A rabbi, a priest, and a pastor board the Wonder: we're back!

[jedijill]

Thats kind of what I'm thinking. Maybe if DH was going and we'd consuming bottles of wine but with just me, it's not like I can get hammered. I think I'm going to skip the store. I'm trying to figure out what's near the Hilton I've got booked the night we arrive. I really need to make up my mind on this whole hotel thing. I found out they don't have a shuttle and its $13 from the airport to the hotel by taxi. Then another $30 + tip to get to the Port through SAS in the morning. Just a hair under $200 including taxes for the hotel. This one night is going to cost a lot. Plus dinner. Plus breakfast. ​

You just need to take a page from Alison and Cynthia's book and figure out how to pack breakfast and dinner in your suitcase!

Jill in CO

 

[rentayenta]

You just need to take a page from Alison and Cynthia's book and figure out how to pack breakfast and dinner in your suitcase! Jill in CO

Hilarious! The Hilton has a very nice breakfast for $22 a pop, not sure about kids prices though. It looks like a beautiful breakfast. May have to splurge as it looks like we'll be eating our body weight in Mickey Ice Cream bars during the cruise.​

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm so happy for you! I'm so tired of thinking about this dang hotel too. I've thought more about this than when I booked the cruise. ​

I know, this hotel thing has been a nuisance. With Disney you know you're getting a great product, and usually spotlessly clean. With this hotel I've been amazed how many negative reviews I've read. I seriously would have taken a flight the morning of the cruise if SW offered an earlier one. I found one with AA but I've had no dealings with them and would hate to wake up in vacation day to discover my flight had been canceled...

I have a $25 off the first Expedia booking with the app. I may follow you and book the Ramada. Promise I'm not a stalker. Thank you for the link. It looks good. And they have an airport shuttle?​

Come on over! Not the fanciest of places but just around what I wanted to pay. It's ridiculous how much they can charge being near an airport. Yep, they have a shuttle. It's only 1.5 miles from FLL.

86 days!!!

​

 

[rentayenta]

Hi all. With only 86 days until the cruise I thought it was time for me to make some decisions. So I did.

First, we are paid in full! We aren't due until 1/14/14 but because our original cruise got canceled and we got a rebooking discount, I realized our price isn't likely to drop below that so I bit the bullet and paid the remainder of the balance. Feels grrrrrreat!

Second: I decided on a hotel. We're staying at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/hilton-fort-lauderdale-marina-FLLGRHH/

There are a lot of nearby restaurants, a Publix, and Walgreen's so if I decide we need to schlep anything extra on board., we can.

There are quite a few restaurants within walking distance and at most a short cab ride. Bimini Boatyard looks good. http://www.biminiboatyard.com/menus/DINNER.pdf. I'm specifically looking at the Cobb Salad and the Bimini Chowder. We'll share regardless; Joshua is so good about that. Maybe we'll just do the bread and salad since I don't want leftovers.

I am also looking at Bravo: http://www.bravoitaliano.com/Welcome.html They have a cruise special. If you bring your cruise info, they'll give you 20% off. Everything looks good and I am a Saltimboca junkie. Again, we'll share. I know Joshua will eat a lot of pizza on board so we'll stay away from that but from the photos I've seen, there doesn't seem to be a bunch of Italian options on the Wonder. The reviews on Bravo are excellent.

Lauderdale Grill also looks yummy and casual; both good things. http://www.lauderdalegrill.com Their burgers look great and easy to share with a cup of clam chowder. Joshua is a clam chider nut.

There is also an Outback Steakhouse, which we love but have been to tons of times. http://www.outback.com

And finally Kelly's Landing if we are in the mood for chowdah: http://www.kellyslanding.com/menu.html This menu looks the best to me. Joshua loves scallops too.

I will let him decide as it's *his trip*.


Third: I booked transportation from the hotel to the port and then the port to the airport with SAS. http://www.ridesas.com I am a little concerned that SAS won't pick me up until about 11 am. I am guessing though that because this is our first cruise, we will be near the last to board so we should have plenty of time. I received my confirmation email today.

