11/06/11 Dream 4 Day

[iankh]

Ok, I was able to get Palo at 6 on Pirate night which is what we did last time. This is also my birthday which is why I chose that night. What do you think the chances are we will be able to take our son to the pirate party at 7:45?

I think the pirate party is later than that considering how late the second dinner seating time is. According to the DCL site:

"[On the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy, the Main Seating is at 6:00 p.m.; the Second seating is at 8:30 p.m.
/I]"

That means the earliest the pirate party could be is 9:30, which is unlikely and more likely 10:00 to 10:30.
So, I think you'll be just fine.








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[goofystitchfan]

It will just be me and DH; will two adult 'kids' enjoy the sea lion excursion? Is there only one sea lion for all the participants? It's pretty expensive...Can you stay and use the beach after ward? Any other amenities? Can you buy food there? Thanks for any information.

Andrea

Andrea -
The sea lion excursion was the most amazing thing I have ever done! There are 2 sea lions for all participants. You will have pictures taken with her and they also do a video both for purchase if you choose. You do get to see the pictures before buying which I always find key. Changing my picture so you can see. I would suggest booking an early time and then you can enjoy the rest of the beach etc. As far as food, yes there is a snack shop, not sure if there is anything else. You need cash or credit on that island as you can't use your KTTW card.

 

[ibouncetoo]

There are actually two 'pirate parties' on the Dream. Buchaneer Blast is at 7:45 and is basically for the kids (music/dancing). Then there is a second event at 10:30ish with Mickey saving us from the pirates and the fireworks.

.vmedisneymom, you can do a Palo dinner in 90 minutes, just let your server know and don't dawdle too long over the menu! I've often taken longer, but that is with pre-dinner drinks, all courses and a chatty server.

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[vmedisneymom]

There are actually two 'pirate parties' on the Dream. Buchaneer Blast is at 7:45 and is basically for the kids (music/dancing). Then there is a second event at 10:30ish with Mickey saving us from the pirates and the fireworks.

.vmedisneymom, you can do a Palo dinner in 90 minutes, just let your server know and don't dawdle too long over the menu! I've often taken longer, but that is with pre-dinner drinks, all courses and a chatty server.

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So tell me - should we skip the 7:45 and just do the late one? Our son is 8 1/2. Thank you for the advice

 

[iankh]

There are actually two 'pirate parties' on the Dream. Buchaneer Blast is at 7:45 and is basically for the kids (music/dancing). Then there is a second event at 10:30ish with Mickey saving us from the pirates and the fireworks.

.vmedisneymom, you can do a Palo dinner in 90 minutes, just let your server know and don't dawdle too long over the menu! I've often taken longer, but that is with pre-dinner drinks, all courses and a chatty server.

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Apparently they decided not to consult with me before making changes.

 

[gichicdoc]

I'm still at GTY status. Is anyone else? Wonder when they will assign me my cabin number?

Hey Everyone!
We are confirmed and paid in full for the Nov 6 sailing. This will be our 5th - Yea Gold! and my parents second as well as all of our second with No Kids. We did it once before with my parents (on the Wonder) and had so much fun, I knew I had to do it again when the Dream was built. I am fortunate that my DH so enjoys my parents that he had no problem when I offered to pay for them to join us-- we both think they make it a better party. Is that weird
Anyway, both of our cabins are verandah GTY and I can't wait to find out where we will be!
I made our Palo ressies for the first night and a Remy's ressie for the Castaway Cay night although I may cancel the latter as I really want to try all of the new dining rooms. What night is the Pirate night on? You'd think I'd know this stuff by now -- lol!
I have been reading our Cruise Meet for a long time now (aka lurker) and it sure seems like we have a terrific group!
Michelle

 

[ibouncetoo]

So tell me - should we skip the 7:45 and just do the late one? Our son is 8 1/2. Thank you for the advice

That I can't answer, because I haven't experienced them yet. From what I've read (in trip reports) the first one has the characters and staff sining and dancing and whipping the crowd into a frenzy "MAKE SOME NOISE" (not unlike the adventures away party). The later one has Hook and the bad pirates taking over this ship and Mickey saving the day. I would think that would appeal more to a boy your son's age. And of, course, the fireworks.

