2007 DVC Member Cruise - SSMC07 - October 21, 2007

[icydog]

I can't believe the size of this thread. This is our first Member Cruise and we are very excited. We are traveling with my daughter and her family. We have two rooms 2138 and 2140 which adjoin. My daughter has two girls aged 10 and 4. This is their first cruise of any type.

I have a few questions.
1. I have a limo reserved with Happy Limo for our trip to the ship as well as our return to OKW. I also reserved a minivan and a large econovan just in case. What is the best way for 6 people to get to the cruise? We will have a lot of luggage. I will cancel whichever means doesn't make sense. Disney charge of $35 a person-each way-- seems crazy to us.

2. If I go by Limo can he stop to pick up some wine or beer? Btw, can we bring on our own alcoholic drinks?

3. Can we sit at a table with other families or will they put us at a table for us alone? Can you see where you are sitting before hand?

4. Do you really need a dressy dress and men suits? I don't own one and it is too hot for a suit for my hubby or son in law.

5. Is anyone going back to OKW on Thurs and leaving on Friday?

6. Are sodas free or do we have to bring them

7. I filled out the forms on the Disney Cruiseline website but are there any others I need to fill out before boarding?

8. And finally-- How does this member cruise differ from the other Disney Cruises we have taken?

If all this has been covered I apologize for asking again but there is no way I can read through over 2,000 posts. Thanks so much for your help.
Marylyn

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

Welcome Icydog.
I have also not read all the posts, but have read most of the early and recent ones - just dropped off the earth for the summer...
I can't answer any of your questions and I think you've been on more cruises than my one DCL and one (just this past weekend, Bday quickie) on another line. I am remembering that DCL includes sodas at meal times or that you fill yourself at a beverage station. Can someone confirm? I'd like to know the wine answer as well - the other line allowed 1 bottle for a special occasion so I packed a 4L wine box... Last (only) DCL cruise, we had a premium wine package as a gift so didn't need to pack wine - in fact, brought our limit home in leftover FairyTale Cuvee.

 

[krdisneybound]

answers in red: hopefully others will add to it:

I can't believe the size of this thread. This is our first Member Cruise and we are very excited. We are traveling with my daughter and her family. We have two rooms 2138 and 2140 which adjoin. My daughter has two girls aged 10 and 4. This is their first cruise of any type.

questions.
1. I have a limo reserved with Happy Limo for our trip to the ship as well as our return to OKW. I also reserved a minivan and a large econovan just in case. What is the best way for 6 people to get to the cruise? We will have a lot of luggage. I will cancel whichever means doesn't make sense. Disney charge of $35 a person-each way-- seems crazy to us.

2. If I go by Limo can he stop to pick up some wine or beer? Btw, can we bring on our own alcoholic drinks? YEP, YOU CAN BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS

3. Can we sit at a table with other families or will they put us at a table for us alone? Can you see where you are sitting before hand?
YOU CAN SEE before hand if you drop by the dining room if they aren't busy. You can request also to sit with other people.

4. Do you really need a dressy dress and men suits? I don't own one and it is too hot for a suit for my hubby or son in law. most of the dress code is casual - but we are going to have a Ball in the ATrium

5. Is anyone going back to OKW on Thurs and leaving on Friday?

6. Are sodas free or do we have to bring them Sodas are on Deck 9 aft and in the dining room during dinner-at the bars you pay for them

7. I filled out the forms on the Disney Cruiseline website but are there any others I need to fill out before boarding? they will send you the immigration form to fill out along with your luggage tags. On line you print the contract and sign it and have it on check in

8. And finally-- How does this member cruise differ from the other Disney Cruises we have taken? this has been discussed in great detail during this thread - but yes, it is different in many ways

If all this has been covered I apologize for asking again but there is no way I can read through over 2,000 posts. Thanks so much for your help.
Marylyn

 

[WDWLVR]

Did you guys see this on the DVC boards: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1599923 Disney is going to build in Hawaii! Mark and I stayed at Ko Olina in Febuary (and I think Kay visited there in May or June). It is a beautiful resort area!

