3/21/2010 -- 4 Night Disney Wonder Spring Break Cruise

[mommyofthreeboys]

Mommyofthreeboys...
Hi! I am also mom to three boys..*wink*
We have the same brunch booked! Do you know any of the brunch details? Is the champagne included? I was also wondering how tipping works for Palo?
Almost cruise time!!!

Good question so I'm not 100% sure but I think tipping is included but most people do tip extra. Disney's website states this "Champagne, along with specialty drinks like Mimosas and delicious ice-cream blended smoothies, may be purchased for an additional cost." so I am gussing no even though I thought a glass was included. Again--good question!!! I'll ask around and let ya know.

Question on the parasailing - My DS (11) and DD (8) want to do it. Will I be allowed to go along with them? Or do I need to book myself a spot?

It was my understanding you're not allowed to ride along--you have to purchase a spot for yourself. (boo!)

 

[5CruisersCruising]

5CruisersCruising: We are going the be on the early am SW flight out of KC. What about you guys?

We are seriously thinking about skipping Nassau. If we do go, it will be a quick...yeah we were there... and then get on the boat.

Yes, we are on the Southwest 7:00am flight out of KC on Saturday, 3/20. We rented a car from Orlando to return in Cape Canaveral. I got a minivan for $120. It's a bit more but we'll be free to do what we want, pick up snacks and bottled water, etc.. There are 5 of us with luggage so a smaller car doesn't work at all (been there, not doing it again).

I just booked Catamaran Sail and Reef Snorkeling in Nassau. We LOVE to snorkel so it seems like a good option. It's much more affordable than Atlantis, that's for sure! : )

DH and I have been to Nassau before. IMO, there is no need to go to Nassau - I would go straight to Atlantis or an excursion and then back to the ship.

I also booked parasailing at Castaway Cay for my DS (11), DD (8) and DH. DH is going more to escort the kids. I'll take DD (5) to find something fun for her. She would LOVE to parasail - my little daredevil - but she's not old enough.

I'm still researching to see what else I want to book - a massage for me for sure! Do I need to book bicycles early? Or are there plenty to go around? It's something we might want to do but I'm not sure...hoping my DD (5) learns to ride a 2 wheeler by then! : ) Maybe the stingrays? Anyone have a recommendation?

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Hi All!

Booked our excursion today...yipeee!

Also booked the Palo brunch. Is it a champagne brunch? How does tipping work with Palo? Do you leave a tip at that time?

Chris...or whomever is updating the list. We also have our 19 year old daughter coming now, as her other trip got canceled. Thus, I had to get two rooms...!!!! Gotta love those kiddos! Now the 18 year old son that cannot come is not happy to be the only one not able to come with....

I updated your info with your DD19.

With respect to Palo, yes, you get a glass of champagne as you get to your seat for brunch. Any other alcohol is extra.

After your meal, you will get a bill like at any restaurant. There's a $15 service charge per person. I've heard different stories as to whether or not a tip is included in the $15 service charge. We've always paid a tip on top of the $15 service charge. We generally double the payment and pay $30 per person, but that's totally up to you. You charge it to your room key. The servers are awesome and the meal is incredible, especially dinner.

5CruisersCruising: We are going the be on the early am SW flight out of KC. What about you guys?

Transportation to and from is REALLY pricey. We are doing a private town car for $80 to the Radisson and then taking their shuttle to port. We are doing a day at a disney resort the day we get back and then head back to Missouri on Friday. I WANTED to squeeze in a day at the park, but I think that is really pushing it and ruining the relaxing part of our cruise and replacing it with the craziness of doing only one day at the park.

We'll just have to go back!

We are seriously thinking about skipping Nassau. If we do go, it will be a quick...yeah we were there... and then get on the boat.

KSDisneyDad: Columbia is so wonderful...it is perfect for us. Funny how you could have been a neighbor!

Yes, just go back!! Keep in mind that we'll be there at Spring Break and the parks are very very full that time of year. I recall that last year that the MK closed due to capacity a few times especially as it got closer to Easter. We're heading down early and will be staying at POR the Friday and Saturday before the cruise. We are doing Chef Mickeys (there's no character breakfast on the 4-night cruises ), riding the monorails, taking the boat to DTD and I hope to ride the hot air balloon at DTD. The idea is to get a taste of WDW w/o the parks and get us in the Disney mood before the cruise.

Yes, transportation is expensive, but it's a lot less than Disney at $70 roundtrip per person! We're doing one-way rentals each way.

Right now we're skipping Nassau for a day on the boat, but that may change.

We were in Columbia over Thanksgiving. We had a great meal at a restaurant called Bleu. Great wine selection!

