10/31/10 Halloween Wonder

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Hi Everybody!!!! Looks like "Business has picked up" since the last time I was on! After much waffling and insane amounts of money spent on Butter Beer this summer; I've officially booked and paid for the cruise, so consider us officially signed up! My triple A rep says that we will apparently have a pretty full boat, as several catagories were close to selling out. for my part I still did the inside stateroom (11) and could only book a guarantee. hmm, maybe we will get lucky and bumped up (not!). I tried to read thru all the posts i missed (for some reason i must not be "subscribed" i guess) So here goes:
Pretty sure we'd like to get in on the FE exchange. I need to re-read exactly what it entails, but sounds like fun! Second, our Info:
Myself (DD) now an amazing 41 (errrrr)
DS 13 (and celebrating his 14th birthday early on this cruise)
We are from South Carolina (Currently live in Golf Town GA. Augusta)
We will Definately be dressing for Halloween! I have a cast member friend who has access to old WDW Costumes so who knows what we will finally decide on, but I can tell you it will probably be "Nightmare before Xmas" related. Now that DS is officially 6'1";; he may get my Jack costume by default. dunno yet.
Depending on space, we may also really go after the Pirate Costumes also. Depends on what my friend can get. Otherwise, it may just be Pirates shirts etc.
As far as excursions go, we will be doing the Atlantis Auquaventure. Word is it is like no other water park and it will make a good substitute for not having the AuquaDuck on the boat. Castaway Cay we want to do it all, but there is so little time. gotta snorkel and get close to the Flying dutchman for sure. I just looked at Palo availability and the Brunch/ Tea is not available right now; as I'm doing this solo had hoped I could do one of those as an alternative to dinner there just to see it; but alas....

oh, well that is all for now. I'll be back on regularly so look forward to chatting with you all!

Welcome to the thread! On the previous page is the information I need if you wish to participate in the FE. Its a lot of fun. Right now there aren't too many people participating so it shouldn't be too much work.

Here's the trick for getting a Palo Brunch/Tea. Show up to the port early to get an early boarding number. We try to get there between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. The lower the boarding number the quicker you will get on the boat. As soon as you walk on and they announce your name, head over to the bar. I know it's the Rockin' Bar D. on the Magic, not sure what its called on the Wonder. I'll look it up and post it for you. Anyway, that is where you go to get dining room changes and any last minute reservations for Palo. They hold back a small portion of reservations for boarding day.

As for the boat being crowded, yep, sorry it will be. You just happened to pick Jersey week to cruise. All our public schools in the state are closed Thursday and Friday of that week. Most public schools have either a half day or the entire day off on the Tuesday of that week as well for election day. So lots of parents head out on vacation because they can take their kids out of school for 2 or 3 days only.
We go to parochial school but my DGD goes to public. And my DD really wanted to cruise over Halloween. So it worked out but I'm really not looking forward to the crowds.

We're going to chill in Nassau. Maybe just walk around the town, shop the straw market and then get back on the boat. I've got 2 more cruises booked to Nassau on the Dream. So I'm in no rush to do Atlantis.

 

[frangi]

it's September 2nd!!!! 56 days till I leave for the poly before the cruise! Excitement is building. Especially after three 13 hour days at work and one more ahead!

 

[jfstorm2001]

Oh, man! 13 hour days! U will need a cruise for sure! At least you get to hang at the Poly for a few days! They have me curious about the new soundtrack for Space Mountain, are you going to ride it? If so let us know how it is! And you get to enjoy the food and wine festival too!

 

[frangi]

Still at work. Hour 13.

I can't wait to hear space mountain.

 

[warbiespig]

Still at work. Hour 13.

I can't wait to hear space mountain.

Space mountain is the first ride my 7 year old wants to go on it was shut last year so he has been waiting quite a while

 

[frangi]

I'm officially crazy. Uncle Tony and the kids just made matching family shirts for the first day of the cruise. I must be stopped oh and as you may have read before we have tye dye Mickey shirts. And I made bead bracelets for the kids also. Just have to finish the FE. It 99.9% done plus I have to make one for my brothers cabin. Unless we just use mine.

