Hello Joan
, I am originally from NY so we used to be neighbors. We would got to Seaside Heights and Great Adventure every summer. That's about the only two places I have been in NJ.
I would say maybe wait until next year to look for pirate stuff only because I know Disney changes a lot. Last year when I booked my cruise by the time I went they had changed all of their activities. I don't think they will do away with pirate night but you never know. However, if you find really cheap prices on pirate stuff you should get it.
If you love Disney, you will love the Cruise. The service is better than any Disney park I have been too. There is such a magical feel to the cruise I can't explain it. My husband and I only took a 4-day last year because we were affraid we would miss WDW too much, we didn't we wish we would have stayed on the ship. There are characters everywhere for the kids (and adults
) .
We made signs for our doors, at first my husband didn't understand why but once we decorated our door he did. It puts a smile on your face everytime you walk into your room plus it makes it much easier to find. I used the over the door shoe holder and it was great. The only problem I had was that I couldn't close the door, don't know if I was doing it wrong. The other thing I used was a portable shower caddy. I put all my shampoo, conditioner, body wash and soap in there and hung it from the faucet. It was great because there really isn't much room to leave all that stuff in the shower. I also used the power strip and plug in air freshener.
The other thing you may want to start looking for right after the holidays are cheap dressy dresses. I am hoping to find a gown on sale. I have also read that you could get a tux for $100 in JC Penny's, which I will be looking into for my husband. I haven't nothing to compare it to since I have only been on one cruise but most people get really dressed up. It makes for some great pictures.
Don't know if they are the best excusions but as of now we are doing the Golden Eagle Cat and the Capt Nautica's St John Snorkeling. I am also might do the jet ski tour on
Castaway Cay.
You must do a brunch in Palo's with all the adults one day. It was one of the best things we did on our last cruise. I know they have a private dining room I think there are enough of you to fill it.
Make sure you get there a day before. I know it's a short flight but with the unpredictable weather in NJ that last thing you want to worry about is getting stuck in a crazy snow storm.
I hope I have help answer some of your questions.
TTFN
DH 
DS 
2DD 
so glad to have an new family join us. I have been on only one 4-day 
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