11/28/09 - 12/5/2009 The Nana's Ride the Seas Again #5

[DisneyMommaSteph]

I'm glad to hear that the kids liked the clubs. The sensible side of me can't see what they wouldn't LOVE it...but then the mommy side worries that they would feel like they were missing something. I have faith in Disney to make it awesome...why else would people keep going back, right? I don't want to feel guilty dropping them off....

Guess what?

I have a question!!! Shocking, huh?

We're flying in Friday evening....and I know the options are endless as to where to stay. Suggestions? Just to note, we're not using Disney transportation (mainly because it's too expensive...700 combined since we're both a family of five) we're thinking of getting picked up by van. Good idea? Do most hotels by the port offer free shuttle? What's everyone doing that night before?

AND

Palo??
Is it worth it? I just can't wrap my head around why everyone would willingly go to the "pay" restaurant (oh wait...it's kids free too...so maybe for the serenity? lol) when you're being buried food everywhere you turn...hehe...Is it that good. Give it to me straight... I'm considering doing a brunch....

Ok...screaming kiddo...that wants mommy to stop researching DISNEY....and feed her....She'll understand some day....hehe

 

[DisneyMommaSteph]

...and the Flounders Reef...

I'm fairly certain that I will *have* to take advantage of the nursery (well...not really HAVE to...more like REALLY like to. I want to enjoy a kid free meal, some relaxing drinks, and some adult entertainment here and there)...at least a few times. My main concern is that most of the times I forsee wanting to use it would be at night, and I really don't know how Bre will do. She's not much of a "sleeping, staying, playing" in any containers kinda baby...so I fear she'll just scream and they'll have to get me.

I can at least try, right? I keep reading that you should book early...but honestly HOW can you do that--aside from shore excursions how would one know when they would need the service, yanno?

 

[jd99]

OKay, this makes post #10, so I can sent the PMs about the FE and the meetup on Sat. afternoon. Anyone know of a good place to buy an doorhanger for the FE that isn't $30? The ones on ebay are cute, I I don't mind decoratin my own if there are plain clear plastic ones with just a few pockets out there somewhere.

--Suzanne :^)

Awaiting your PM re the meet.
Here's a FE suggestion - several people in our group last year used Christmas stockings since it is 'in the season' and the ship is decorated for the holidays.

I'm glad to hear that the kids liked the clubs. The sensible side of me can't see what they wouldn't LOVE it...but then the mommy side worries that they would feel like they were missing something. I have faith in Disney to make it awesome...why else would people keep going back, right? I don't want to feel guilty dropping them off....

Guess what?

I have a question!!! Shocking, huh?

We're flying in Friday evening....and I know the options are endless as to where to stay. Suggestions? Just to note, we're not using Disney transportation (mainly because it's too expensive...700 combined since we're both a family of five) we're thinking of getting picked up by van. Good idea? Do most hotels by the port offer free shuttle? What's everyone doing that night before?

AND

Palo??
Is it worth it? I just can't wrap my head around why everyone would willingly go to the "pay" restaurant (oh wait...it's kids free too...so maybe for the serenity? lol) when you're being buried food everywhere you turn...hehe...Is it that good. Give it to me straight... I'm considering doing a brunch....

Ok...screaming kiddo...that wants mommy to stop researching DISNEY....and feed her....She'll understand some day....hehe

We've stayed at the Hyatt at the airport before and really enjoyed it - but we used DCL transportation because you can get to the port very early. This time we are saying at boardwalk villas and then taking a limo to the port - again, so we can get there early.

Re Palo - we love going to Palo. Kids understand that is mommy and daddy time and go happily to the clubs at that time without a thought. We like the brunch but we are not so much breakfast people so we book it late and have a really nice lunch. We really prefer dinner there. More relaxed, not a buffet thing, beautiful views. Nighttime stroll on the 10th deck before picking up the kiddos. Wouldn't miss it.

...and the Flounders Reef...

I'm fairly certain that I will *have* to take advantage of the nursery (well...not really HAVE to...more like REALLY like to. I want to enjoy a kid free meal, some relaxing drinks, and some adult entertainment here and there)...at least a few times. My main concern is that most of the times I forsee wanting to use it would be at night, and I really don't know how Bre will do. She's not much of a "sleeping, staying, playing" in any containers kinda baby...so I fear she'll just scream and they'll have to get me.

I can at least try, right? I keep reading that you should book early...but honestly HOW can you do that--aside from shore excursions how would one know when they would need the service, yanno?

The Flounders folks are very flexible when you get onboard especially if you are going to Palo..they will work with you. But I would also suggest booking some times that you think you might need it just so you have "something."