My niece told someone at the beach today that she is going on vacation on mickeys boat and they were like that's special. She told them no uncle Tony is coming that's special! Made my week!

 

[warbiespig]

I'm officially crazy. Uncle Tony and the kids just made matching family shirts for the first day of the cruise. I must be stopped oh and as you may have read before we have tye dye Mickey shirts. And I made bead bracelets for the kids also. Just have to finish the FE. It 99.9% done plus I have to make one for my brothers cabin. Unless we just use mine.

My niece told someone at the beach today that she is going on vacation on mickeys boat and they were like that's special. She told them no uncle Tony is coming that's special! Made my week!

Thats really sweet

 

[warbiespig]

I hope this picture worked im not too savvy on the computer
if it did it is just a tote bag i have made

http://i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx355/warbiespig77/IMG_4224.jpg

 

[warbiespig]

http://i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx355/warbiespig77/Image0388.jpg
http://i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx355/warbiespig77/Image0325.jpg
http://i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx355/warbiespig77/Image0189.jpg
http://i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx355/warbiespig77/Image0008-1.jpg

I thought i would post a few pictures from our last trip

 

[frangi]

here's me and my nice and nephew. Natalia and Anthony from last year's trip!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10386467@N08/4961793132/

Hope that worked I've never done that before!!!

 

[warbiespig]

here's me and my nice and nephew. Natalia and Anthony from last year's trip!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10386467@N08/4961793132/

Hope that worked I've never done that before!!!

Great photo of you all x

 

[Sheria21]

I too will be there! I have booked this cruise over a year ago... I can't believe it is actually coming near. But I now feel so far behind. There is soooo much information to learn.

What do you think is the best "family" excurision in Nassau?

You think most people will be dressed up for Halloween? You think there will be a pirate party too?

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I too will be there! I have booked this cruise over a year ago... I can't believe it is actually coming near. But I now feel so far behind. There is soooo much information to learn.

What do you think is the best "family" excurision in Nassau?

You think most people will be dressed up for Halloween? You think there will be a pirate party too?

Welcome to the meet thread. To answer some of your questions - Yes, there will be people dressing up. My family will be doing an Alice in Wonderland theme. So far we have Alice and the Queen of Hearts. Well, that's our theme.

Yes, there will be a Pirate party complete with fireworks, weather permitting.

As for "family" excursion in Nassau that is up to what your family likes to do. Definitely dependent on the age of your kids and even more dependent on what you wish to spend. We have 3 trips to Nassau on our agenda. This trip we are taking it easy and only doing a walking tour. I think the second trip will be to the Ardasta gardens and then the last trip we will hit Atlantis.

Fire away if you have any other questions. And welcome again.

 

[frangi]

Welcome Sheria21!!! Hope you're enjoying your planning as much as I am!!

 

[SSRFred]

It's great to see so much activity here. I've been off Dis for a little while. We just got back from our first trip to DL. It was great. A little adjustment for WDW regulars but so much fun. Space Mountain was fabulous!

Allison, thanks for the tip about the tie for the FE. I was wondering how to secure it. Off to Home Depot...

Keep the tips coming!!!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I'm officially crazy. Uncle Tony and the kids just made matching family shirts for the first day of the cruise. I must be stopped oh and as you may have read before we have tye dye Mickey shirts. And I made bead bracelets for the kids also. Just have to finish the FE. It 99.9% done plus I have to make one for my brothers cabin. Unless we just use mine.

My niece told someone at the beach today that she is going on vacation on mickeys boat and they were like that's special. She told them no uncle Tony is coming that's special! Made my week!

Your niece sounds like a keeper Tony. How sweet.

