2007 DVC Member Cruise - SSMC07 - October 21, 2007

[Nette]

Yep, count us in too... Can't wait for CC.

The gang is DH, myself and DD who will be 5...

 

[cherylp3]

Check your inboxes for a new edition of Cruise news. Nothing exciting just facts about Castaway Cay.

Cheryl

 

[WDWLVR]

Yep, count us in too... Can't wait for CC.

The gang is DH, myself and DD who will be 5...

Welcome aboard! There is some info in the very first post about our web page. I'd love to add your family into our gallery.

 

[WDWLVR]

Check your inboxes for a new edition of Cruise news. Nothing exciting just facts about Castaway Cay.

Cheryl

Hey at least they confirmed that the group photo would be the second day. More than they did last year. Should help those who are planning excursions.

 

[MarkRG]

The Dis will be going offline at 11pm Eastern to fix the outstanding issues. No word on how long this may take.

 

[cobbler]

Can someone post the cruise news. I have signed up for the email a couple of times and have yet to receive any of the emails.

 

[WDWLVR]

Mark should have it up on the site in a few days but here it is.
​

[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]SECOND EDITION[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Ahoy, Mary!
[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Welcome to the second edition of S.S. Member Cruise 2007 Cruise News, your source for information about this year's Member voyage.[/FONT]

[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Send any winter weather troubles packing and picture this reality: Clear–blue skies, white sand beneath your feet, and a balmy breeze blowing across your face. If Castaway Cay doesn't immediately come to mind, soon you'll have firsthand experience with Disney's private island paradise—during the S.S. Member Cruise 2007,

October 21–25, 2007, we're scheduled to make two tropical stops! The average high temperature in October is a warm 84°F/ 27°C, so no need to pack the parka. If Mother Nature is at the top of her game, get ready to play in the sun and soak up the fun at Castaway Cay! Whether you're a veteran cruiser or a first–timer getting his or her "sea legs," much fun awaits you ashore.

On Castaway Cay,

as onboard the Disney Wonder®, you can be as active as you want or choose to relax in a quiet spot. Since the S.S. Member Cruise 2007 is scheduled to make two stops to this Bahamian oasis, there's plenty of time to do both!
Life's truly a beach at Castaway Cay. Castaway Family Beach features an aquatic playground, volleyball on the shore, snorkeling in the ocean, and tons of family–centric fun. The Teen Beach is tailor–made for teenagers, a place where they can kick back under a palm tree with friends, and snorkel, swim, and kayak, too. Serenity Bay, reserved exclusively for Guests 18 and over, provides a secluded adult area where the soundtrack of waves lapping the shore provides peaceful accompaniment to lounging, relaxing, or otherwise unwinding.

Yet another beach at Castaway Cay serves as the setting for what has become a Member Cruise tradition: the Group Photo. All Members will be invited to Boat Harbor Beach during our second scheduled stop to Castaway Cay, capturing this impressive gathering as a photo keepsake for you.
During your exploration of Castaway Cay, also be sure to visit the snorkel lagoon to look for the family of Blue Tang fish—like Dory in Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo—swimming near the submersed Mickey Mouse statue!

If you're looking to fill your island itinerary, consider one or more exciting Shore Excursions. Set your sights on a high–flying parasailing adventure. Enjoy a wet and wild banana boat ride. Tour the grounds by pedaling the island's scenic pathways. View the ocean's wonders through the looking glass—literally—during an unforgettable glass–bottom boat tour. Go snorkeling, go kayaking, go fishing—just go!
With so many Shore Excursions to choose from, you'll find something that's perfect for every age and activity level. As we noted in the previous edition of Cruise News, Disney Cruise Line® accepts reservations for Shore Excursions up to 75 days in advance of sailing (90 days in advance for Castaway Club members and 105 day in advance for Concierge Guests), so now is a good time to begin considering these options.