 

[DisneyCrunch]

She stole my question! We need to book a room for the fri before we sail...I lean towards just booking the Hyatt cause it's right there at the airport and then getting a hired van to take us to the port in the morning...but is it wiser to go to Port Canaveral that night and then get to the actual boat in the AM...Do hotels in Port Canaveral have complimentary shuttle services to the boat or would we have to hire another van? Are there any recommended hotels there?

 

[DisneyCrunch]

Alright I'm posting a few replies so I can work on my 10

I, too, am trying to decide about the FE--I feel much the same as my sister. I love the idea, I think the kids would really love it all but I don't know if I'm creative enough to do a good enough job!

I'll definitely be at the meet up and I'll PM you jeff as soon as I get my 10!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Steph and Crunch (sorry I can't remember your real name ), there is a great thread at the top of the main Cruise Line board with FAQ. It has oodles of information and a great thread about the whole PC area with hotel recommendations. However, I really like your idea of the Hyatt with a big van the next day. As you are scheduling the van yourself you can set your own pick up time. If you want to get to port at 10 am then just plan for an early pick. Port is only about an hour away. You'll be fine no matter what you choose.

And just because I pointed you towards the FAQ sticky doesn't mean that we're all not willing to answer your questions. So keep asking.

 

[DisneyCrunch]

My final reply for now

Anyone ever try to get their kid bumped into the next age group up? I hate to be "that mom" but I think my 7-year old will turn his nose up at most of his age-level's stuff with a "that's for LITTLE kids" His birthday is about 60 days off for the age cut off (he'll be 8 in early Feb). Looking at the Navigators from other cruises just confirms my suspicion that he'd do better in the 8-10's. My 10 year old will only be 20something days from turning 11 but I think she'd be great in the 8-10's still so I'm not just wanting to push them ahead--I really just think the older group would work better for his personality and level of maturity. I plan on asking guest services about this when we board but I wondered if anyone has experience with this (I see a huge range of experiences with this stuff here on the boards in general...)

 

[jd99]

My final reply for now

Anyone ever try to get their kid bumped into the next age group up? I hate to be "that mom" but I think my 7-year old will turn his nose up at most of his age-level's stuff with a "that's for LITTLE kids" His birthday is about 60 days off for the age cut off (he'll be 8 in early Feb). Looking at the Navigators from other cruises just confirms my suspicion that he'd do better in the 8-10's. My 10 year old will only be 20something days from turning 11 but I think she'd be great in the 8-10's still so I'm not just wanting to push them ahead--I really just think the older group would work better for his personality and level of maturity. I plan on asking guest services about this when we board but I wondered if anyone has experience with this (I see a huge range of experiences with this stuff here on the boards in general...)

Jen - A couple of things.
1. We did not bump our daughter when she was about 30 days from her 8th birthday and boy was that a mistake. It was the only time she didn't enjoy the clubs because.......wait for it.....she was bored and it was "too babyish." So in my experience, I say get him bumped if you can.

2. Your daughter being almost 11. Please know that my daughter just turned 11 (last week) and she WILL be in the next group up - Ocean Quest. She has made another friend via this message board (boundfordisney's granddaughter who is 12) and it looks like they are forming a nice bond for Ocean Quest. So if you think she might like OQ, she'll have some pre-made friends so long as you get to the meet. She can also start emailing my daughter. I can PM you an email address if she wants to just do some chatting with someone else on the cruise - and a kid who has been on the cruise several times now and knows about all the cool stuff. Let me know.

 

[DisneyCrunch]

Well it's good to have my suspicion confirmed in your experience with your 7 year old Jeff--it strengthens my resolve to try to get him into the next group up. Are chances good that they'll bump him being two months away from his bday do you think? And that's definitely food for thought with your daughter. My daughter is very social--she loves to make new friends so that might be really great for her. I'll have to knock the idea around a little and see if I think she'll dig the next group up considering she'd have friends there (sorry I can never remember the club names...) but I think having them email would be great--she isn't a huge emailer but she dabbles in it I'll pm her email address in just a few more posts

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Okay, I'll put this out there for the parents of other girls. My DD is 9 (will be 10) in January. She'll be in whatever club (can never remember the names) that is. Anyway, she would love to chat via email with any other girl that is around her age and will be spending time in the club.

PM me if anyone is interested. She's an only so it would definitely help her to have a friend ahead of time.

Have a good day!

