10/15/2011 - Taking the West by Magic!

[Onkel Hans]

Why not in our bags?? I'm not sure I want to carry all that water around until we get into our room.

It is DCL policy. They don't want beverages broken in transit leaking all over everyone else's luggage. Or alternatively, they don't want the porters to throw out their backs

I plan on buying the 24 pack of water plan when I get on board. It is not much more expensive than getting bottled water at a convenience store, and it doesn't take up precious space in my baggage.

 

[amazingact21]

Man! I go away for a couple days and the thread goes crazy! I've been trying to go back and read everyone's posts, but I missed about 6 pages.

DH and I are secretly hoping for a room upgrade, because we have stateroom 7631 (the handicapped accessible room on deck 7). I don't really know what to expect with it, except it is slightly larger than other staterooms. Anyone know anything else about handicapped rooms?

It is DCL policy. They don't want beverages broken in transit leaking all over everyone else's luggage. Or alternatively, they don't want the porters to throw out their backs

I plan on buying the 24 pack of water plan when I get on board. It is not much more expensive than getting bottled water at a convenience store, and it doesn't take up precious space in my baggage.

I've been debating whether I just want to buy a 24 pack at my military base's grocery store (usually cost a little less) or if I'll just buy one onboard.

I've also got to wondering...is 24 bottles enough for 2 people for a week? DH and I are avid water drinkers (the 64oz a day kinda people) and am thinking we will need another case. However, I don't want to blow all my spending money on water (not when there's good drinks up above ). Anyone who's ever been on a cruise before know about how many cases of water they went through?

 

[tinkerbelx]

That is so great - it will be wonderful for Delaney to have some little friends I look forward to meeting you!!

I almost named Sienna- Delaney!

 

[tinkerbelx]

Man! I go away for a couple days and the thread goes crazy! I've been trying to go back and read everyone's posts, but I missed about 6 pages.

DH and I are secretly hoping for a room upgrade, because we have stateroom 7631 (the handicapped accessible room on deck 7). I don't really know what to expect with it, except it is slightly larger than other staterooms. Anyone know anything else about handicapped rooms?




I've been debating whether I just want to buy a 24 pack at my military base's grocery store (usually cost a little less) or if I'll just buy one onboard.

I've also got to wondering...is 24 bottles enough for 2 people for a week? DH and I are avid water drinkers (the 64oz a day kinda people) and am thinking we will need another case. However, I don't want to blow all my spending money on water (not when there's good drinks up above ). Anyone who's ever been on a cruise before know about how many cases of water they went through?

I don't know if this makes me cheap but-there is free water at the refill stations on deck 9 aft. This is our 3rd disney cruise and we have never brought on water- only booze. We are packing large disney water bottles that i got at the disney store over the summer, i feel the cups at the refill station are just too small. Plus the "fridge" in the room doesnt do a job at cooling room temp items- you need ice in order to get them cold. On our second cruise we packed a soft side cooler and our stateroom host kept it filled with ice the entire time. He even restocked it with our beer!

 

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

Man! I go away for a couple days and the thread goes crazy! I've been trying to go back and read everyone's posts, but I missed about 6 pages.

DH and I are secretly hoping for a room upgrade, because we have stateroom 7631 (the handicapped accessible room on deck 7). I don't really know what to expect with it, except it is slightly larger than other staterooms. Anyone know anything else about handicapped rooms?




I've been debating whether I just want to buy a 24 pack at my military base's grocery store (usually cost a little less) or if I'll just buy one onboard.

I've also got to wondering...is 24 bottles enough for 2 people for a week? DH and I are avid water drinkers (the 64oz a day kinda people) and am thinking we will need another case. However, I don't want to blow all my spending money on water (not when there's good drinks up above ). Anyone who's ever been on a cruise before know about how many cases of water they went through?

So the handicapped rooms are also laid out differently that the regular rooms, as well as having huge balconies, they are laid our more in an L rather than straight back. You bathroom isn't split, but it's very bit, and doesn't have a tub, just a ginormous shower, which isn't bad since their tubs aren't exactly lounging size anyway!

As for water, I'd just do what tink's doing, bring refillable water bottles and fill them up at the drink station. The water is super filtered, so won't taste funny, I like their water on board.

