A Love-ly time planning our MR cruise on the Wonder next week!

everythingdisneyfan1

Over 50+ Visits to Disney Parks and Counting
Joined
Mar 11, 2012
Messages
76
**Update: 3/19 PTR!

3/21 updated pre-trip report!


So I am a DIS board newbie, but have found myself attached to my computer the past several weeks getting plugged in and LOVING it (much to the chagrin of my DH). Two weeks ago he had no idea what a "fish extender" was, why we would even want one, "why are we buying presents for people we don't know?!" and, "why did a buckaneer's hat and a pirate maid's wig just arrive at our front door?...."

Now... he is getting it. :) We laid out our suitcases this afternoon to begin packing and it hit him: "I can't believe we're leaving in four days!!" As the rainy weather has beaten down on us heavy this week, we are both more than ready to relax in the sun and enjoy some Disney life. He even sat with me to put together all of our FE gifts tonight! :love:


About Us:
I decided to write a trip pre-report so that you can get to know us a little bit more, as well as share with you some of our no-fail Disney preparation tips and tricks. I've depended on so many of your trip reports and loved them, so I thought I'd contribute this time around!

My DH and I are both teachers and I am also a photographer in my spare time. We are blessed to do what we LOVE, and also have some great time off at the same time. DH and I are both very similar in a lot of ways, but we are also very different. Opposites do attract with us! He grew up camping; I grew up DISNEY. I have been to a Disney park every year except two for my twenty-seven years so far, and I have loved every second of those trips. While he loves Disney, he isn't quite as crazy about Disney as I am but he says that he loves me, so it's worth it for him. :) (Cue the awwws and gag-mes.....)

That being said, most of our travels will be to Disney in the upcoming years as we are planning on becoming DVC members and raising our kids there. I can honestly say that I NEVER get tired of Disney! There is something about being immersed in magic and wonder that helps us become big-kids, even for just a day.

We traveled on a cruise last year on a different cruise line and I can honestly say I will never cruise besides on Disney again. Even though the price was alright for the last cruise, we lost so much in food, entertainment and service that Disney's price increase more than makes up for. Disney is just unmatched, which is why we decided to splurge this year for spring break and let DH try out a Disney cruise all for himself!

Pre-trip report:

We actually booked our cruise this time through Costco and got an amazing deal. I am all for saving money and preserving quality at the same time, and they totally delivered. We got a category 5A for two people for just under $2800 for a 7-night cruise which we feel is an amazing deal for this type of room. That, and we also got a $265 Costco cash card for booking through them as well-- can you say Christmas shopping? :) I think we'll be thankful we have that card when we get back!

We did this same route last year and it's really amazing. We loved it so much we knew we'd be back, just on a different cruise line.

Here are a few different pictures of Puerto Vallarta & Cabo that we took on our cruise last year:

Puerto Vallarta:

6991872575_bc7b714884.jpg


Las Caletas Hideaway (I believe this is also offered as an excursion by DCL-- if so, take it! It was my favorite excursion of our trip.)

6991872727_e057f0ea64_z.jpg


Puerto Vallarta downtown ocean walk

6845745356_e5f01d2d5e_z.jpg




Next up, our favorite hotel to day-pass at! Beautiful, beautiful views. Our second home in Cabo!

6991872959_ea5694a855_z.jpg


6991873103_f7fde6f787_z.jpg



As you can see, we are going to have some amazing stops on this trip!

I already started packing today and feel like I am much more relaxed this go-around then last. I've packed a skirt or a dress for each night of the cruise, a big floppy hat for laying out which is something I wish I had on my last cruise, different types of shoes and lots of comfortable clothes. I plan on being in my bathing suit the majority of time on this cruise! We have also packed our Pirates gear, our FE, our formal wear and the bottles of wine we plan to enjoy on our verandah... ;)