BUT...I'd look around for verification on that in case I'm misunderstanding. If I find a trip report with some info I'll post a link.


MICHELLE...welcome! I'll add you to the page one rouster, but it probably won't be till the weekend.

IAN...whatever was DCL thinking by not checking with you first?

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[ACDSNY]

Hey Everyone!
We are confirmed and paid in full for the Nov 6 sailing. This will be our 5th - Yea Gold! and my parents second as well as all of our second with No Kids. We did it once before with my parents (on the Wonder) and had so much fun, I knew I had to do it again when the Dream was built. I am fortunate that my DH so enjoys my parents that he had no problem when I offered to pay for them to join us-- we both think they make it a better party. Is that weird

Welcome Michelle & family! Traveling with parents isn't weird to me, we use to do it all the time with mine and loved it. I only wish my Mom was still alive, so enjoy it while you can.

 

[vmedisneymom]

That I can't answer, because I haven't experienced them yet. From what I've read (in trip reports) the first one has the characters and staff sining and dancing and whipping the crowd into a frenzy "MAKE SOME NOISE" (not unlike the adventures away party). The later one has Hook and the bad pirates taking over this ship and Mickey saving the day. I would think that would appeal more to a boy your son's age. And of, course, the fireworks.

BUT...I'd look around for verification on that in case I'm misunderstanding. If I find a trip report with some info I'll post a link.


MICHELLE...welcome! I'll add you to the page one rouster, but it probably won't be till the weekend.

IAN...whatever was DCL thinking by not checking with you first?

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Thank you so much! I will check around and see, but I think you are right - as long as Mickey is present in the 2nd one I think he will be good. Then we can Palo and enjoy ourselves without rushing and still get the pirate party.

Welcome Michelle! This is a wonderful group of people. So helpful and so wonderful. I can't wait to hang out with all of you on the Dream! We still need to think of a meet I think - why not?! We are all kindred souls and natural friends so I think that we will have a great time meeting each other. I am/was really intrigued by the champagne girls so maybe we could do a meet in Pink on this first day and wear our festive whatevers and have a toast after the sail away?! Hope all of you are well - we have crazy storms and my best friend a mile away has no power - we seem to be good here as it seems to have passed. This has been a crazy wild Summer of heat or storms to say the least. 104 or 111 and heat or storms and almost chilly all Summer - makes CC sound that much better!

 

[vmedisneymom]

Michelle - I am also Michelle! ha! too funny

 

[iankh]

Hey Everyone!
We are confirmed and paid in full for the Nov 6 sailing. This will be our 5th - Yea Gold! and my parents second as well as all of our second with No Kids. We did it once before with my parents (on the Wonder) and had so much fun, I knew I had to do it again when the Dream was built. I am fortunate that my DH so enjoys my parents that he had no problem when I offered to pay for them to join us-- we both think they make it a better party. Is that weird
Anyway, both of our cabins are verandah GTY and I can't wait to find out where we will be!
I made our Palo ressies for the first night and a Remy's ressie for the Castaway Cay night although I may cancel the latter as I really want to try all of the new dining rooms. What night is the Pirate night on? You'd think I'd know this stuff by now -- lol!
I have been reading our Cruise Meet for a long time now (aka lurker) and it sure seems like we have a terrific group!
Michelle

Welcome! I think Pirate night is on the third night.

 

[PHILCT]

Thanks for the welcome VMEDISNEYMOM.

Hi gichicdoc,

I have been busy with the door magnet designing, laminating them at Office Depot, and buying the magnetic squares to attach.

Jay and I have gotten our Pirate T-shirts, bandanas, eye patch and pirate ear rings, we will be using it also for Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party. We will be kind of simple, no makeup, casual pirates.

I told Jay about the sea sickness wrist bands you can buy for the cruise, I forget where you can buy them?