 

[tiggerguy2000]

Did I read that right that you can bring bottles of liquor on board in your luggage or back pack/carry-on.If yo can then im packing some rum or tequila

Also has anyone got a packet yet? We are around 17 days away

tiggerguy

 

[krdisneybound]

Was there in June for about 3 weeks. DS and family live probably 5 minutes away. We went to Ko'Olina several days. Had a thread going and had several pics posted around the area of Ko'Olina. The pics are at the start of the thread. We went to the Lagoons and the pool areas and it was such a large area, didn't even see all of it.


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1472938

If you live on the East coast, it is such a long trip to Hawaii. That is the only thing that I dislike about it.

There are $9 flights to the Big Island all the time and the locals go there for their get aways all the time. My DIL and children flew to the Big Island yesterday and staying until tomorrow.

It's absolutely a beautiful place

Did you guys see this on the DVC boards: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1599923 Disney is going to build in Hawaii! Mark and I stayed at Ko Olina in Febuary (and I think Kay visited there in May or June). It is a beautiful resort area!

 

[krdisneybound]

Have to share - DS has left Iraq and in Kuwait, which is a holding area before he starts trip back home to Hawaii. The lay over in Ireland will probably be 2 days = expect him home by next Wednesday, 10/10, his b/day.

Oh HAPPY DAY

 

[tinytink]

Have to share - DS has left Iraq and in Kuwait, which is a holding area before he starts trip back home to Hawaii. The lay over in Ireland will probably be 2 days = expect him home by next Wednesday, 10/10, his b/day.

Oh HAPPY DAY

Kay, I bet you can't wait for your son to hit US soil. It's such a small world, my son's birthday is also 10/10.

 

[seaulater]

SEE MY TWO CENTS WORTH IN BLUE! WELCOME ABOARD!

I can't believe the size of this thread. This is our first Member Cruise and we are very excited. We are traveling with my daughter and her family. We have two rooms 2138 and 2140 which adjoin. My daughter has two girls aged 10 and 4. This is their first cruise of any type. You are going to love those rooms. I have stayed on deck 2 and loved it when I didn't have a verandah!

I have a few questions.
1. I have a limo reserved with Happy Limo for our trip to the ship as well as our return to OKW. I also reserved a minivan and a large econovan just in case. What is the best way for 6 people to get to the cruise? We will have a lot of luggage. I will cancel whichever means doesn't make sense. Disney charge of $35 a person-each way-- seems crazy to us.Now, I have never taken Happy Limo, but I have heard many good things about them. I guess you need to decide which one to cancel which best meets the needs of your party. We have done a car service and we have rented our own vehicles. If you are just flying in and going straight to the port, then I recommend going with a van/limo service. However, if you are coming in early and want to explore and do your own shopping trips, etc., then I suggest that you get a rental. Make sure to do a one way rental and turn the car in at Cocoa Beach. Then if you want a rental coming back, do a separate rental for going back. You don't want to pay to have a car rental sit in the long term parking at the port while we are on the cruise, AND two years ago, there was a hurricane watch, and we had to port in Ft. Lauderdale upon returning and those that had cars in Port Canaveral had to take the buses all the way back to pick up their cars. We had one way car rental agreement, so when we found out on Wed while we were at Castaway Cay, I just got on the internet and changed our pick up location from Cocoa Beach to the Ft. Lauderdale airport and got my car there.

2. If I go by Limo can he stop to pick up some wine or beer? Btw, can we bring on our own alcoholic drinks?Yes, my understanding is they will do one 30 minute grocery stop. and YES, you can bring on your own alcohol, just be sure you do it in your carry on luggage and not leave with the porters and expect it not to get broken inside your checked luggage unless you are an extremely great packer!

