12/24/08 Christmas Cruise on the Wonder

[drag n' fly]

Goodness. We go for days without a single post then wham Welcome Jodale. Courtney and will both have 16 yr old daughters on the cruise. Mine turns 16 end of Nov,and Courtney's early Dec. Hopefully the girls will all click,and hang out together. But I'd never ever presume to suggest it to my DD

Good luck getting those room assignments Disneymama. I wish my DH would let me book like that. I have been told this is his last cruise for awhile. Guess that means I go without him

Annette Love the tattoo! And Mickey seems pretty hidden to me. 21 days? shoot the twins start school Friday!

Courtney. Last time ( I know, 8 years ago) All we saw were the rements of junkanoo. The bleachers were still set up,and the streets weren't cleaned. But most of the shops were open. As for knowing for certain. We didn't find out till the captain made the announcment just before the sail away. I don't know what to tell you. Are you booking the Dolphin Experience through DCL or private vender? I think I would go with the cruise line,that way they will make the change onboard if the captain does change the itinerary. We have early dinner. Last time( I know I know,but it's all the experience with DCL I have ) we had a table just for our family. We didn't ask for it that way. Just the way it worked. Until I found Disboards, I thought Disney didn't seat you with other families.

We didn't get much rain here. Just a little here and there. And while it did get cooler, the humidity was just awful. I think I preferred the 109 temps with low humidity, to the upper 80's with dewpoints in the high 70's

The kids always start the first day after labour day here which is Sept 2. I like your idea of booking direct in case any changes are made!

 

[adrianna_sarah]

I was looking for info from other cruise threads and the last 10 day cruise over Christmas had a stop in Antigua on Christmas, which the DCL kept.

Just some random info for you...

Welcome aboard, new friends.

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Courtney-

I'll have to beg out on the dinner linking. We are still on the waitlist for first seating and will hopefully get it since we booked almost a year out. We actually have a notation on our ressie asking that we not be assigned tablemates. It is kind of random whether you get them or not if you don't request one way or the other. We tend to put our little ones in the nursery for most DCL dinners anyway so that we can have "date night". It sounds like fun for all ya'll who have older kids, though.

Adrianna

 

[DisneyMama27]

Our school starts Aug 25th. We used to start earlier, and have a fall break, but the state of TX mandated that we start the end of August. That was the end of our week in October

I'm a teacher, so I'm already working! Gotta work my magic on the classroom - I am SO wishing for a magic wand these days!

We are in late seating for dinner - it was all that was left, but probably what I would have chosen anyway. If DH eats too early, he snacks too much late at night. Not that there's anything wrong with that, esp. on a cruise! I just don't want to rush - we tend to run late for stuff anyway!

Told DH about the parasailing and couple's exotic rasul... can we book these at our 75-day mark, or do you have to do that on the ship?

This is our first cruise, but we have MANY Disney trips under our belts ... much more my area of expertise! We are actually using DDP on the single nights at OKW and SSR pre- and post-trip, since it will save us some $$ and it's so much more fun than paying OOP. We love the DDP - never have done the DDDP, though. DH likes to put his extra money in Disney art, not more food. And we can't even eat it all on the regular DDP!

Happy Tuesday!
Shari

 

[drag n' fly]

You guys are going to love this. I thought I would email Disney Cruise about the questionable itinerary. This is my question

We have a four night cruise booked on the Wonder from December 24-28th,
2008. It has been brought to our attention, that their will be a
itinerary change due to our Nassau stop being on Christmas Day. Will the
Nassau stop be on the 26th or will it be cancelled completely?
It would be beneficial to know as we will begin booking Palo, excursions
etc in a few weeks and want to ensure they are booked on the correct
days. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Annette


This is the cookie cutter response I got.

Dear Annette,

Thank you for booking a Disney Cruise Line Vacation!

I would be happy to assist with your request.

In reviewing our reservation system, I see the itinerary for your cruise
is to set sail on Wednesday, December 24, 2008, from Port Canaveral. On
Christmas Day, you will be visiting Nassau in the Bahamas. Then on
Friday, you will have a relaxing day at sea. And on Saturday, you will
have fun and sun at Disney's Castaway Cay.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you! Have a Magical Day!