The diets are still going on, wondering how much we can lose in the next 10 to 11 weeks?

I have the extra extension traveling electric outlets with an extra USB charger.
I have a portable mini flash light.
I have new luggage from EBAGS, and packing cubes.

I was going to buy DCL Lanyards with a built in small pocket wallet at the Disney Store, but they are all sold out, still hoping to get two, I am not sure how they compare to any freebies from DVC on the ship?

I checked out the prices at comfort suites for Aquaventure Atlantis, which I did find for 135 dollars plus fees, which comes to around 200 hundred dollars. I haven't made up my mind yet weather or not to do the reservation.

Is everyone else busy with anticipation for the cruise?

 

[iankh]

Thanks for the welcome VMEDISNEYMOM.

Hi gichicdoc,

I have been busy with the door magnet designing, laminating them at Office Depot, and buying the magnetic squares to attach.

Jay and I have gotten our Pirate T-shirts, bandanas, eye patch and pirate ear rings, we will be using it also for Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party. We will be kind of simple, no makeup, casual pirates.

I told Jay about the sea sickness wrist bands you can buy for the cruise, I forget where you can buy them?

The diets are still going on, wondering how much we can lose in the next 10 to 11 weeks?

I have the extra extension traveling electric outlets with an extra USB charger.
I have a portable mini flash light.
I have new luggage from EBAGS, and packing cubes.

I was going to buy DCL Lanyards with a built in small pocket wallet at the Disney Store, but they are all sold out, still hoping to get two, I am not sure how they compare to any freebies from DVC on the ship?

I checked out the prices at comfort suites for Aquaventure Atlantis, which I did find for 135 dollars plus fees, which comes to around 200 hundred dollars. I haven't made up my mind yet weather or not to do the reservation.

Is everyone else busy with anticipation for the cruise?

I think because we've cruised before, much of the groundwork has been laid regarding new luggage, etc, etc.

I think I would refrain from buying lanyards, the ones you'll get when you check in are fine. I'm really not sure what you'd use any extra pockets for. All you need is your keycard while you're on the ship. The ones you'll get from DVC are fairly similar though the neck ribbon will be a better and nicer.

We have about 4,000 lanyards to go along with our 18,120 DVC hats, 9,056 Castaway Club water bottles and 4,528 Castaway Club tote bags. I'm thinking of donating them to Project Runway for one of their special challenges.

Seriously, I think you'll be fine with the lanyards you get and will get plenty more swag from DVC.

The packing cubes are wonderful. We got them from eBags for our Panama repositioning cruise back in 2008. I very strongly and heartily recommend the packing folders. No one seems to mention them on the boards much, but I would not travel for either vacation or business without them. If you have button front shirts they insure that the shirts arrive with minimum wrinkling.

I use them for trousers as well and they were excellent for our recent Mexican Rivera cruise. Our linen trousers were packed for over 48 hours and made it across country with again ultra minimum wrinkling. And I don't have to talk about how impractical linen is considering that even looking at it the wrong way causes it to wrinkle.

No seasickness here so can't help much with that.

Door signs will be made sometime in October. Plus I have to whip up some offensive signs to slap on Jackie's door.

The key challenge I'm wrestling with is whether or not to buy new bow ties, but that would be for Remy which is on our 3-night cruise right after this one.

We're doing a back-to-back, this sailing and the 3-night afterwards. I projected out how much we'll be spending on the cruises, deducted our onboard credit and had money added to our accounts this weekend.

I seriously dislike any sort of post-vacation bills, and while it may be goofy prefer to prepay as much as I can.

This was really great after our Mexican Rivera cruise this past April. It was great to have zero bills afterwards. Actually, I think I may have had $10 coming back to me post cruise.

We're doing the Discover Atlantis excursion. I pushed for the water park but am afraid I lost.







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[ibouncetoo]

Door signs will be made sometime in October. Plus I have to whip up some offensive signs to slap on Jackie's door.