3. Can we sit at a table with other families or will they put us at a table for us alone? Can you see where you are sitting before hand?Yes, to both. However, I'm not sure what size group you have, but if you are a party of 8 or more, you will probably get your own tables. However, once on board you can definitely make changes, but the larger the group, the harder to make changes, especially if you are on the main dining. Late is generally a little easier to accomodate changes because the largest portion of people (especially with children) want the main dining.

4. Do you really need a dressy dress and men suits? I don't own one and it is too hot for a suit for my hubby or son in law.No, bring whatever you feel comfortable in. But don't plan on dining in swimsuits or swim trunks. Disney is pretty easy going about this. However, if you are planning on "adult only" time in Disney's adult restaurant Palo's, then you will need a tie and dress shirt unless they have changed the policy.

5. Is anyone going back to OKW on Thurs and leaving on Friday?I am doing a B2B (back to back) cruise with Kay (KRDisneybound) and we are staying on the Wonder and not getting off until Sunday

6. Are sodas free or do we have to bring themYes, sodas are free, unless you buy them directly from the bar. If you drink alot, bring your own mug if you have one and that way you can get 32 oz. at one time! The cups they have are smaller and when it is really hot, the ice melts really fast. I use two cups to create a little insulation for my diet coke!

7. I filled out the forms on the Disney Cruiseline website but are there any others I need to fill out before boarding?In your package that you get from Disney, you will need to use your colored luggage tags for the luggage you check in at the ship and the Bahamas Immigration Form. Besides that, you should be good to go.

8. And finally-- How does this member cruise differ from the other Disney Cruises we have taken? Oh my gosh, you will be so thrilled with the member cruise. There are so many special seminars and entertainers that come on board that you will be excited to be a part. Oh....and did I mention GIFTS? Be sure to pack at least one empty suitcase to haul all your DVC FREE gifts home in. Or, you can pack a huge duffel bag, put your dirty clothes in that and then use your luggage for the gifts you are bringing home. Since you are 2 families, I would have 2 extra empty suitcases for all your limited edition DVC member cruise only gifts!

If all this has been covered I apologize for asking again but there is no way I can read through over 2,000 posts. Thanks so much for your help.
Marylyn

Okay, there you go. Hope that helps. If you have any more questions, ask away. And just remember, these are my thoughts, and others may have their "two cents" to add too!

See you soon.

 

[krdisneybound]

Kay, I bet you can't wait for your son to hit US soil. It's such a small world, my son's birthday is also 10/10.

Ya Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JOANNEL]

Hi all,

It's been so crazy at work, I am so ready for vacation.

We haven't recieved any doc's yet either.

Welcome aboard Icydog.

Kay I hope you sone has a quick & safe trip home. Two days in Ireland- nice.
When will you get to see him?

 

[bgsnmky]

When you guys say Casual - do you mean as casual as nice shorts and shirt.

When I went Years ago, the first year of the Disney cruise it seemed everyone was more dressed.

But the first nigth, I was thinking shorts would be great...

 

[krdisneybound]

please someone correct if wrong:

BUT shorts are not allowed in the dining rooms

When you guys say Casual - do you mean as casual as nice shorts and shirt.

When I went Years ago, the first year of the Disney cruise it seemed everyone was more dressed.

But the first nigth, I was thinking shorts would be great...

 

[themallons]

We currently have 18 fish extenders for 16 state rooms. We have a total 36 people involved for the 18 fish extenders. If you are interested in participating, please e-mail themallons@aol.com on or before October 7, 2007.

DH & I are getting excited about the cruise. We are arriving the day before to go to visit NASA. DH makes parts for the Shuttle & has never been to NASA. We are staying at the Radisson at the Port the night before the cruise. I am ready to go right NOW !!!!
It looks like I will need to FedEx a box to the Wonder - with the weight limits when you fly, I am shipping down my "fish food."