Wilma
Reservations Department
Disney Cruise Vacations

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Our school starts Aug 25th. We used to start earlier, and have a fall break, but the state of TX mandated that we start the end of August. That was the end of our week in October

I'm a teacher, so I'm already working! Gotta work my magic on the classroom - I am SO wishing for a magic wand these days!

We are in late seating for dinner - it was all that was left, but probably what I would have chosen anyway. If DH eats too early, he snacks too much late at night. Not that there's anything wrong with that, esp. on a cruise! I just don't want to rush - we tend to run late for stuff anyway!

Told DH about the parasailing and couple's exotic rasul... can we book these at our 75-day mark, or do you have to do that on the ship?

This is our first cruise, but we have MANY Disney trips under our belts ... much more my area of expertise! We are actually using DDP on the single nights at OKW and SSR pre- and post-trip, since it will save us some $$ and it's so much more fun than paying OOP. We love the DDP - never have done the DDDP, though. DH likes to put his extra money in Disney art, not more food. And we can't even eat it all on the regular DDP!

Happy Tuesday!
Shari

Hi Shari-

You can book either at the 75 day mark or on board, but the safest bet is to get online at midnight EST at the 75 day mark, especially if you want to do the Rasul on a sea day. On our January cruise, parasailing was actually filled before the ship sailed, but I'm not sure at what point all of the slots had been booked. If you are interested in Palo, I think they hold some of the ressie slots for boarding day, but getting them requires being among the first to board the ship. When I logged on at the 75 day point at 7:00AM EST last time, all of the Palo high tea and brunch ressies had already been snatched up and the dinner slots were slim pickins. As for me, I am a planner, and neeeeed to have my activities set up before boarding.

The public schools started here last Monday, but mine goes to Catholic school, which doesn't start until the middle of next week. My little man is off to Kindergarten!

Adrianna

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Hey Annette-

Have a Magical Day!

Adrianna

 

[DisneyMama27]

My little man is off to Kindergarten!

I remember those days! I was a puddle! I went and had coffee with my friends who were also sending their babies to Kinder. That way I wouldn't go home and cry in his room!

I don't think we will do Palo this time. We are pretty sure we will be booking a 7-nighter while onboard, so we will def. want to do that then. And our kids enjoy Disney restaurants, so they'll want to eat with us each night, I think. Besides that, having two rooms means we'll have plenty of "alone time"!

I DO want to get the shore excursions booked. We're not planning to go overboard, but we do want to do some fun things. DH wants to parasail at CC, and we may try to book our own day at Atlantis while in Nassau. Has anyone done that? I read about that on another thread, booking at Comfort Suites to get the Atlantis passes. Just hesitant to book it if we aren't sure which day we'll actually be there!

SO glad to find this board! DH's family just rolls their eyes every time we plan a Disney trip - esp. this time. My family loves Disney, but they too get a little tired of hearing about our trips. So it's nice to have a place to do a happy dance w/folks who are also excited and happy!

Have a great day, everyone!!
Shari

 

[drag n' fly]

Hey Annette-

Have a Magical Day!

Adrianna

Sheesh ...no kidding! My little man just finished kindergarten and is off to grade one this year. The first one going off is always the hardest. By the time the last one goes they are tears of joy!

 

[drag n' fly]

I remember those days! I was a puddle! I went and had coffee with my friends who were also sending their babies to Kinder. That way I wouldn't go home and cry in his room!

I don't think we will do Palo this time. We are pretty sure we will be booking a 7-nighter while onboard, so we will def. want to do that then. And our kids enjoy Disney restaurants, so they'll want to eat with us each night, I think. Besides that, having two rooms means we'll have plenty of "alone time"!

I DO want to get the shore excursions booked. We're not planning to go overboard, but we do want to do some fun things. DH wants to parasail at CC, and we may try to book our own day at Atlantis while in Nassau. Has anyone done that? I read about that on another thread, booking at Comfort Suites to get the Atlantis passes. Just hesitant to book it if we aren't sure which day we'll actually be there!