We are planning on leaving Thursday, then staying in Anaheim and hitting up Disneyland and California Adventure on Saturday before our cruise leaves on Sunday. Thankfully, it looks like sunny weather as of right now in Anaheim, but it does look a bit rainy (sigh) for the day that we are at sea. I am thinking this might be a good excuse to catch up on some Disney movies in the Buena Vista theatre! My DH is very excited to see John Carter and The Muppets, which we've heard is what will be playing when we're at sea. If only they were showing The Hunger Games!!! :)

I have a few more things on my to-do list before we take off:

*Charge camera batteries
*Pick up plastic Easter eggs and candy for the kiddos on our FE list
*See if Dollar Tree has pirate patches and swords
*Get all books downloaded on my iPad that I want to read on this trip
*Print out final FE participant list!
*Make sure all our documents are in order and ready to go
*Pick up some sunblock

  • *Pick up personalized magnets for our door
    *Pack my windbreaker! :(



  • I am feeling pretty good with our productivity so far and being pretty much set in the way of major packing! We always feel like if we at least make sure we have everything major that we need, everything else can be picked up along the way. :goodvibes

    Happy planning all of you getting-ready-to-cruise-ers out there!!
 
Looking forward to your TR. Looks like you have a great head start. We leave in about a month so I can't wait to hear all about your trip. :flower3:

:laundy:
 
:thumbsup2 Lookin GREAT so far Megan!! Can't wait to meet you guys and make some magic memories!! Sounds like you and I have a few things in common...and our DH's as well, as far as them "tolerating" our Disney love anyway!!
We're leaving Cottage Grove bout 6pm Thursday...driving...you two driving as well? Maybe we'll see ya on the road! Also, turns out we may go to the park for a few hours on Friday or Saturday as well :-)
Nice pics!!
 
:thumbsup2 Lookin GREAT so far Megan!! Can't wait to meet you guys and make some magic memories!! Sounds like you and I have a few things in common...and our DH's as well, as far as them "tolerating" our Disney love anyway!!
We're leaving Cottage Grove bout 6pm Thursday...driving...you two driving as well? Maybe we'll see ya on the road! Also, turns out we may go to the park for a few hours on Friday or Saturday as well :-)
Nice pics!!

We're leaving Portland around 5pm, so you'll be just a few minutes ahead of us. :) Are you driving straight through or sleeping over somewhere? We have family in southern Oregon and have thought about staying with them on Thurs. night to cut down on the drive down. I'd like to think that we are brave enough to drive through the night, but with all the snow in the pass I think we're better of just leaving S. Oregon early in the morning.

We'll be at DL & CA on Saturday and probably downtown Disney on Fri. night. :) Woo hoo! Do you guys have an early boarding time on Sunday? Do you think they let Castaway Club members board earlier than their assigned time? I would love to be able to get on the ship earlier, but I heard it's hit or miss in terms of their permission with that...
 

Looking forward to your TR! I'm a big Disney fan as well, and LOVE our trips to Disneyland.

We were on the 2/26 MR cruise and had a blast! That was our first cruise and now I'm hooked!
 
How funny! We have family in Medford and may stay the night there, (my choice), but I guess we'll make that decision when the time comes. The DH tends to go full force and just wants to get the drive over and done with:confused3

We have a 11:30 board time...but we'll be at the port earlier. I just know one of these days we'll get the "Chosen Family" bequeathed to us!! Lol!!

Looking forward to your TR! I'm a big Disney fan as well, and LOVE our trips to Disneyland.

We were on the 2/26 MR cruise and had a blast! That was our first cruise and now I'm hooked!
Been reading your report too!! Great job so far!!!
 
Great pre trip report! Can't wait to meet you guys. I also do photography on the side and have been trying to decide if I should bring my nice camera or buy a cheaper, small one. What do you recommend?
 
Great pre trip report! Can't wait to meet you guys. I also do photography on the side and have been trying to decide if I should bring my nice camera or buy a cheaper, small one. What do you recommend?

I was battling with that question, too. When I voiced my concern to my DH he wisely asked why I bought the DSLR in the first place. Wasn’t it to capture important memories with clarity that my point and shoot cant get? You only get firsts once. So, yes, I’m lugging it. But I’m bringing my little camera to keep in my pocket for all the unexpected moments and shore excursions.
(As a bonus, my little camera - an Olympus Tough - is waterproof so pool and beach moments can be up-close and personal without worry)
Hope it helps!
 