The Disney Vacation Club team is working hard to ensure the S.S. Member Cruise 2007 is an unforgettable voyage, and future editions of Cruise News will reveal more about the exclusive activities and events that we're planning. Based on our past S.S. Member Cruise events, you and your Disney Vacation Club neighbors can look forward to a boatload of fantastic treats, spectacular surprises, and countless memories!


"Sea" you real soon,

[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans–serif]© Disney[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans–serif]DVC-MBR-48-E2[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Tahoma, sans–serif]I[/FONT]

 

[cobbler]

Thanks Mary.

Does anyone know what time the picture is taken? In case we want to do any excursions on the day they do the picture.

I wonder why I am not getting any emails

 

[MarkRG]

Mark should have it up on the site in a few days but here it is.

More like few hours. Email #2 has joined Email #1 up on the website.

 

[MarkRG]

Thanks Mary.

Does anyone know what time the picture is taken? In case we want to do any excursions on the day they do the picture.

I wonder why I am not getting any emails

Did you sign up for them at the DVC website? They won't just automatically send them, you have to go there and there's a link in the Member Cruise section to sign up for the emails.

And the photo shoot was I think 10:00am

 

[krdisneybound]

Did you sign up for them at the DVC website? They won't just automatically send them, you have to go there and there's a link in the Member Cruise section to sign up for the emails.

And the photo shoot was I think 10:00am

I went in and checked my e-mail on file and wouldn't you know it, I had typed it wrong. Did not surprise me. It is corrected now, tho.

 

[WDWLVR]

Mark is right the group picture is usually at 10 am on the boat beach. They have gotten much better at taking it over the years. The first year was torture but since then they have it down to a science. The DIS even got a shout out last year as they were getting ready to take the picture.

Matt

 

[cherylp3]

Mark and Mary got a shout out too!!

 

[cobbler]

Yep I have signed up through the DVC member website and my email address is correct. Oh well.

 

[cobbler]

Warning: Lots of questions ahead

Hubby and I were looking at the Cruise website and since neither of us have cruised before we have some questions.

1 - We know we are on rotational dining, but what about other food options if we get the munchies. Is there anything that is open for many hours and is there an additional cost?

2 - Do the kids clubs cost extra? What are the hours of operation?

3 - What about if we want to hang out on the adult beach, is there someone that may watch the children and is there a cost?

4 - How long do we stay at Castaway Cay? Meaning, what time do we have to be back on the ship?

5- Are there characters that the kids can have their picture taken with?

6 - The exclusive merchandise (they show online) can you buy on the ship and not ahead of time? Hubby is particular about his robes and the sizes of the duffle bags.

7 - Since we are driving and not flying we know we can park at the port for a fee. How is check-in and check-out handled? I assume it will be slightly different since we won't be flying.

I think that is all for now. Thanks

 

[WDWLVR]

Hubby and I were looking at the Cruise website and since neither of us have cruised before we have some questions.

1 - We know we are on rotational dining, but what about other food options if we get the munchies. Is there anything that is open for many hours and is there an additional cost? No worries here! Pluto's for burgers, hot dogs, etc.; Pinochhio's for pizza; and Goofy's Galley for fruit, wraps, etc. are open most of the day. In addition room service is available for 24 hours a day! All at no additional cost. In addition before the shows in the Walt Disney theatre there is a concession stand selling candy, popcorn, etc which does cost extra.

2 - Do the kids clubs cost extra? What are the hours of operation? If your children are in the club or the lab there is no additional cost. If they are under 3 and need to be in Flounders there is a cost and you need reservations.

3 - What about if we want to hang out on the adult beach, is there someone that may watch the children and is there a cost? Skuttles Cove on Castaway Cay is the kids club on the island. You can sign them in there and they will be watched. They have organized games etc. This is not near the water at all so if you want them to have fun in the water they'll have to do that with you.

4 - How long do we stay at Castaway Cay? Meaning, what time do we have to be back on the ship? usually we are due back on the ship abour 4-4:30. Usually getting there about 8:30. On last years member cruise they delayed our arrival the first day until 10 or so due to the game show on the ship. Hope they don't do that again.