SO glad to find this board! DH's family just rolls their eyes every time we plan a Disney trip - esp. this time. My family loves Disney, but they too get a little tired of hearing about our trips. So it's nice to have a place to do a happy dance w/folks who are also excited and happy!

Have a great day, everyone!!
Shari

Shari if you are planning to do the Comfort Suites package, they are requiring a 2 day minimum booking for their rooms (during Christmas season) and the rooms are running 300 a night x 2 for Christmas Day.....crooks which is silly because Atlantis owns Comfort Suites out there. If we actually stop at Nassau we are booking through Disney as it is almost the same price.

 

[DisneyMama27]

thanks, Annette! I was a little worried about booking that way anyway,since there is a chance the itinerary will be changed once onboard. May have to do something simpler this time! Maybe the dolphins...

Just finished cutting miles of laminated junk for my class. I love the beginning of the new school year, and getting a new group of kiddos, but the prep almost kills me! Tomorrow's our first teacher day back. So long, summer!

 

[DisneyMama27]

By the way, Annette - love your tattoo! DD9 is a huge Tinkerbell fan. I'm sure she will be the only 4th grader wheeling in a Tink backpack, but she insisted that was the only one for her! Definitely my free spirit!

We will definitely be able to recognize you out on the pool deck!

 

[drag n' fly]

thanks, Annette! I was a little worried about booking that way anyway,since there is a chance the itinerary will be changed once onboard. May have to do something simpler this time! Maybe the dolphins...

Just finished cutting miles of laminated junk for my class. I love the beginning of the new school year, and getting a new group of kiddos, but the prep almost kills me! Tomorrow's our first teacher day back. So long, summer!

Happy first day Shari!

 

[drag n' fly]

By the way, Annette - love your tattoo! DD9 is a huge Tinkerbell fan. I'm sure she will be the only 4th grader wheeling in a Tink backpack, but she insisted that was the only one for her! Definitely my free spirit!

We will definitely be able to recognize you out on the pool deck!

Yes that is the third one now. I am done as my pain tolerance is too low now

 

[drag n' fly]

Hey Courtney we requested the late dinner seating due to the time difference...! Where are ya

Hope all is well with your new man Andy!

Are you settled in yet Adrianna?

Has it cooled down yet Brenda? Our neighbours across the street just moved to Duncan also!

Welcome Jodale

I officially volunteer my dh to do the spreadsheet

Please list:

Cabin Number(s)

Ages and number of kids

Fish Extender participation y/n

First or second dinner seating

Pre/post Disney resort stay

If you can think of anything else give me a shout!

 

[drag n' fly]

We received our cruise planning travel kits today

 

[DisneyMama27]

Annette - for your DH's spreadsheet - tell him thanks!


Cabin - don't know yet

3 kids - DS11, DD9, DD7

FE - sure, we're in!

2nd dinner seating

Disney stay pre (OKW/VB) and post (SSR)


Shari

 

[drag n' fly]

Annette

Cabin(s)- 2594/2596 connecting
3 kids ages 14 ds, 12 dd and 6 ds at sailing
FE- yes
Second dinner seating
Disney pre-stay POR Dec 21-22 and AKV club lvl Dec 22-24

 

[AndymanGA]

Room 7008
DS will be 5 months at sailing
FE yes
first seating
No WDW

 

[JoDale]

Hey guys, not being anti-social. Single parent working full-time here. I NEED this cruise even more than my kids.

I'm planning to sit down this weekend (between football certification, band practice, piano practice, church, laundry, doggie duties, cleaning, and organizing school supplies...school starts in a week) and I am going to read this thread from beginning to end. And then collapse.

I've already picked up a few interesting tid-bits. The "Fish-Extender" had me confused but after some quick Googling and I learned more about it. Sounds promising.

FYI, we were late booking so we're being told we won't get room assignments until we board and we have the late seating for dinner.