2/21/10 4 Nights on the Wonder

[tigger2on]

Sorry I've been MIA since my original post. It's been a crazy busy weekend! LOVING that there will be a bunch of solo Moms traveling!

Regarding Pirate night, a LOT of people (full families) dress up, but there's a very large amount of people that don't. So you'll feel comfortable either way. We never have, just because it'd be that much more to pack, but they do sell some items in the gift shop on the ship if you don't want to pack/bring stuff from home.

About the kids clubs -- the #1 reason I booked the cruise is because of how much my kids LOVE the kids clubs. We considering a trip to WDW but there's just so much to do on the cruise (and a lot of opportunity to just relax) that I KNEW it was the best choice for us.

Something to consider if your concerned about your teen going to Aloft (if they're open to the idea) is to put them in the Oceaneer Lab. There's a LOT for the kids to do in there -- almost too much, there's so many options and that is completely supervised. They CAN self-check out if a certain age (FYI) as well. Otherwise their leaving can be managed by their parent if you so choose.

I will admit, on our first cruise, I was surprised when on Disney's island that the kids clubs don't have any bodies of water that the kids have access too (ie. either a splash zone or shallow pool; if not a shady spot on the beach) but I do understand that's probably intentional to avoid any liability issues around water safety. They do have water available for the kids to drink, and I think they also play some water related games -- they just don't take them swimming either on the ship (when in the club during the day) OR on the island (FYI).

If you are able to, head to Parrot Cay for the buffet lunch when you first board the ship. The Beach Blanket Bingo Buffet (I think it's called) up on Deck 9 is tasty and has a lot of options, but the Parrot Cay buffet is nice and less chaotic.

My kids have actually skipped the Pirate Party 3 times....they love the kids clubs THAT much! I'm hoping they'll check it out this year, it's a lot of fun!

FYI.... the new changes to Castaway cay to be unveiled this summer INCLUDE a splash area in the Scuttle's Landing area! Yipppppeeee! Looking forward to seeing that in 2011!

 

[KerriMomof2NH]

FYI.... the new changes to Castaway cay to be unveiled this summer INCLUDE a splash area in the Scuttle's Landing area! Yipppppeeee! Looking forward to seeing that in 2011!

WOW! I wasn't aware of that -- what wonderful news! My kids were bummed out that Pelican Plunge wasn't open when we were there in November. I just googled it and saw ALL of the planned enhancements -- it's going to make a wonderful beach day even THAT much more enjoyable!

 

[queenmother92301]

Hi there- I also have been too busy lately and although I've had a few minutes to read the thread, I haven't taken the time to respond. I also have to say being a "newbie" to cruising, I'm a little overwhelmed by all there is to think about!
Anyway, I just bought the stuff to make my fish extender (but I don't sew, so lets hope it stays intact!), but I would still love to hear about gifts people have given or received in the past. My 8 year old is a DD: I know someone was asking because their gifts would be gender specific. Our cabin number is 2570. You can just assign me a day that works!
Now for some questions. Should I be expecting documents soon? All I have so far is my reservation confirmation and the Ship and Shore vacation guide.
I've heard people talking about hoping for upgrades at the time of boarding and am assuming it's cheaper than originally booking the upgraded room?? Also, what is this I hear about 2 for 1 drink specials? I am travelling w/my husband, but I can sneak away for a couple of hours while DH and DD spend some quality time together, or while my daughter is at the kids club and DH is enjoying quiet time. So let's not just assume that only the single moms would be interested, LOL!! Can't wait, 33 days and counting!!

 

[tigger2on]

Hi there- I also have been too busy lately and although I've had a few minutes to read the thread, I haven't taken the time to respond. I also have to say being a "newbie" to cruising, I'm a little overwhelmed by all there is to think about!
Anyway, I just bought the stuff to make my fish extender (but I don't sew, so lets hope it stays intact!), but I would still love to hear about gifts people have given or received in the past. My 8 year old is a DD: I know someone was asking because their gifts would be gender specific. Our cabin number is 2570. You can just assign me a day that works!
Now for some questions. Should I be expecting documents soon? All I have so far is my reservation confirmation and the Ship and Shore vacation guide.
I've heard people talking about hoping for upgrades at the time of boarding and am assuming it's cheaper than originally booking the upgraded room?? Also, what is this I hear about 2 for 1 drink specials? I am travelling w/my husband, but I can sneak away for a couple of hours while DH and DD spend some quality time together, or while my daughter is at the kids club and DH is enjoying quiet time. So let's not just assume that only the single moms would be interested, LOL!! Can't wait, 33 days and counting!!

I put you down for Castaway Cay day for distribution.
No all ladies and gents are welcome to join in all activities including 2 for 1 drinks. LOL
Yes upgrades are usually cheaper at port but limited. It is usually the higher and more expensive categories left so you can still be looking at $600 for an upgrade if you are in a Cat 12. However, it never hurts to ask as if someone bumps up to a higher cabin, then other cats open up too!

