3-day Wonder (3/13-16) - more info than you can possibly stand!

[Dreamfinder2]

Soft drinks are free and plentiful at the Deck 9 beverage station, and with meals, but you will pay for them at bars. Sushi? I didn't see any, and I'm a fan. Maybe someone else will weigh in on this one. I sort of think it's not available on the Wonder. But don't consider this the last word.

Anyone?

 

[gr8leg8]

QUOTE:
Interesting question. Amy's IQ is pretty high, but her grades don't always reflect it. She has geunine (as in tested for and documented) test anxiety. And, as she points out, "Some folks are really hard workers but just have trouble in some subjects in school."

Yeah! She has already figured it out.
Not all successful people are school smart people.
I have a super book smart older sister, so I spent most of my energy in other pursuits.
Sports, working at the local movie theater, and community theater.
Everything I learned there has helped me in life.

She is a Junior in college, yes? Almost there.
One more year and no more tests. Hooray!


A quick comparison:
naked girl on the beach vs. your lovely brunette in her stylin’ green swim cover up

You and your wife are doing something right, Congratulations! Any hints?

I knew when you said that she still enjoys the company of her parents that I was going to like her.

My best wishes to you and your family.

 

[dreamcometrue]

there is a seafood buffet one day on the Magic, and it has a Sushi bar. Never been on the Wonder so I can't comment on that.

 

[dreamcometrue]

Interesting point there ... a 3 or 4 day Wonder cruise ... does info shared have any bearing on folks who are 7-day Magic cruisers?

I tend to read 'em all, or at least look at photos. It's fun to compare - and, honestly, I try to get a sense of people's hearts as much as I do their experiences.

you know, I think the overall ship experience is basically the same on both the Wonder and the Magic as far as I can read. Yes, there are more things to do on the Magic, since the cruises are longer, so it would only make sense. But I absolutely think that info shared applies to both ships. I mainly read reports on the cruise we have upcoming so I can read about people's experiences in the ports, and see pictures of the ports, etc.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

A quick comparison:
naked girl on the beach vs. your lovely brunette in her stylin’ green swim cover up

You and your wife are doing something right, Congratulations! Any hints?

I knew when you said that she still enjoys the company of her parents that I was going to like her.

My best wishes to you and your family.

My background is in working with teenagers, and I still do it "on the side," just to keep me engaged. I sure don't have any hints on parenting ... I have watched parents make what I thought were boneheaded mistakes, and watched their kids turn out to be wonderful. OTOH, I've watched superb parents do everything possible to raise godly, loving, mature kids, and then watched those kids turn absolutely toxic. Go figure. I think it has something to do with free will.

Our ancient pediatrician told us when our son was born, "Feed him and love him," and that seems to be pretty sound advice still. Both of our kids are grounded firmly in their faith, and that anchor still holds.

They might lose their minds tomorrow and completely slip their moorings, but so far, so good. I'm very proud of them both. Perfect? Hardly - they are both capable of making stoooopid decisions. BTW - do any of y'all owe me money? I'm collecting all debts ... tuition is due.

Just to wrestle things back OT here -thanks for the sushi intel. I thought I remembered hearing or reading that sushi was available on the Magic. I love it, but I didn't miss it ... I most certainly did NOT go hungry.

 

[cdotla]

Just found your TR after linking over from Heather's Pre-Trip report.

I have never read a cruise trip report before, so I am definitely in! Hopefully I can catch up this weekend!

 

[cdotla]

Wow! Just read your TR cover to cover. Fantastic!

It is TRs like this which keep me checking back on occasion for new gems out there on the Boards. I have about 5 TRs that are on a personal list of favourites and this one is right up there with the Best of them!

You are quite the writer and you put into words what I am sure so many of us here think, live and feel about Disney. It truly is a way of life and you either "get it" or you don't.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories and those special thoughts! And you now have me completely convinced to do a Disney Cruise!

 

[stagemomx3]

I loved your trip report. Since I just booked a 3 day for next August it was a perfect taste of what to expect.

 

[Opie Juan Cannoli]

Dreamfinder, I just wanted you to know that my wife and I have read and re-read your trip report since we first booked our cruise at the end of March. Now that it is two weeks until our first cruise, I just wanted to thank you again for the report! It was both very informative and very entertaining!

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Thanks, OJC. Hope to hear from you after you return!

 

[LindaBabe]

JUst found your trip report on the nassau thread - LOVED IT! Your afterthought made me cry - it is exactly how we feel.

