6/25 Anniversary Cruise Pre-Trip Report

[tigergrad]

Hey Ya'll

Cast
Me (44)
DH (49)
DS (12)
DS's friend (12)

A little background:
I am a middle school teacher and have always loved Disney. Although my DH doesn't share my love of Disney, he has quietly endured numerous family trips to WDW. So when I mentioned a short Disney cruise for our anniversary, he was a little hesitant- but he agreed. We have 3 children. The oldest DD is 24 and married and the middle DD is 18 and a nursing student. Due to work and school, neither will be able to join us on this trip. Sad but life goes on. Number 3 is a 12 year old DS. For this trip he is bringing a friend who is also 12. They will both be 7th graders next fall. I know I said this was an anniversary cruise- but for our 20th DH & I took an Alaskan cruise and while it was wonderful, we missed the kids the whole time. So this is not about romance but rather a fun and relaxing vacation that coincides with our anniversary.

Plans:

We originally planned to drive down the day before the cruise and spend the night at Cocoa Beach. But we have since decided to drive down 2 days earlier and take the boys to one of the water parks @ WDW. Even though we've been to WDW numerous times, we've never been to either of the waterparks. I think the boys will have a blast. I had trouble deciding where to stay. I have trupoble coming to Orlando and not staying at WDW. Since it's June, there will be few discounted room rates. As of now we are planning on staying at the Swan ($149 teacher's rate). That's cheaper that the mods. My other option would be to rent points for a DVC. I have done this several times and have always had good luck. I am We'll see if this works out. Ifd not, I am totally fine with the Swan.

Onboard

We are booked in a cat 12 gty - so will be in at least a cat 11. I'm hoping for a little pixie dust to get us into a cat 9. We have some OBC so I plan on getting myself a massage - selfish -I know. We do not plan to get off in Nassau. At Castaway Cay we plan to do the kayak/bicycle excursion. The boys picked this one out. Since we will be celebrating our anniversary on the forst night of the cruise, I have asked the TA if she can request we go to Triton's at dinner. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks for reading and I'll update if necessary and be writing a trip report upon return.

 

[tigergrad]

With the release of the new WDW summer rates, we are contemplating whether or not to change resorts for our pre-cruise stay. We are considering Pop Century to save money @ $178 + tax, Caribbean Beach @ $238 + tax - this would save us money plus we have never stayed at the resort before, or Animal Kingdom Lodge @ $318 + tax - about the same as the Swan. What to do? I'll be deciding this weekend. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Granny Hawkins]

Just poppin' in to say HEY! and give you someone to share in your excitement.

We did Pop Century and we fine with it. We were not in our rooms that long anyway. Before we stayed at Port Orleans and for the difference in $$$$ Pop Century was okay. Not crazy about the transporation but you WILL HAVE super transportation waiting on you when you cross over that bridge!!!!

 

[tigergrad]

Hey, glad somebody read my post. I think we have decided to keep our reservation at the Swan. DH is not a Disney person like me. I think he will like being able to tour the Boardwalk since we aren't going to the parks. I called WDW and the summer rates weren't as good as posted for the AKL for our dates. So Swan it is. See your from Ga. North- south? We live in the upstate of SC.

 

[Granny Hawkins]

Hey, glad somebody read my post. I think we have decided to keep our reservation at the Swan. DH is not a Disney person like me. I think he will like being able to tour the Boardwalk since we aren't going to the parks. I called WDW and the summer rates weren't as good as posted for the AKL for our dates. So Swan it is. See your from Ga. North- south? We live in the upstate of SC.

Just a little Northwest of Atlanta.

I have family in Greenville,Seneca,Union and Greer.

 

[tigergrad]

Small world. We live Tamassee- close to Lake Jocassee. Have you cruised w/DCL before?

 

[Granny Hawkins]

Small world. We live Tamassee- close to Lake Jocassee. Have you cruised w/DCL before?

Yes. We did the 3 Day last July.

 

[tigergrad]

Just received our room assignment. According to the DCL website we have been assigned.............. Rm 2030 - cat 9 !!!!!! I'm so excited. DH has been worried that we would get a really bad room and it would be too small for all of us. We also got a better rate at the Swan. I called DU and they booked a room for $99 per night. That's much better than the great rate I thought I had. Now my fears are relieved and I can concentrate on finishing up the school year and getting ready to set sail Disney style!

 

[tigergrad]

Hooray! Received our cruise documents yesterday. Three more days of school. Life is good.

 

[kimberleeJohnston]

Sounds great!!
Its nice that your done school now and can concentrate on your cruise....lol
Cruise documents in the mail are always so exciting!