Great pre trip report! Can't wait to meet you guys. I also do photography on the side and have been trying to decide if I should bring my nice camera or buy a cheaper, small one. What do you recommend?

I think I'm going to bring my nice camera. I usually will depending on what kind of trip we're taking (Costa Rica last summer? YES. Disneyworld last summer? No.:) ) There are some beautiful sunsets and scenic images in Mexico! What type of camera do you have?
 
Great pre trip report! Can't wait to meet you guys. I also do photography on the side and have been trying to decide if I should bring my nice camera or buy a cheaper, small one. What do you recommend?

I was battling with that question, too. When I voiced my concern to my DH he wisely asked why I bought the DSLR in the first place. Wasn’t it to capture important memories with clarity that my point and shoot cant get? You only get firsts once. So, yes, I’m lugging it. But I’m bringing my little camera to keep in my pocket for all the unexpected moments and shore excursions.
(As a bonus, my little camera - an Olympus Tough - is waterproof so pool and beach moments can be up-close and personal without worry)
Hope it helps!

I think I'm going to bring my nice camera. I usually will depending on what kind of trip we're taking (Costa Rica last summer? YES. Disneyworld last summer? No.:) ) There are some beautiful sunsets and scenic images in Mexico! What type of camera do you have?

I would totally recommend bringing your nice camera! There are so many great photo opportunistic, not only on port, but on the ship as well. There are so many neat little details and fun events to photograph and now that I'm home, I keep thinking of things that I wish I would have snapped a photo of. I always carried my camera with me (a Sony A580, which is no small camera!), because you never knew when you would run into something cool, like the characters. Oh, and the view on the ship while your in Cabo is beautiful! You can get some great landscape shots up on deck on the days your there.
 
I am nearly fully packed (aside from a couple of loads of laundry), and DH... isn't even close. :) How is it that guys can just throw a bunch of stuff in a suitcase at the last minute and call it good?!

Yesterday my sister came over and helped me put the rest of our FE gifts together so both gifts for kids and other FE-ers are totally finished! Whew. I will be posting my gift in the handmade FE gift thread... but all you MR 3/25 travelers better not peek! :)

Of my previous list, only a couple more things remain:

*Charge camera batteries
*Pick up plastic Easter eggs and candy for the kiddos on our FE list
*See if Dollar Tree has pirate patches and swords (they don't, so we'll be picking some stuff up in Pirates of the Caribbean-land at DL on Saturday!)
*Get all books downloaded on my iPad that I want to read on this trip
*Print out final FE participant list!
*Make sure all our documents are in order and ready to go
*Pick up some sunblock
*Pick up personalized magnets for our door
*Pack my windbreaker!
*Pack all snacks / drinks for our stateroom (got some various wines, Trader Joe's chips & crackers that we love and a bunch of granola bars and 49 cent bottled waters). :)

I stepped on the scale today to discover that I am not exactly in the best of shape to be getting ready to go on a cruise where one of the primary festivities is... eating. Yikes. I'm not entirely sure that I want to pack my running shoes either, but most likely DH and I will be finding ourselves running around the deck in the mornings and hopping on bikes for some spin action. {Sigh}. I should have noticed such problems when my pants became tighter! :)

Our weather here in the NW has been absolutely miserable, which is partially why I haven't been committed to biking or running outside since every other day it is either snowing or downpouring rain. Boo. The DH and I just decided that we are going to have to be vigorous in our post-cruise exercise habits. :)

On a happier note, we just had our contracts approved on the resale market and bought 150 DVC points at Saratoga Springs resort! We have to make it through the ROFR process (where Disney ultimately decides whether they want to approve the contract or not), but so far word has been that our price was fair! If so, we will be staying at Saratoga Springs this summer for a WDW vacation! I will keep you updated on the process!