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I saw that, mister........
I promise you, OLD jokes won't upset me, I'm PROUD to be turning 62! (Don't much like the alternative.)


Our family wait list for main (early) seating came through. Now, my playmates have late seating but an odd number of people (and odd people) at their table, so I may crash and just eat AGAIN with them! OK, really just pop in and visit over dessert perhaps. We will definately have to make some breakfast/lunch dates.

Don't exactly know why but the family paid off the cabin with the silver CC memeber and not the one with the gold CC memeber. So I'm chomping at the bit for the gold cabin to get done so they can try and grab a Palo dinner (AND an early port arrival time).

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[gichicdoc]

Welcome Michelle! This is a wonderful group of people. So helpful and so wonderful. I can't wait to hang out with all of you on the Dream! We still need to think of a meet I think - why not?! We are all kindred souls and natural friends so I think that we will have a great time meeting each other.

Michelle - I am also Michelle! ha! too funny

Thanks for the welcome Michelle, et al.
I am surprised that there is no meet-n-greet arranged already - is that too "BTDT"??? Not sure if Pink will be open right away but I am up for that idea if it is -- there is never a bad time for champagne

Our family wait list for main (early) seating came through. Now, my playmates have late seating but an odd number of people (and odd people) at their table, so I may crash and just eat AGAIN with them! OK, really just pop in and visit over dessert perhaps. We will definately have to make some breakfast/lunch dates.
.

Jackie- How did you find out about your change to main dining? I put in a request when I paid off our ressie but wasn't sure how they would notify me.

 

[iankh]

I saw that, mister........
I promise you, OLD jokes won't upset me, I'm PROUD to be turning 62! (Don't much like the alternative.)


Our family wait list for main (early) seating came through. Now, my playmates have late seating but an odd number of people (and odd people) at their table, so I may crash and just eat AGAIN with them! OK, really just pop in and visit over dessert perhaps. We will definately have to make some breakfast/lunch dates.

Don't exactly know why but the family paid off the cabin with the silver CC memeber and not the one with the gold CC memeber. So I'm chomping at the bit for the gold cabin to get done so they can try and grab a Palo dinner (AND an early port arrival time).

.

Hmmm. You're only 2 years older than Hiiselfness and old enough to be my brother.


I have no clue who we are supposed to be dining with, or how many people are at our table other than our nanny.



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[iankh]

More info on packing folders, 15", 18" and 20":

http://www.ebags.com/product/eagle-creek/pack-it-folder-15/147918?productid=10011768

http://www.ebags.com/product/eagle-creek/pack-it-folder-18/147919?productid=10124351

http://www.ebags.com/product/eagle-creek/pack-it-folder-20/147920?productid=10124356

 

[jajomo0118]

Hi all...not new...just not into planning this trip this time...I did say Hi a couple times since booking..I don't know whats wrong with me!! lol..I was addicted to DIS for our first cruise....I would love to be that excited again!! So I am putting some effort in and stopping by more often...and hoping the cruise bug bites soon

 

[ibouncetoo]

Jackie- How did you find out about your change to main dining? I put in a request when I paid off our ressie but wasn't sure how they would notify me.

Just discovered it when I looked at my reservtion on line!


Next major issue....waiting to find out that my favorite head server is back from vacation in time! His break just started today. I'm pretty sure it won't be 12 weeks long...although in the olden days (before having to add new staff for the Dream & Fantasy) contract and breaks ran longer than they do right now.

So how have all you Castaway Club members done with your on-line booking? I noticed there were Palo dinner reservations open for tables of 5-6 people the other day (we finally had our family cabins linked and paid for so I was able to see that information). I almost switched my dinner reservation for 2 to one for 6, but wasn't as happy with the time options. So will risk being able to get a larger table on embarkation day. If we can't...oh well, at least I'M going! I have to 'collect' my Platinum perk of free Palo dinner.

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[ibouncetoo]

12 Weeks from right now I'll be all packed (or nearly) and hoping for a good night's sleep for my Saturday travel day.

Some of you will probably be in FL already.

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