Fourth: I confirmed flight times and they are better than I remember booking. We arrive in Fort Lauderdale at 4:55 pm and our return flight leaves at 12:50 pm. I am really liking both those times. It will give us plenty of time to poke around the marina area the night before the cruise and plenty of time to get back to the Fort Lauderdale airport post cruise.

Fifth, which I posted prior: I ordered our FE. Should be here in about 4 weeks. I really like it.


I still have some odds and ends to take care of but for the most part we are solid. Feels good to have some of this wrapped up.​

 

[rentayenta]

I know, this hotel thing has been a nuisance. With Disney you know you're getting a great product, and usually spotlessly clean. With this hotel I've been amazed how many negative reviews I've read. I seriously would have taken a flight the morning of the cruise if SW offered an earlier one. I found one with AA but I've had no dealings with them and would hate to wake up in vacation day to discover my flight had been canceled...

I couldn't find an earlier flight either. I don't know much about AA. I think sticking with SW is a good idea though. I have total confidence flying with them. United are the ones I don't love. I avoid them at all costs but unfortunately, aside from SW, that's where all of our points are.​

Come on over! Not the fanciest of places but just around what I wanted to pay. It's ridiculous how much they can charge being near an airport. Yep, they have a shuttle. It's only 1.5 miles from FLL.

Thanks! I booked the Hilton. I'm a nut. Your price is much better than mine. And I don't get a shuttle. Or free breakfast.​

​

We're so close! It's insane. Joshua said to me earlier today; do you realize we'd be going on our cruise in 2 weeks? yeah, I know. I am honestly okay with it being delayed to our current date. The water and weather may be a little warmer. ​

 

[Pinkocto]

Look at all the things you did! The FE is so cute!

Glad you picked a hotel, it's a load off the mind isn't it!

That's a lot of tasty restaurants to pick from

Exactly with the flight, I trust SW, I'm not sure about AA. Much better to have peace of mind than to be stressed on the first day of vacation. We're going on vacation!!!!!

That's so sad we'd be going in two weeks c'est la vie. The water and temp will definitely be hotter though, no doubt about it.

Being picked up at 11 or after really won't be an issue. We'll get to the port between 12-12:30 and after checking in will be able to walk right on the ship. Any earlier and you're waiting around with tons of people and not enough chairs.

I'm going to pay mine tomorrow. What had we decided on Palo? Want to book something now or wait until boarding?

 

[rentayenta]

Let's totally book Palo. I'm thinking brunch on the sea day after Cozumel? What do you think? Or maybe the first day because if Joshua is good and you don't think I'm nuts, maybe we could try to squeeze in a dinner. Is it worth doing twice? Once for dinner and once for brunch?​

 

[jedijill]

Let's totally book Palo. I'm thinking brunch on the sea day after Cozumel? What do you think? Or maybe the first day because if Joshua is good and you don't think I'm nuts, maybe we could try to squeeze in a dinner. Is it worth doing twice? Once for dinner and once for brunch?​

Yes, it is worth doing twice. Brunch is completely different from dinner. You HAVE to try to souffle at dinner and the chicken parm at brunch!!!!!!

Jill in CO

 

[rentayenta]

Look at all the things you did! The FE is so cute!

I really like it too. It was $20 and then like $3.99 for shipping. There is just no way I could make one.​

Glad you picked a hotel, it's a load off the mind isn't it!

Totally! There's a chance we may see our friends but I needed to book and stop looking. It'll be Spring Break and our friends travel a lot so if they're home, we'll stay with them, if not then well stay at the Hilton. Either way I'm covered. They also plan very last minute so they'll know if theyll be home about the time I need to cancel which is 48*.​

That's a lot of tasty restaurants to pick from

I'm leaning towards Kelly's or Bravo. Do they serve much italian food on the ship?​

Exactly with the flight, I trust SW, I'm not sure about AA. Much better to have peace of mind than to be stressed on the first day of vacation. We're going on vacation!!!!!