Here are a few pictures of the DH and I from our MR cruise last year on Holland America:

On our way to the Las Caletas Hideaway in PV

6852002126_7432d20a05_z.jpg


Formal night:

6998126133_32b22e7814_z.jpg


At the Las Caletas Hideaway:

6998125999_89f7e6c123_z.jpg


And a more recent one from a couple of months ago. :)

6852001762_e9f28b699a_z.jpg



It's kind of surreal that we take off in only a few days! We got the wild hair to book this trip in January when we were tired of the cold, NW weather and I am so glad that we took the plunge. We are emerging as complete Disney vacationers and there's no turning back now! We have traveled all over the world, but in my opinion, there is just no place like {our Disney} home. :)
 
You guys are a cute couple! Congrats on DVC and Welcome Home!

Can't wait to hear about the cruise.

Jill in CO
 
I think I'm going to bring my nice camera. I usually will depending on what kind of trip we're taking (Costa Rica last summer? YES. Disneyworld last summer? No.:) ) There are some beautiful sunsets and scenic images in Mexico! What type of camera do you have?

Since we're flying from MN I'll have to see how much room I end up with in my carry on - definitely don't want to check it. I use a Nikon DSLR - looking to upgrade soon. :-)

Thanks for all the advice!
 
So... it's supposed to be spring here in Oregon, but apparently winter decided to hold on as long as possible. I'm getting flashbacks of last summer when it didn't stop raining until August. Sigh.

We woke up to snow today, but our districts decided to keep school in session and not call a snow day (double sigh). It's been snowing all day but not sticking, but I'm crossing my fingers that a snow day will actually come to fruition because that means we can leave EARLY for Disneyland! We aren't leaving until tomorrow night and will be staying over in southern Oregon before we brave the Siskyous. But, if the snow keeps up, it would sure be a great reason to get out of this cold/rainy/snowy weather a few hours earlier. We'll see.

As far as my packing list goes, I think we have everything packed! (Minus charging the camera batteries, but oh well. I will just bring the charger with us.) I picked up some Oregon magnets from the Made in Oregon store, made one last-minute trip to Nordys to see what cruise-wear I could pick up (walked away with a cute purple pocket skirt and a striped pink hoody), and have officially diagnosed myself with having spring break-itis. Pedicure? Check. Eyebrows waxed? Check. DH's haircut? Check. Let's get this show on the road!!

(And by the way, as of 7:58pm tonight, my DH's suitcase is still empty... hmmmmm...)

I am seriously laughing at myself with how many clothes I have packed for this trip. However, I'm also remembering how last year I changed my outfits probably three different times each day. One breakfast outfit, one pool-lounging, deck schlepping outfit and one evening dinner outfit (not to mention the various outfits for port days). I was glad I had so much! My suitcase is full to the hilt, and these sorry travelers will be taking two big bags EACH. Yikes.

________________________________

I am also fully engrossed in planning our July WDW trip. I can't believe I am so lucky to be going to Disneyland, going on a Disney cruise, AND going to WDW within a four month time period. That's quite embarrassing, really.

Have any of you purchased your DVC points resale? What was your experience? And have any of you tried putting together a week-long trip for late July / early August as late as the end of May and were able to get a room (1br villa)? Because the resale purchase process takes so long, I am really worried that we won't be able to get a room this summer since we won't be able to book until the end of May. What is the latest that you've booked for planning a regular season summer vacation and gotten a room?

_________________________________

Okay, enough worrying for now. Let the magic begin!!! :woohoo:
 
We were at the Tequila Tasting with you guys! We sat right across from you--the two teachers from Colorado.

Back to school for us today--so sad. I'd so much rather be out on Deck right now!!
 
We were at the Tequila Tasting with you guys! We sat right across from you--the two teachers from Colorado.

Back to school for us today--so sad. I'd so much rather be out on Deck right now!!

Small world!! I saw your posts on this board too and wondered who those two teachers were... :) We took today off-- drove home to Portland (18 drive) and got in bed at 4am... sigh.

Hope you had a wonderful vacation!!
 