 

[Allesma]

Our documets arrived today. No upgrade, still the same room. Not a real problem because the cat 9 is the room we are preparing our eldest for.

3 o'clock souds fine for a meeting at Deck 7.

I'm looking forward for the 2 for 1 meetings.

Who else has late dining seating?

greetings,
Ellen

 

[tigger2on]

We just got Main seating... :O)

 

[Allesma]

would preferred that too if travelling with smaller ones!

 

[tigger2on]

I hear however dinner is more relaxed and rushed in 2nd seating and now the added bonus of the kids clubs collecting them from 2nd seating so parents don't have to rush off!

 

[Allesma]

That is were we are aiming for, so we can have some adult dining time when the girls are done. Now cross my fingers that Alexandra will like the lab. She's speaking a few words English now but always makes friends so we have good hope for it.
If not, it's no big deal cause we also like family quality time, and I understood that if you are willing to participate, you can also have a nice time with your servrs and dishmates.
We actually asked to be placed at a large table to meet new people who are alse Disneyfans (at home some collegues and friends do not quite understand why we're again doing Disney and at a boat, after numerous visits to DLP and some visits to the World. Nice to share a mutual interest.

Have a nice day
Ellen

 

[msnoble]

Our docs haven't arrived yet, now I'm starting to get a little nervous... How long should I wait before I contact my TA and/or DCL?

We have main dining, but my friend and her DD are going to be doing late dining as they've just booked. Is it ever possible to change dining times at the Port?

 

[sonogal]

Got our docs today! Came by UPS. Nice little booklet with all the info included. No upgrade but going to try at port. That would open up a Cat. 4 for someone else- there's 5 of us. So just get in line behind me.

I am curious also what others have given as FE gifts. Can someone list possibilities for those of us that are less than creative. Received our FE last week and it's so cute!

Last question, can we have a current update of number of families participating in FE? I want to be totally prepared. Thanks!!

 

[tigger2on]

The list is at the top of page 4 so everyone can find it!
I have yet to hear from Buick though...
and no one else has asked to join yet.

 

[msnoble]

Has anyone else been following the thread on the main cruise forum about the recent illnesses on the Wonder?! I am hoping that whatever it is, they have it cleared up by the time we set sail. It sounds like it may be a dreaded Norovirus...

Have any of you who've cruised before had to deal with illness while onboard?

 

[tigger2on]

Unfortunately it is a risk of traveling with thousands of people in tight places.
We are taking loads of precautions though... lysol wipes, hand sanitizer pump and mini ones, gravol, benedryl, motrin, electrolyte powder, barf bags (LOL) from the plane!
Since H1N1 scare, my kids have been taught to wash their hands/ sanitize them ritually, cough in their sleeve and tell an adult when they feel sick right away.
Hopefully... the weather will warm up and scare the germs away!

 

[msnoble]

Our docs came today via UPS!

 

[TarraLee]

Hi everyone! We are late to join the party, but are so excited to get out of this rainy, gray weather and into the sunshine!

We have 3 families travelling together on this cruise. Us (me, DH and DS 3), Friends 1 (DH, DW, DS5, DD3) and Friends 2 (DH, DW, DD3). My family has cruised Disney several times, but the other 2 are newbies. We had a pre-cruise party last week and made our own Konk Coolers.... mmmmmm!

If it's not too late, we'd like to join the Fish Extender game. I've never done one of those before, but think the kids would all love it!

Right now, our cabins are all over the place. I called to get them nearer to each other and cat 11, 10 and 6 are all gty, so hopefully some folks are going to start seeing some pixie dust flying soon!

Okay, I'm off to start working on the door decorations. Getting excited that its just a month away!

 

[tigger2on]

Hi Tara...
Welcome Aboard!
I haven't started my FE's so I don't mind adding you to the list. Not sure about the others....
Will it just be your family or all 3?
Can you let me know what your cabin numbers are when you get them for those participating please?
The list is found at the top of page 4... I just keep editing it. :O)
My son, Graiden will he happy to see some more 3 year olds!
Will they be in the kids clubs?
Suzanne

 

[Allesma]

Hi Tara,
Welcome aboard!
We also don't mind if you join in the FEE, but please let us know if you all join in.
greetings,
Ellen

 

[msnoble]

Welcome TarraLee!
I too am ok with adding you to the FE, but am starting to order stuff (was going to place an order today...). Having a total number participating ASAP would be very helpful

Don't forget to check out our Facebook group that Suzanne (tigger2on) started as well!

Maureen

 

[buick86]

I am hoping to take the kids to the party however, it depends on my son and if he wants to go or go to bed? he's only 3....
I think the Dis Meet would be good if we all tried to make a quick appearance around 3pm on Deck 7 before the mandatory life boat drill... that way we all know who we are... then try an do a couple more mini-meets??? maybe one at the Pirate Party, Castaway Cay and/or at sea day?? These could also be our "meetings with drinks"...

This sounds good for us, as we can go from there with plans. Boy that drink sounds good. I will let you know which day we will distribute our FE gifts