 

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

It is DCL policy. They don't want beverages broken in transit leaking all over everyone else's luggage. Or alternatively, they don't want the porters to throw out their backs

I plan on buying the 24 pack of water plan when I get on board. It is not much more expensive than getting bottled water at a convenience store, and it doesn't take up precious space in my baggage.

Correct, the porters don't work for DCL, so they're willing to take the water as a checked bag, but DCL doesn't allow it. You can put it into a roller bag, you just have to carry it onto the boat. It's a lot easier to just bring water bottles, or buy a 6 pack and refill those bottles on board.

 

[Cayley]

AFAIK, the 1AM departures occur when the Captain is positively disposed towards the crew (if the ship receives an award, honor, or achievement). The extra time is really for the crew to enjoy some extra time ashore. I have read of this happening in Cozumel, too.

I am hoping that we might get the extra time, too.

Hans - I agree. We would like to spend an evening in Key West as well!! We've been there once and really enjoyed it. Day and night are as different as, well, day and night on Key West! Btw, I can't remember if your Palo brunch reservation is fully booked? We would be interested if there is still room. We didn't decide we wanted to do the brunch, which I could have booked 90 days out, until recently. If you are full I will try for a reservation when we get on board. Thanks

 

[dkfajr1]

I hope we get pixie dusted too, but not holding my breath since we have two connecting cabins for the 6 of us. I know we will be happy where we are, but one can hope

Just want to say we are very excited for our first cruise! Kids ask me everyday how much longer.....Not soon enough!

 

[LySand]

Hans - I agree. We would like to spend an evening in Key West as well!! We've been there once and really enjoyed it. Day and night are as different as, well, day and night on Key West! Btw, I can't remember if your Palo brunch reservation is fully booked? We would be interested if there is still room. We didn't decide we wanted to do the brunch, which I could have booked 90 days out, until recently. If you are full I will try for a reservation when we get on board. Thanks

I don't always sign in, sometimes I creep, but I have to say I am really excited about meeting everyone.
It sounds like we have a great bunch of people here on our meet. and I can't wait to meet everyone in person. Oh, and by the way, I can't wait for the cruise!!!!!!!!!!!

Lynn

 

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

Hi all i was wondering if anyone could help with a question i have about Key West. I have heard that around 7pm Key West really comes alive and has great entertainment for familys etc. I looked at the personal navigator for the same trip in march of this year and the all aboard time is 1am but when i checked ours it says 7.30pm. Im hoping its 1am as it would be great to come back on the ship for our evening meal and go back out for a few hours in Key West.

Hey Barney, welcome back! Like everyone said, it really is up to the captain as to when we leave Key West. I honestly don't think we'll know until they print the Navigator for our port.

 

[Cayley]

I don't always sign in, sometimes I creep, but I have to say I am really excited about meeting everyone.
It sounds like we have a great bunch of people here on our meet. and I can't wait to meet everyone in person. Oh, and by the way, I can't wait for the cruise!!!!!!!!!!!

Lynn

Like you I'm getting super excited the closer we get to the date! Disney has a way of making everyone so happy and I can't wait so be on the ship of the "happiest place in the world" with no work, no school, no computers, and no phones. Oops - except the wave phones letting us know where to meet for drinks!! Can't wait to meet everyone as well!!

 

[amazingact21]

I don't know if this makes me cheap but-there is free water at the refill stations on deck 9 aft. This is our 3rd disney cruise and we have never brought on water- only booze. We are packing large disney water bottles that i got at the disney store over the summer, i feel the cups at the refill station are just too small. Plus the "fridge" in the room doesnt do a job at cooling room temp items- you need ice in order to get them cold. On our second cruise we packed a soft side cooler and our stateroom host kept it filled with ice the entire time. He even restocked it with our beer!

That is great news! DH and I are the same sort of people. I am relieved to hear that I can just bring some bottles and fill them up at the station. I had heard somewhere that the water on board is nasty, so that was my only concern.

So the handicapped rooms are also laid out differently that the regular rooms, as well as having huge balconies, they are laid our more in an L rather than straight back. You bathroom isn't split, but it's very bit, and doesn't have a tub, just a ginormous shower, which isn't bad since their tubs aren't exactly lounging size anyway!

As for water, I'd just do what tink's doing, bring refillable water bottles and fill them up at the drink station. The water is super filtered, so won't taste funny, I like their water on board.