Hi there! I feel like we have so much in common...LOL I wanted to say hello, me and my DH are DVC members, I was reading your PTR and TR beacuse we are going on a Wonder Cruise to Alaska in June for our 5th Anniversary, no kids yet either, so I can't wait to see what all you guys did! I saw you had a question about booking WDW in summer. We live in NC and go to WDW about 4-6 times per year. There are so many resorts to choose from there so it is USUALLY very easy to get a room. Saratoga Springs has the most rooms available, can't tell if that is where you wanted to stay or if you are open to other possibilities as well, but anyway we have booked close to a week or two in advance and was still able to get a room. We usually opt for Kidani Village or Old Key West, just because we like them, they aren't anymore convenient or anything like that, but Animal Kingdom Lodge has some amazing restaurants! Besides, in SUMMER in Florida, especially Late July/August, you are going to want somewhere with a good pool because it is HOT HOT HOT and muggy. The parks are pretty crowded also, so you must make sure to get fastpasses...LOL The waterparks are great too! Sorry, I tend to ramble a little when I talk about WDW because my brain is almost filled to capacity with Disney World knowledge and experiences. I feel like you should be fine to make a reservation, but if there is anything else you would like to know feel free to send me a pm or something! So, now Im back to reading your TR and can't wait to read it when you are finished!
 
Hi there! I feel like we have so much in common...LOL I wanted to say hello, me and my DH are DVC members, I was reading your PTR and TR beacuse we are going on a Wonder Cruise to Alaska in June for our 5th Anniversary, no kids yet either, so I can't wait to see what all you guys did! I saw you had a question about booking WDW in summer. We live in NC and go to WDW about 4-6 times per year. There are so many resorts to choose from there so it is USUALLY very easy to get a room. Saratoga Springs has the most rooms available, can't tell if that is where you wanted to stay or if you are open to other possibilities as well, but anyway we have booked close to a week or two in advance and was still able to get a room. We usually opt for Kidani Village or Old Key West, just because we like them, they aren't anymore convenient or anything like that, but Animal Kingdom Lodge has some amazing restaurants! Besides, in SUMMER in Florida, especially Late July/August, you are going to want somewhere with a good pool because it is HOT HOT HOT and muggy. The parks are pretty crowded also, so you must make sure to get fastpasses...LOL The waterparks are great too! Sorry, I tend to ramble a little when I talk about WDW because my brain is almost filled to capacity with Disney World knowledge and experiences. I feel like you should be fine to make a reservation, but if there is anything else you would like to know feel free to send me a pm or something! So, now Im back to reading your TR and can't wait to read it when you are finished!

Thanks for all the info! I have grown up going to Disney nearly every year and my parents are DVC-direct members. However, when it came time to buy DVC, my dad advised us to go the resale route instead of direct just because of the cost savings involved (plus we like to score sweet deals through Costco/Sam' Club or our TA on cruises, etc.). For us, going the resale route made the most sense. I've never had an issue with booking going with my dad because he always planned our vacations well in advance. However, since we probably won't close until the end of May, I wanted to make sure that trying to book at 1BR somewhere in WDW for the last week in July wasn't going to be a problem. I don't really care where we stay (except I am one of the rare few who doesn't like OKW), and would prefer to stay at SSR (distance to DD), BWV (distance to other parks) or AKL (Jambo or Kidani-- love them both!).

So... crossing my fingers that I can actually get a room in the parks during our trip!

You will LOVE the Wonder. I will be going into a lot of detail on my TR regarding all of the things we saw and did. This is my first Disney TR on the boards (though I have gone to Disney annually for the past 27 years or so), so I will try to make sure I include everything you'll need to know! I am jealous-- Alaska with Disney is on my must-do list! :)

(It all just depends on when we decide to have kids... :goodvibes)
 


GET UP TO A $1000 SHIPBOARD CREDIT AND AN EXCLUSIVE GIFT!

If you make your Disney Cruise Line reservation with Dreams Unlimited Travel you’ll receive these incredible shipboard credits to spend on your cruise!

















Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE







New Posts







DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top