5- Are there characters that the kids can have their picture taken with? Tons of them. Minnie, Mickey, the princesses. They are usually in the atrium and there is a plasma screen there that lists what times they will be out so you can plan ahead. You will also see them on the island at times available for pictures as well.

6 - The exclusive merchandise (they show online) can you buy on the ship and not ahead of time? Hubby is particular about his robes and the sizes of the duffle bags. There is lots of DCL merchandise availble in the two onboard shops. Last year one of the shops also had the exclusive DVC Member Cruise merchandise for sale. The year before that merchandise was pre-ordered. Not sure yet what they are doing this year.

7 - Since we are driving and not flying we know we can park at the port for a fee. How is check-in and check-out handled? I assume it will be slightly different since we won't be flying. What happened when we drove (2005) Mark dropped me off in a designated area with the luggage. They then directed him past the terminal and into the parking lot. As he entered the lot he had to pay for the parking and they gave him a ticket for the window. He then joined me and we checked in together. At the end of the cruise you just grab a porter (you need to tip them but they earn it). Show them your luggage and show them where you parked and they will walk you to your car. Easy!

I think that is all for now. Thanks [

No problem! Ask away!

 

[cherylp3]

.

1 - We know we are on rotational dining, but what about other food options if we get the munchies. Is there anything that is open for many hours and is there an additional cost?

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-dining.htm#counter

Also the page doesn't mention it but Late night snacks ( fruit sushi )
are offerered at the lounges.

The only extra cost is tip for room service.

5- Are there characters that the kids can have their picture taken with?

Yes and make sure you check schedules with guest services.

[quote
7 - Since we are driving and not flying we know we can park at the port for a fee. How is check-in and check-out handled? I assume it will be slightly different since we won't be flying. [/quote]

Depending how early you are, you will be directed either to park or get into the line to enter. The security guard will direct you to an umbrella with a rep to check in and tell you where to park. You can then take a moment to off load luggage and people. Then you go park and walk back to terminal.

When leaving, At the end of the escalators there are porters who will take your luggage out to the car. very worthwhile, these guys know the agents to go to and will get you through quickily.

Last time my husband and I just walked to the car with the porter, I'm not sure if you can wait and get picked up.

 

[cobbler]

Awesome, that helps so much. About how much should we plan for tipping the porter??

And the only beverages that are included are water and pop yes? I know alcoholic is extra and I also assume that specialty non-alcoholic drinks - like smoothies and such - are extra as well??

Tips are included except for room-service if we use it and the porter correct? Are there any other things that I might need to tip that I should plan for?

Also will there be a big need for cash on hand or will our credit card be just fine?

ETA:
What are the hours for the kids clubs? Are they open all day?

 

[WDWLVR]

Awesome, that helps so much. About how much should we plan for tipping the porter?? i would figure on $1-2 a bag. We usually tip $10 for 3 large and 2 small bags.

And the only beverages that are included are water and pop yes? I know alcoholic is extra and I also assume that specialty non-alcoholic drinks - like smoothies and such - are extra as well?? Smoothies and such do cost money (I think a smoothie is around $3.5 plus the automatic tip of 15%). For the kids if they order a shirley temple I hear that is free as well.

Tips are included except for room-service if we use it and the porter correct? Are there any other things that I might need to tip that I should plan for? Even though your tips are included on this cruise you might want to bring some extra money to tip over the base amount. We have always felt the service was worth an extra tip. To get an idea of what the basic trips are check out the DIS DCL FAQ.

Also will there be a big need for cash on hand or will our credit card be just fine? On board everything will go on your KTTW card. You can then use your credit card or cash to settle your account. The shops and bars do not accept cash.

ETA:
What are the hours for the kids clubs? Are they open all day?
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-childrensactivities.htm gives you more info on the kids clubs. According to it they are open from 9 am to 1 am.

 

[JOANNEL]

Good morning Castaway Cay

Wish we were there.