Thanks for sharing your parasailing experience. I had noooo idea what time to book it for. What time is good/recommended? (assuming I can change it to a different time)


I would love to do Atlantis but that really puts my budget over the edge so I had to go for something cheaper. I keep telling myself "maybe next time"!

Parasailing fills up quick. We did the last one of the day - I think it was around 2:30 p.m. It worked well for us as we got a lot done on CC and then when it was done, we just got right back on the ship. I don't think there's a good or bad time to go, but it will be cancelled if the winds are too strong.

Question on the parasailing - My DS (11) and DD (8) want to do it. Will I be allowed to go along with them? Or do I need to book myself a spot?

I don't know the answer as they're both minors. A young girl on our boat (probably around 8 or 9) did a tandem parasail with her dad. I know that they don't let observers on the boat as it's a full boat. There's about 8 or 9 people on the boat and everyone gets about 7 or so minutes in the air.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Yes, we are on the Southwest 7:00am flight out of KC on Saturday, 3/20. We rented a car from Orlando to return in Cape Canaveral. I got a minivan for $120. It's a bit more but we'll be free to do what we want, pick up snacks and bottled water, etc.. There are 5 of us with luggage so a smaller car doesn't work at all (been there, not doing it again).

I just booked Catamaran Sail and Reef Snorkeling in Nassau. We LOVE to snorkel so it seems like a good option. It's much more affordable than Atlantis, that's for sure! : )

DH and I have been to Nassau before. IMO, there is no need to go to Nassau - I would go straight to Atlantis or an excursion and then back to the ship.

I also booked parasailing at Castaway Cay for my DS (11), DD (8) and DH. DH is going more to escort the kids. I'll take DD (5) to find something fun for her. She would LOVE to parasail - my little daredevil - but she's not old enough.

I'm still researching to see what else I want to book - a massage for me for sure! Do I need to book bicycles early? Or are there plenty to go around? It's something we might want to do but I'm not sure...hoping my DD (5) learns to ride a 2 wheeler by then! : ) Maybe the stingrays? Anyone have a recommendation?

No worry on the bikes. The boats and bikes are available all day and there's always availability. We're fortunate as our youngest just loves to play in the sand and swim with new friends. He has had no desire to do any extras at Castaway Cay.

My older boys enjoy the boats, especially the water trykes.

My parents did the Stingrays at CC and really enjoyed it.

I wish they'd bring back the banana boat!

I told my DW that there was a family from KC and from Columbia on the meet thread. She was wondering where in KC you are?

 

[5CruisersCruising]

I told my DW that there was a family from KC and from Columbia on the meet thread. She was wondering where in KC you are?

We are in the Northland - only about 10 minutes from the airport, just off I-29 and Barry Road.

Stingrays are looking like a good idea for my 5 year old and me. The water trykes already caught my son's attention...I guess one of us will be stuck pedaling along with him!

 

[KSDisneyDad]

We are in the Northland - only about 10 minutes from the airport, just off I-29 and Barry Road.

Stingrays are looking like a good idea for my 5 year old and me. The water trykes already caught my son's attention...I guess one of us will be stuck pedaling along with him!

Small world! My parents moved to KC when I was a freshman in HS. I went to high school in the Northland - Oak Park - where I met my DW. After college, we moved to the duplexes at Coves North at I-29 and Barry Road. Our oldest was born at St. Lukes Northland. My parents and sister/BIL still live there.

I've been to CC three times and have done the water trykes three times!! I said next time I'm renting one of the motorized boats. No pedaling like that on my vacation next time!

From how my parents described it, you'll love the stingrays.

 

[alwaysabuckeye]

After the snow we were hit with last night and today (it is -13 with windchill) I'm ready to leave TODAY!

 

[KSDisneyDad]

After the snow we were hit with last night and today (it is -13 with windchill) I'm ready to leave TODAY!

ITA...we're a little warmer today at around 18 degrees. However, I saw that the high temp this Saturday in DENVER is warmer than ORLANDO!!! I could see this happening in June, but not January!! (37 degrees high temp for Orlando Saturday vs 40 degrees here in balmy Denver).

Let's home Spring Break is warm!

 

[alwaysabuckeye]

ITA...we're a little warmer today at around 18 degrees. However, I saw that the high temp this Saturday in DENVER is warmer than ORLANDO!!! I could see this happening in June, but not January!! (37 degrees high temp for Orlando Saturday vs 40 degrees here in balmy Denver).

Let's home Spring Break is warm!

My brother is headed to Disneyworld in two weeks and is nervous it will be cold...BRRR

Wonder how the water is on CC in March. Is it swimable for a cold water wimp (me)?

