4 day 3nt Wonder. Who has gone? What should I know?

[fallon]

Hi,

We will be doing the 4 day 3 night Wonder cruise in September. I was wondering if anyone has done this and if there are any things we should know to make our trip better.

I am also a little concerrned about being exhausted after the 7 days. It will be my 1st time in WDW and I am wondering if I can see all that I want to see like Epcot and AK. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. It will be just me and DH.

Thanks

 

[we4blairs]

We just did a 3 night in April but it was not a Land/Sea. We were exhausted but we did try to pack in everything possible.

Looking back here is what I would have done differently - and what worked.

• Don't overpack - 4 days is not that long and the 4th is only spent for breakfast. You really don't need that many clothes. Reuse pants at dinner, just bring casual & bathing suits for the most part.
• Don't feel like you or the kids have to experience everything together. Initially, this is what I wanted but one show we ended up seeing w/DS 6 because DS 11 was too tired and the we reversed the next night because DS 6 wanted to play in the kids club. Remember it is everyone's vacation!
• Don't plan too much for Castaway Cay day. use this to relax and enjoy the beautiful beach! We bought the combo pack and the kids were too scared to snorkle and too tired to bike. Could've saved money and just bought the float!
• Use Nassau Day as a Ship Day, if you have no interest in shopping or seeing Nassau. Depending on your kids ages, they may not miss it. You will love the extra time on the ship to relax and explore.

I have a trip report on the reports page, if you want to check it out. Otherwise, live on this board. You will find everything you ever wanted to know! Mostly - enjoy your trip!!

 

[CGC33A]

My suggestion to you is to "Lurk" a bit on these boards, which means just look and read. You can find answers to most of your questions that way. If you don't, you can try the search engine (on the upper right). There are also links and sugestions to related Disney (and other) sites that also are very informative. If then you still have questions (and there probably will be a few) then people will be happy to help you. I would guess over half the people on the Boards have been on a cruise before so there is a lot of experience out there to help you. Have fun lurking...

 

[JNorris]

I totally agree with what we4blairs said...Our first Disney cruise was the 4 night land 3 night sea, and actually we added on an extra day at the beginning of the land, so we spent 5 nights in WDW. By the time we got to the cruise, we were exhausted. My DD (6 at the time) was in bed asleep by 10pm every night, so we weren't far behind her. On the 3 night cruise, you don't get to experience much of the ship unless you stay onboard on Nassau day. My DD and I stayed on board, but DH took a snorkeling excursion.

Will you be driving or flying in? We drove, and it was nice to leave half our clothes in the car, and only take on the ship what we needed for the cruise. You don't have much room in the cabins to store stuff, and you don't have alot of time to be unpacking and repacking all that stuff. Pack lightly, and remember you can always do a load of clothes in the laundry if you have to.

Judy

 

[ragdoll]

You will not be able to see and do all that you want at WDW in just four days. You need to accept that right now so you don't get stressed about it. Research these boards and pick out the attractions that you really want to experience and leave the rest for future visits. DH and I have been to WDW many times and still have not done nearly everything. (It's meant to be like this. They want everyone to get hooked and keep returning!) You will be exhausted! But the cruise is very relaxing. CC is heavenly! DH and I love WDW but we LOVE DCL! Prepare to be an addict and start saving now to support you new habit!

Have fun!

 

[Jrsy Boy]

It will be my 1st time in WDW and I am wondering if I can see all that I want to see like Epcot and AK. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. It will be just me and DH.

DW & I hadn't been to WDW in long enough that it felt almost like it was our first visit, so we bought the Birnbaum's guide (and Birnbaum's for Kids for DS) and all read through them. We just decided what was most important for each of us in each park. We managed to do everything we wanted to and even returned to Magic Kingdom on our last night for one last ride on Space Mountain. Take advantage of EMH. We did AK the morning of the cruise and probably didn't see everything, but we were pretty wiped out by then.

We were all pretty spent the first night on the ship, but after that we had plenty of energy to do what we wanted, though we didn't overdo it. The cruise was a great recovery from WDW.

 

[Oo-de-lally Gal]

We did the land and sea in 2004. I would highly recommend going in a night early, look for discount codes on your resort and just book an extra night so that you get the full 5 days in WDW. Use travel guides and the boards to make a "must see" list and then get to the parks early to take advantage of Fastpass. You can't do it all so just relax and enjoy the things you get to. If you have small kids just let them dictate what they are up for. If they are really enjoying something just let them enjoy! The true magic of the parks is found in the small things most of the time.

As far as the ship...get to the port as early as possible. On the three night that first day represents a lot of your valuable time. Wear your suits under your clothes and take advantage of the uncrowded pools and buffet that afternoon.

We also did not go ashore in Nassau. Instead we anjoyed the quieter ship for the day and enjoyed the views of Atlantis from the deck. We saw and heard several sun worn, hot and tired looking people returning to the ship wishing they had done the same. It made for a much more relaxed trip and then we were not too sunburned or worn out to enjoy the glorious Castaway Cay!!! (Get up early that day, by the way, and enjoy the stroll to the pristine deserted beach first thing in the morning.)

Tour the spa and book the all access to the Rainforest for the trip. So relaxing and soooo worthwhile.
Have a great time!!!! -Wendi

 

[maggiet]

We've done the land/sea two times. The amazing thing is how short the sea part it! It is almost over before it starts. So I agree, get there early, have your suits handy in your day bag and enjoy the ship on day 1. We got off the boat at Nassau both times, but did not do an official excursion. One time we did Atlantis on our own (just a short taxi, and definitely worth a visit). We also did the pirate museum once, it was a nice short excursion on your own (short walk from the ship). If you are going in the summer, you could consider a day room at the Comfort Suites, then you can use the Atlantis pools and slides. We did that once (again on our own), but we went in January and the water was coooooooold! Even though there is lots to do, being on the Wonder is really very relaxing, so you will have a great time no matter what you choose! Have fun!