PS Glad your son is home safe and sound. (dh = USAF ret)

PPS There's a really nice group sailing on the western 11/28/2009 - love to have you join us!

 

[caitlinsdad]

Dreamfinder,

Thank you for a truly wonderfully report.
I too miss horizons and the original dreamfinder and figment.

You have captured the feeling of being onboard in your writing style.

We too are Disney fans and have visited the mouse house many times since 1989. ( lost count after 12) lol.

Don't feel bad at tearing up, I too get the same way sometimes. I felt the same way when I boarded the Magic, get chills when hearing the horns chime those notes.

Once again, thank you.

Ed

 

[VernRDH]

Dreamfinder-

Loved the TR, very informative and funny. Although I am a Yankee, I sure do appreciate the Southern way of life. I might just move down south with y'all one of these days.
We are doing the land/sea (4 land 3 sea) next May and added 2 nights room only for before the package to add to our touring time. This will be my 8th trip, and 5th for our DD who will be 9 when we go. We booked at Cat 11 inside, since it is only 3 nights, it shouldn't be too much of a hardship

We have been to Nassau and I agree-everyone should at least get off and look around. We have done the British Colonial Hilton day pass ($15 last time we did it) and it is a nice place to relax that is close to the pier (and you can catch the "entertainment" at Senor Frogs to boot ).

What a wonderful family you have. Thank you for sharing with us.

 

[jenseib]

Great trip report. I love the ones that have pictures and also explain the things they did and how the day progressed. This one was awesome!
I am hoping to talk DH into going on the wonder for a 5 day next Feb or March for my 40th b-day.
What was the average temps for you? We have gone to Disney World the last two years on the first week of March and both times it was pretty nice, but on year was a bit cooler than the other. I am assuming Bahama's are slightly warmer?

 

[Dreamfinder2]

I thought the temperatures were perfect the whole time. Now, I also think there is the potential for a lot of variation that time of year. Maybe we were just lucky. The water temps were a little on the cool side, especially when we were snorkeling, but not unbearable.

 

[rhondamccollough@hot]

I so appreciate your report.

We are 1st time cruisers who have never been to WDW...but given the choice and since DH can't go I chose the cruise. I have 3 kids 8 and under and thought it would be so much easier. My mom has decided to go but I still thought the cruise would be better since the heat was so bad this time of year.

We decided we wanted to do a DC in July and booked for the August 31st sailing so not a whole lot of time to prepare. You have been a wealth of imformation for me!!! Thanks so much!!

 

[anewmac]

Finally was able to get over to your trip report. LOVE IT!

I think I like DD as a brunette better.. but well Im partial being one and all LOL.

Hope DS is doing well! Is he still in the Corps?

DH asked what I was reading when he saw the EGA in your signature. I told him and he was very interested... this may be the way to get him interest in the DIS.. yet not sure our kids would handle 2 of us DIS'ers LMAO

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Hey, RhondaMc... are you keeping an eye on Gustav like we are? I'm not one prone to unnecessary fretting, but this one has my attention. Yikes!

Anewmac, Jeremy finished up his formal USMC time about three weeks ago, with the end of his inactive ready reserve. He's doing just great in college these days. Unspeakably proud of him we are. And, of course, "once a Marine, always a Marine."

Thank your DH for me for his service, please. Semper Fidelis!

 

[rhondamccollough@hot]

Still watching the weather night and day but able to breathe just a little easier...ironiclly I live on in Louisiana and may miss the storm while on vacation?LOL

I would love your opinion on when is the best time of the year to visit WDW. I want to take my kids but my DH has heard so many horror stories of the heat and the lines....any tips?

If we like the cruise...which I am planning to I may look at a land and sea for next year!

 

[Dreamfinder2]

My absolute, very favorite time of year to visit is the first two to three weeks of December. The Christmas decorations are up, the weather is (or can be)delightful, and the crowds are minimal by Disney standards. The downside is pulling the kids out of school, park hours are shorter, and there may be attractions down for rehab.

I also like early to mid-May.

But heat and crowds? It can be staggering - there have been plenty of days in July and August when I've been there and thought I'd spontaneously combust. Spring break crowds are horrific, even though the weather is generally good. We have gone the week after Christmas and over New Year's - again, amazing crowds. But there are some almost foolproof strategies for beating the crowds available, no matter what time of year you visit ... PM me if you're interested.