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

We have 6 inches of snow and the high today is 19!!!!! Brrrr......

Only....what....71 more days until warmth????

 

[debmomof2]

Hi Everyone,
I thought I'd join the group, since the wait is getting a bit long, and the snow is getting a bit deep around here! We live in Wisconsin, and have never cruised before. There are 4 of us, myself, DH, DS14, and DS10 who is concerned about not being able to join his big brother in the teen areas. Nice to hear that others are looking to escape the winter!

Deb

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

Hi Everyone,
I thought I'd join the group, since the wait is getting a bit long, and the snow is getting a bit deep around here! We live in Wisconsin, and have never cruised before. There are 4 of us, myself, DH, DS14, and DS10 who is concerned about not being able to join his big brother in the teen areas. Nice to hear that others are looking to escape the winter!

Deb

Welcome!!!!

My DS 11, is also concerned about being with "young" kids. I hope he finds some activites he likes along with kids his age!

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Hi Everyone,
I thought I'd join the group, since the wait is getting a bit long, and the snow is getting a bit deep around here! We live in Wisconsin, and have never cruised before. There are 4 of us, myself, DH, DS14, and DS10 who is concerned about not being able to join his big brother in the teen areas. Nice to hear that others are looking to escape the winter!

Deb

Welcome! I've added your family to the list on page one.

My oldest two boys weren't in the same club either, but they still hung out together a lot on the ship. We let them roam on their own. They had some friends that they hung out with on sea days, would go see a movie, swim, etc. Really, with only one sea day, it shouldn't be too big of a deal. There's so much else to do during port days and the evenings have lots of activities other than the kids' clubs. I think one of the reasons out boys enjoy cruising so much is that they do get a little "freedom" compared to our visits to WDW where we don't let them out of our sight. We just make them check in frequently to avoid losing their privileges. They can't wait to show their cousins around the ship in March!

 

[alwaysabuckeye]

KSDisneyDad: Sign us up for participating in the FE's. I don't have one yet, but I plan on coming up with something. I don't sew, but I am wicked with a glue gun.

My girls are going to help make it, so it will be fun to make and use onboard!

Thanks

 

[KSDisneyDad]

KSDisneyDad: Sign us up for participating in the FE's. I don't have one yet, but I plan on coming up with something. I don't sew, but I am wicked with a glue gun.

My girls are going to help make it, so it will be fun to make and use onboard!

Thanks

I added you to the list.

Has it warmed up in Columbia?

 

[alwaysabuckeye]

I added you to the list.

Has it warmed up in Columbia?

We're all thawed out. I was enjoying the snow and cold. The pond in our neighborhood froze over, so we were ice skating...which was really neat.

Bought the stuff today to begin making my FE...wish me luck!

 

[debmomof2]

Welcome!!!!

My DS 11, is also concerned about being with "young" kids. I hope he finds some activites he likes along with kids his age!

Thanks for the warm welcome and for adding me to the list, guys! Looks like there will be at least a few boys in the 10-11 age bracket - that should make my guy feel a lot better!

Now, we have to decide what to do with our "Give a Day" free tickets. Thinking about trying Epcot on the 20th, but since it's a Saturday, we're worried about the crowds. Any opinions on which park you'd go to if you just had one day, which is a Saturday during spring break??

Deb, DH, DS14,DS10

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

Now, we have to decide what to do with our "Give a Day" free tickets. Thinking about trying Epcot on the 20th, but since it's a Saturday, we're worried about the crowds. Any opinions on which park you'd go to if you just had one day, which is a Saturday during spring break??

Deb, DH, DS14,DS10

That's where we will be on the 20th--EPCOT!!! Good choice! It will be crowded but if you arrive at park opening, you should be able to do the most popular attractions. The Flower and Garden Festival will be going on as well.

The boys told me last night they really want to go to Animal Kingdom too. I might have to add a day to our tickets now and go to AK on Friday.

 

[alwaysabuckeye]

We might be doing a day at MK after the cruise. Our flight is on Friday morning. Not sure yet if it is doable after we get back without being stressful. Wouldn't want to ruin the relaxation buzz we get on the cruise We are going to decide the day we get back. I would love to sqeeze it in, but DH thinks it will be too much.

Put in the DCL DVD last night and the girls got so excited. I think I had to play the kids club & CC parts at least 50 times! Getting excited!

 

[debmomof2]

Christopher,
I just spent some time reading over your suggestions - thanks so much for taking the time! I've been to a lot of Disney boards, and your ideas rock, especially for newbies like us!

Deb, DH,DS14,DS10