 

[suzannecat]

She stole my question! We need to book a room for the fri before we sail...I lean towards just booking the Hyatt cause it's right there at the airport and then getting a hired van to take us to the port in the morning...but is it wiser to go to Port Canaveral that night and then get to the actual boat in the AM...Do hotels in Port Canaveral have complimentary shuttle services to the boat or would we have to hire another van? Are there any recommended hotels there?

I think I read on Mousesavers that the Radisson in Cape Canaveral has a shuttle to the port. We're staying near Universal that night though, because we have Blue Man Group tickets at 6pm and I figure we'll be too wiped out to make the drive afterwards. We'll drive over after breakfast Sat. am.

--Suzanne

 

[DisneyMommaSteph]

Ahhhh...yes, the FAQ. I don't think I've checked out the hotel part...thanks for the reminder. I figured I'd ask here too....just in case someone had a hidden secret hotel...hehe

Jen--I'm at moms, and my cell is dead...so call me here if you're on before 11:30. Did you get the confirmation on the flights?

I did read that about the Radisson. I googled "free shuttle to Port Canaveral" and that came up. I'm a little scared to just google and pick a hotel though...for fear it will be crappy, but I'll check the FAQ...I bet it has great info....

I'm starting to think about what I am going to need to pack. Is it bad that one of my first considerations is how/where/where I'll pack my wine, and other personal refreshments???...hehe We're considering having our van driver stop at the store and pick some beer up. Do you think a few (or 7..lol) bottles of wine will fit/not weight too much/survive the flight??? Ya see when it comes to packing I always over pack...and I have a feeling this is going to be the same way when it comes to drinks....LOL...Must remember--has to fit in carry on!

I'm also trying to plan my wardrobe...hehe...One formal night, and one semi formal night. The other nights are casual...and I've read that people wear jeans. Is this true?? Really? Will we look like outcasts? hehe

Luckily we're flying Southwest, so our bags fly free...WOOT!

It's going to be a welcome change from the New England winter to SAIL AWAY ON THE MAGIC!!!!! Have I mentioned I'm excited????

 

[jd99]

Ahhhh...yes, the FAQ. I don't think I've checked out the hotel part...thanks for the reminder. I figured I'd ask here too....just in case someone had a hidden secret hotel...hehe

Jen--I'm at moms, and my cell is dead...so call me here if you're on before 11:30. Did you get the confirmation on the flights?

I did read that about the Radisson. I googled "free shuttle to Port Canaveral" and that came up. I'm a little scared to just google and pick a hotel though...for fear it will be crappy, but I'll check the FAQ...I bet it has great info....

I'm starting to think about what I am going to need to pack. Is it bad that one of my first considerations is how/where/where I'll pack my wine, and other personal refreshments???...hehe We're considering having our van driver stop at the store and pick some beer up. Do you think a few (or 7..lol) bottles of wine will fit/not weight too much/survive the flight??? Ya see when it comes to packing I always over pack...and I have a feeling this is going to be the same way when it comes to drinks....LOL...Must remember--has to fit in carry on!

I'm also trying to plan my wardrobe...hehe...One formal night, and one semi formal night. The other nights are casual...and I've read that people wear jeans. Is this true?? Really? Will we look like outcasts? hehe

Luckily we're flying Southwest, so our bags fly free...WOOT!

It's going to be a welcome change from the New England winter to SAIL AWAY ON THE MAGIC!!!!! Have I mentioned I'm excited????

Steph - Why not pick up the wine in FLA too? We did that last year on the way to the port.

A lot of the people who cruised on this sailing with us last year stayed at the Radisson and all had good things to say about it - many of them had returned there after previous stays.

Re the dress for dinner. Always a source of controversy. People will wear jeans but in my experience, not many. Most people dress in what I would consider resort casual at dinner -- ladies in sundresses or capris, men in khaki's and polos. But I will tell you we were at Palo one year and there was a couple there in jeans. If you red the dress code for Palo, that's a no no but they didn't get kicked out. This particular sailing people seem to dress up a little more because many folks are getting portraits taken for Christmas.

I guess you all know that the ship is FULLY decorated for Christmas on this sailing. It's really really cool.

Among the other fun things they have done in the past that are non-ticketed event but fun include the tree lighting ceremony the first night usually around 7 or 7:30 I think but don't quote me on that. Also, Mrs. Santa Clause has been there reading stories in the atrium lobby in past years and the performers have come out to carol in the lobby. Truly just so much going on all the time it's a great great vacation!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Okay, so where in NE are you guys? (vaguely - I'm not really a stalker ) I spent some time in CT and have relatives in MA. And we spent every summer in ME growing up. Sometimes I feel more a NE girl than a Jersey girl. DD is definitely a Jersey girl though.