And I love all the pictures that everyone posted. I tried to post some last night but was having a serious brain fart. I have posted before but for some reason couldn't figure it out this time. I really need this vacation.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Okay since we have new people on here I thought I would post a couple of my personal tips for anyone that is interested:

1) Mickey ice cream bars are available after meals in all the dining rooms (except the buffet). You can also order them from room service even if they are not on the menu.

2) You can order cookies from room service. Love those great big chocolate chip cookies.

3) Heck, you can order pretty much anything from room service. My DD went through a phase on the last cruise. I ordered cookies and she ordered a bowl of grapes. So if you don't see something and you want it, it never hurts to ask.

4) There are free pastries and cakes available at the Cove Cafe. This is the 18+ area so feel free to grab some and take it back to the kidlets (or eat it all by yourself and don't tell them ).

5) Bring your bathing suits in your carry on so that you can swim in the pool prior to your baggage getting to your stateroom.

6) We always show up at port early so that we can hang out in the terminal. Also some of the characters will show up for pictures in the terminal. So make sure you have your camera.

7) If you want bottled water, bring it yourself. DCL sells Evian cases for over $30.

8) You can bring alcohol but you must carry it on. Please do not put it in your luggage because when your bottles break all the surrounding luggage will be covered in whatever you decided to sneak on board.

9) As a nice tip, please be on time to your dinner seating. The waiters will not serve the others at the table until the entire table is seated. So if you are 20 minutes late the entire table is waiting.

10) You can bring photo mats, pillow cases, autograph books etc. to Guest Services in the beginning of the cruise along with colored markers (Sharpies or fabric markers) and the characters will autograph these items. They will magically appear in your stateroom just in time for you to pack them up to take home. This makes a nice little going home treat for the kiddos.

11) And whatever you do, don't miss the 'Til We Meet Again program on the last night of the cruise. This is when all the characters come out and say goodbye. It gives you about 15 minutes for a last minute picture/autograph hunt. They do this on the Magic so I really hope they do it on the Wonder. If they don't, sorry.

Let me know if anyone has any questions or wants anything clarified. I can't wait for the cruise.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Fish Extender List (as of 9/8/10):

So far I only have 7 staterooms participating (2 for my family and 2 for Tony). All but one stateroom has kids. I've listed the kids, with ages below. I hope this helps with planning purposes. I'll send the final list around at the end of the month. And if it helps, the one stateroom with just adults has an avid Tinker Bell fan in it. That definitely helped with my planning.

Girls - 5, 7, 10
Boys - 3, 5, 8, 9, 11

 

[frangi]

I love Stitch and Aladdin if anyone cares!!! LOL

I crack myself up!! I am so looking forwarded to this vacation cuz it's crazy at work!!!

What's the one thing you're looking forward to on the cruise?

I am looking forward n wearing my new pirate costume!!! Arrrggggghhh!!!! I am such a big kid!

 

[Sheria21]

I am not really enjoying the planning part. It seems like there is sooo many choices and I don't want to "miss" something.

I look forward mostly to just relaxing and I really don't want to be "rushed" like most of my Disney vacations are. I try to do everything in such as short time and not actually getting to spend quality time with the kiddo's other than rushing them to the next "planned" event. This is one big reason I am excited to go on the cruise So Yes i want to do every Nassau excursion but I just want to pick one activity and take my time doing it. Now the problem is the "one" activity What do you think of the Snorkeling at Stuarts Cove?...Now I am back to square one... so many choices --

So now for some questions...
Do you think we will be a oddball family if we don't dress up? Or just do simple costumes? We aren't that "into" Halloween it just happened to be when we booked the cruise (timing issues). Yes, I would love do the Alice inWonderland (ha ha... just thought "wonder"cruise, "wonder"land- oohhh!!) theme but I am not that creative.

What kind of hassle is it going to be getting to the port from Budget Rent A Car? We are leaving from Universal Studios and dropping a car off at Budget. How much time you think I will need to budget for ( ha ha... budget car, budget for)? Plus we are then picking the car back up after the cruise and heading to the airport.

I have more questions, but if you are still reading this by now I will save them for later.

Thanks All!