We're looking forward to meeting other Disboarders in person at the Sunday 3PM meet & greet..I've got my song for the life boat drill.."Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's overboard we go!"
Pauline

 

[WDWLVR]

8. And finally-- How does this member cruise differ from the other Disney Cruises we have taken?

If all this has been covered I apologize for asking again but there is no way I can read through over 2,000 posts. Thanks so much for your help.
Marylyn

Welcome aboard! Got your e-mail and will be adding your family to the gallery.

Looks like all of your questions have been answered but I think I can help with this last one a little more.

Here are some recent posts talking about the past cruises

Memories of 2003 Member Cruise

Memories of 2005 Member Cruise

Memories of 2006 Member Cruise

Highlights from 2006 Cruise navigators with special events highlighted

Also if you go to the group website: http://monorailgreen.info/member2007/index.htm there are links to our past cruise pages and trip reports.

Hope this helps!

 

[WDWLVR]

When you guys say Casual - do you mean as casual as nice shorts and shirt.

When I went Years ago, the first year of the Disney cruise it seemed everyone was more dressed.

But the first nigth, I was thinking shorts would be great...

Kay is right - no shorts in the dining room. We go cruise casual which means dockers/polos for DH and I usually wear nice slacks and coordinating tops. Many women also wear capris or sundresses.

 

[icydog]

We currently have 18 fish extenders for 16 state rooms. We have a total 36 people involved for the 18 fish extenders. If you are interested in participating, please e-mail themallons@aol.com on or before October 7, 2007.

DH & I are getting excited about the cruise. We are arriving the day before to go to visit NASA. DH makes parts for the Shuttle & has never been to NASA. We are staying at the Radisson at the Port the night before the cruise. I am ready to go right NOW !!!!
It looks like I will need to FedEx a box to the Wonder - with the weight limits when you fly, I am shipping down my "fish food."

We're looking forward to meeting other Disboarders in person at the Sunday 3PM meet & greet..I've got my song for the life boat drill.."Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's overboard we go!"
Pauline

What's a fish extender?

 

[icydog]

Welcome aboard! Got your e-mail and will be adding your family to the gallery.

Looks like all of your questions have been answered but I think I can help with this last one a little more.

Here are some recent posts talking about the past cruises

Memories of 2003 Member Cruise

Memories of 2005 Member Cruise

Memories of 2006 Member Cruise

Highlights from 2006 Cruise navigators with special events highlighted

Also if you go to the group website: http://monorailgreen.info/member2007/index.htm there are links to our past cruise pages and trip reports.

Hope this helps!

Now I'm really excited. I never knew you got so much loot. Whooopeeee!!

 

[icydog]

SEE MY TWO CENTS WORTH IN BLUE! WELCOME ABOARD!



Okay, there you go. Hope that helps. If you have any more questions, ask away. And just remember, these are my thoughts, and others may have their "two cents" to add too!

See you soon.

Thanks so much to you and Kay and all the others for the invaluable information. It really helped me a lot. Now I am not as nervous. I am still nervous, but not as much. Right after this cruise we are going on the Queen Mary out of Brooklyn for a ten night Caribbean cruise with friends. That one makes me even more nervous.

I still have more questions:

1.Can we send our luggage to the cruise ship by using the Disney luggage tags (and having Disney transport them); then can we skip Disney transportation and rent a minivan ourselves and drive it to the port? The reason I ask this is because the minivan will be packed with people and luggage will not make it.


What car rental companies are at the cruise port? I reserved my minivan with Avis but are there any other companies there since Avis is so expensive (besides Hertz which is also expensive).



Also I haven't received any luggage tags from Disney. Shouldn't we have them by now?


Thanks again,
Marylyn

 

[WDWLVR]

Good morning everyone we have another Member Gallery Update

Stop by and meet Icydog and her family!

Also is anyone else having problems seeing the pictures that I have noted are posted. I got a pm from one member saying they weren't seeing some of them.