Here's the link to Shirley's helpful information about the PC area. She lives there and is absolutely fabulous!! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520273

 

[DisneyMommaSteph]

We're booked at the Rad, and I've reserved our van service!

Small rant..

It's so annoying that being a family of five translates to much higher rates on almost everything. Shhesh the Hyatt would require us to get 3 rooms. We just got a king suite and a reg at the Rad...making it a 300+ night. Flying in the day of is starting to look better...

We're in CT...Jen is in VT.....

 

[Honeibee]

I guess you all know that the ship is FULLY decorated for Christmas on this sailing. It's really really cool.

Umm..NOOOOO! I did NOT know this! HOW TOTALLY AWESOME IS THAT!!!?!!! I am soooooo excited!

Thanks for telling us! Ok now I'm REALLY excited!

 

[DisneyMommaSteph]

It looks like there are a handfull of us from "up here".... Can we petition Disney to leave from a more "northern" port....hehe

*don't throw banana's at me* How can you guys (the peeps in and around NY) resit sailing on Royal Caribbean out of NY, or NJ? It's just too easy without having to fly...Not to mention cheap.... All 10 of us could have gone on a RC cruise the week of Thanksgiving for only 3800.00 per family...no flight needed...

Of course we were DYING to go on a Disney Cruise (not that RC isn't amazing...it certainly is...SANS kids. I am not convinced the kids would really enjoy it half as much as diiiiiiiiiiiisney!!!) so that was our first choice...I just can't believe an 8 day cruise the week before was that much cheaper (and that was 4 staterooms, each ajoining)....I'll understand after this cruise, won't I???

 

[DisneyMommaSteph]

Steph - Why not pick up the wine in FLA too? We did that last year on the way to the port.

A lot of the people who cruised on this sailing with us last year stayed at the Radisson and all had good things to say about it - many of them had returned there after previous stays.

Re the dress for dinner. Always a source of controversy. People will wear jeans but in my experience, not many. Most people dress in what I would consider resort casual at dinner -- ladies in sundresses or capris, men in khaki's and polos. But I will tell you we were at Palo one year and there was a couple there in jeans. If you red the dress code for Palo, that's a no no but they didn't get kicked out. This particular sailing people seem to dress up a little more because many folks are getting portraits taken for Christmas.

I guess you all know that the ship is FULLY decorated for Christmas on this sailing. It's really really cool.

Among the other fun things they have done in the past that are non-ticketed event but fun include the tree lighting ceremony the first night usually around 7 or 7:30 I think but don't quote me on that. Also, Mrs. Santa Clause has been there reading stories in the atrium lobby in past years and the performers have come out to carol in the lobby. Truly just so much going on all the time it's a great great vacation!

I think we are going to pick up some stuff in FL (the van we hired does a 30 minute stop at a grocery store with a liquor store attached--Good find Jen!...) but my concern is that a) they won't have my favorite wine (Robert Mondavi Coastal Cabernet) or b) It'll be overpriced. I've never really been to a packy (thats what we call em here) in FL so I don't even know what selection they'll have, yanno?

As far as the dress--I usually LOVE to dress up...I just feel a bit frumpy not being able to fit into all my "normal" clothes because of this retained baby weight... Hopefully I'll snap out of it before the cruise...and pull together some outfits.

What about the kids?

 

[Honeibee]

It looks like there are a handfull of us from "up here".... Can we petition Disney to leave from a more "northern" port....hehe

We are less than an hour north of NYC and would LOVE it SOOOO MUCH if DCL came up here.

As tempting as it is to cruise on someone else, we have been on one four-day Wonder cruise and I highly doubt we will ever go back to another line. Unless they make me an offer I can not refuse. But really, there just is no comparing.

 

[jd99]

I think we are going to pick up some stuff in FL (the van we hired does a 30 minute stop at a grocery store with a liquor store attached--Good find Jen!...) but my concern is that a) they won't have my favorite wine (Robert Mondavi Coastal Cabernet) or b) It'll be overpriced. I've never really been to a packy (thats what we call em here) in FL so I don't even know what selection they'll have, yanno?

As far as the dress--I usually LOVE to dress up...I just feel a bit frumpy not being able to fit into all my "normal" clothes because of this retained baby weight... Hopefully I'll snap out of it before the cruise...and pull together some outfits.

What about the kids?

I found the wine selection to be very good at the store we stopped at last time and I'm a bit of a wine snob.

Re kids and dressing - you'll see everything and really don't have to worry about it so much. Let the kids be comfortable. Many of them don't stay at dinner that long anyway. My youngest sometimes skips altogether and other times has done the "dine and play" where they eat fast and then head to the club.