms seemed particularly huge after our stateroom - it was nice to be able to spread out with Amy being sick - it was pretty cramped on the ship when Emily was sick. We enjoyed the new Captain Cook's. I had ADR's for yesterday for the O'Hana breakfast but cancelled since the girls were sick. Emily's favorite character is Stitch and Amy's is Mickey - I could have had both characters in one meal!

I didn't think the Poly service was outstanding - it was just OK. We had our rooms made up one day, but they took almost all of our towels and didn't leave any new ones. We didn't notice right away and had to dry the girls with hand towels after their baths. Our garden view room had a view of the monorail - fun for us, although some people might not like it. Thad loved the new TV, especially after the tiny ones on the ship.

I am in the process of planning a trip for April 2008 that was going to be at AKL, but now I have to decide if we add a short cruise (Emily's vote since she missed half of this one). And I loved the convenience of the Poly, but we have never stayed at AKL. The monorail was great since our only park day as a whole family was at MK.

Emily enjoyed the Volcano Pool, but I think it would be too crowded if we go during a warmer month, like when we go in April next year. It is pretty small!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Sounds like your trip went about as well as mine

I'm trying to keep a positive attitude KNOWING I will be returning next year. Just trying to decide on another 4 night or 7 night. I personally thought the 4 night was long enough but then again, maybe b/c we didn't really get to enjoy ourselves and I just wanted to GO HOME!

I booked through DCL directly and bought my own travel insurance so I just contacted the travel insurance directly... I will find out more next week.

I have been planning a week at WDW for April next year - Emily's school break is after Easter, which might not be so crowded. Now she wants to do another cruise, since she missed so much of this one. I might have to rethink the plans to figure out what to do.

Did Taylor make cookies on Nassau day? Emily and Amy went to that, and Emily said she thought a Taylor was there at another table. Wondered if it was your Taylor or Shelly's?

How did everyone's kids like the kids' clubs? Mine were not thrilled with them (at least as long as we could use them). I moved Amy up to the 5-7 group to be with Emily, but all the things she would have enjoyed were the 3-4 group (but she wouldn't go by herself). They did the Luau the first night, but Emily called to leave. They also did the cookie making, but Emily said some kids were yelling at Amy to hurry up (I guess that is why 4 year olds typically wouldn't be in that group), and they made Amy sad. Emily got isolated after that, and Amy was "strongly discouraged" from going to the club since a family member was sick. They much preferred playing in the Mickey pool!

Glad so many people had a great time! We had a lot of fun the first two days!

 

[3dog2kidmom]

Our kids were the psychos who spent all day in the water at Castaway. The cold didnt bother them a bit.

Jeanne, my DS9 was in the water at Castaway all day too. I wonder if yours weren't some of the kids he was playing with. It looked like they were young teenage girls. Where in IL are you? We are in St. Louis and have snow today, too.

I would love to do a 7 day so we have more time to relax, but in reality it's hard for us to do an 8 or 9 day vacation because of DH's work. I have vacation time, but him being self-employed if he isn't working there isn't much $$ coming in. We will probably stick to shorter trips for the most part.

Mary, my DD Taylor did the cookie baking in the 5-7 group on Nassau day and had a wonderful time at it! Both kids absolutely loved the kids clubs. I asked Taylor if she met another 7yo Taylor and she said she thought there was a girl Taylor there one day. Bekkah, did she make it to the club at all?

 

[Hygiene99]

We got back this a.m. and still have sea legs.

Had a great cruise, a wonderful time at Universal afterwards (the parks were desserted) and are rebooked for October 13th eastern. We will also book something for the summer of 08 when booking opens, but are still undecided.

Didnt meet any dissers, although, Peter, in looking at your embarkation photo, I think you were seated next to us in Parrot Cay for embarkation lunch (we had the dd who was STUCK in the high chair, if you can figure that one out). Hope your gang of kids liked Atlantis. Ours loved it, but were exhausted and we headed back to the ship by about 4:00. We did NOT get charged any taxes or extras for the rooms. We were charged only 159 each, for rooms with FOUR adults in them. The guy at check out was wonderful and I have double checked my credit card. Hope you guys also lucked out with the lack of taxes/fees.

Four nights is too short for us (in comparison to the 7 nighters), but we found the Wonder to be for us a nicer ship. We liked the subtle differences.

For those who were sick, I am so sorry. It is awful to plan something and have it not go smoothly. I also feel bad for those who were disappointed in the food. While we find it good, sometimes even great, it isnt always excellent

We also managed ok with portholes vs. verandahs, and ended up with our rooms side by side after dh bribed someone to change rooms with us after boarding. Thanks to that sweet couple who spent half an hour of their cruise at guest services making it work!! A seven nighter for us requires a balcony though

We had Pong and Pandy for servers and they were EXCELLENT (early seating). They got us ALL chocolate souffle from palo and kept my dad happy with his favorite escargot all week (none of which were requested or expected).

We had no problems switching to early seating after boarding and making our Palo ressies then.

Our kids were the psychos who spent all day in the water at Castaway. The cold didnt bother them a bit.

We are back to the snow and ice, and back to the school and work routine tomorrow.

Happy thoughts to you all and wishing you a wonderful week.

Jenn does remeber the high chair!


We also asked for the chocolate souffle from palo and the head server gave us some crap, about how it just would not be right by the time it arrived and you are better off going to Palo to have the chocolate souffle there!

I said OK

After that I told him, I have been on 13 Disney cruises!!
It was not on our first Cruise!!
and let it Go....
But really wanted to make it happen.



We did receive another charge on our credit card from Atlantis!!!
for both rooms that we never went to!
we left about 3.. Kids had fun!