Excellent! Thanks for that little tid bit of information. I'd heard about the L shaped room, and I'm interested to see what it looks like. Plus, I'm kind of happy that our room is near the secret deck. MAYBE I won't get lost coming/leaving our first meet.

Hans - I agree. We would like to spend an evening in Key West as well!! We've been there once and really enjoyed it. Day and night are as different as, well, day and night on Key West! Btw, I can't remember if your Palo brunch reservation is fully booked? We would be interested if there is still room. We didn't decide we wanted to do the brunch, which I could have booked 90 days out, until recently. If you are full I will try for a reservation when we get on board. Thanks

I agree about Key West. And sunset/evening there is beautiful! DH has never been before and I cannot wait to show him how nice the area is. My family would live down there if we could.

Like you I'm getting super excited the closer we get to the date! Disney has a way of making everyone so happy and I can't wait so be on the ship of the "happiest place in the world" with no work, no school, no computers, and no phones. Oops - except the wave phones letting us know where to meet for drinks!! Can't wait to meet everyone as well!!

At first, I was a little hesitant at not being able to use my phone and internet, but after all my wedding craziness, I couldn't be happier. DH and I keep looking at each other, going, "We get a whole week of rest and relaxtion!"
We are definitely counting down the days left until we get to see the Magic for the first time and hear its awesome horn!

 

[Becker5]

I've also got to wondering...is 24 bottles enough for 2 people for a week? DH and I are avid water drinkers (the 64oz a day kinda people) and am thinking we will need another case. However, I don't want to blow all my spending money on water (not when there's good drinks up above ). Anyone who's ever been on a cruise before know about how many cases of water they went through?

I'm just going to buy around 12 and then refill at the beverage station. Also thinking about brining a couple of those new plastic bottles with built in filters you see at Target.

 

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

That is great news! DH and I are the same sort of people. I am relieved to hear that I can just bring some bottles and fill them up at the station. I had heard somewhere that the water on board is nasty, so that was my only concern.

I'm just going to buy around 12 and then refill at the beverage station. Also thinking about brining a couple of those new plastic bottles with built in filters you see at Target.

The water on board is triple filtered (ex-techie has the full deets since he used to work on the ship) so it's cleaner than you get in bottled water. In some cases, the bottler will actually add minerals to give you the "flavor" in the water. I've had the ship's water, and it's nothing like Orlando water (yuck! ). You should have no trouble drinking it, but if you have to have the "flavor", then you can just buy a case in Key West when you come to get back on the ship and you'll be all set!

 

[Cindy8944]

We are really excited too!! Can't wait to meet all of you. Can I ask if most of you have the early or late dinner seating? We chose the early seating but now I'm rethinking it. We had the late seating on our last cruise.

 

[The Browns]

I hope I can get some photos of the Key West sunset even though it's our Palo night. We have early dining because of the wee ones.

 

[dkfajr1]

We are really excited too!! Can't wait to meet all of you. Can I ask if most of you have the early or late dinner seating? We chose the early seating but now I'm rethinking it. We had the late seating on our last cruise.

we have late seating, we usually eat around 7 pm at home due to our schedules so I figured we'd just get a light snack between lunch and dinner if needed.

 

[Cayley]

We are really excited too!! Can't wait to meet all of you. Can I ask if most of you have the early or late dinner seating? We chose the early seating but now I'm rethinking it. We had the late seating on our last cruise.

We have the late seating as well. Our kids are 8 and 10 and like to stay up late anyway. On our last cruise we ate dinner as a family and then we went out and the kids went to their clubs.

 

[tinkerbelx]

That is great news! DH and I are the same sort of people. I am relieved to hear that I can just bring some bottles and fill them up at the station. I had heard somewhere that the water on board is nasty, so that was my only concern.

The water tasted fine by me... I am not a fan of a lot of bottled waters b/c to me all i taste is the plastic bottle. I prefer filtered tap water from my fridge.

 

[tinkerbelx]

We are really excited too!! Can't wait to meet all of you. Can I ask if most of you have the early or late dinner seating? We chose the early seating but now I'm rethinking it. We had the late seating on our last cruise.

We have the late seating, and I have a 1 year old. However, both my DH and myself work late so we don't normally eat dinner till 8 or 9pm. I have the baby on our schedule so she stays up till about 10 and sleeps till 8:30-9am. So i chose the late seating based on our home schedule.