Plus we get two free bags each! And I agree about not being stressed.​

That's so sad we'd be going in two weeks c'est la vie. The water and temp will definitely be hotter though, no doubt about it.

I'm glad. I was a little worried about the water at CC in January. April should be wonderful.​

Being picked up at 11 or after really won't be an issue. We'll get to the port between 12-12:30 and after checking in will be able to walk right on the ship. Any earlier and you're waiting around with tons of people and not enough chairs.

Oh that's good to know. So will we meet on the SAS bus? That'll be fun! And then we don't have to be anywhere until the mister drill right? What do you usually do when you board while waiting for your room?​

I'm going to pay mine tomorrow. What had we decided on Palo? Want to book something now or wait until boarding?

See above.





This cruise is finally starting to feel real. ​

 

[rentayenta]

Yes, it is worth doing twice. Brunch is completely different from dinner. You HAVE to try to souffle at dinner and the chicken parm at brunch!!!!!!

Jill in CO

Awesome! Everyone raves about the chicken parm. I'm worried about leaving Joshua twice but he's really grown so independent this year. I think it's being in Junior High and not wanting to be a baby.​

 

[jedijill]

Awesome! Everyone raves about the chicken parm. I'm worried about leaving Joshua twice but he's really grown so independent this year. I think it's being in Junior High and not wanting to be a baby.​

If you still want to eat dinner with him, you can always book your Palo dinner opposite your dinner seating and then just go hand out in the MDR with Joshua while he eats and just have a drink or something.

Jill in CO

 

[rentayenta]

If you still want to eat dinner with him, you can always book your Palo dinner opposite your dinner seating and then just go hand out in the MDR with Joshua while he eats and just have a drink or something.

Jill in CO

Thats a great idea. I have a feeling he's going to make loads of friends who have the first seating and he's going to ditch me anyhow. I'm curious to see his reaction to the ship and being able to do, pretty much whatever he wants. He's said he's worried about leaving me and I told him I have a friend already. He's so sweet.​

 

[franandaj]

I love the FE! And you came up with a great way to reuse it, you don't have to get another one for family events and it's perfect for you and Josh!

I'm not sure, but it sounds like your hotel is right near the ESA I booked. I was looking at Kelly's landing as a place for lunch. They have a number of locations so we could be looking at different places, but we have a publix near us. If you see and ESA, I'll want a report on all the shopping!

I used to go stock up but now I find its just easier to buy it on board. I would never drink what I had in the room since I was never there!

Jill in CO

I can see if you folks are night on the town and all about the ship people. This goes back to the way we do DVC vacations. Fran and I spend a lot of time in the room, she needs naps and I don't feel right skipping out on her all the time. Occasionally I will go hit the pool while she's napping or go to the spa, but a lot of the time while she is impromptu napping I just sit and hang out. Maybe take a shower, watch a movie or write up the TR. I also need to hang out when she takes a shower and gets ready and sometimes that takes a while. For me, I find that it's nice to have some wine for the evening time when I'm waiting around. Your mileage, I'm sure varies.

 

[MEK]

You've made great progress with all your cruise details! It must feel great to have it all paid off!

It's fun looking at restaurants in new places, but it can be so difficult to decide. I'm sure Joshua will make a great pick!

 

[Pinkocto]

Let's totally book Palo. I'm thinking brunch on the sea day after Cozumel? What do you think? Or maybe the first day because if Joshua is good and you don't think I'm nuts, maybe we could try to squeeze in a dinner. Is it worth doing twice? Once for dinner and once for brunch?​

Exactly what Jill said, both are fabulous and totally different. You know I am totally flexible, any preference on days?

 

[Pinkocto]

I really like it too. It was $20 and then like $3.99 for shipping. There is just no way I could make one.​

That's a great price. I couldn't make one either.

Totally! There's a chance we may see our friends but I needed to book and stop looking. It'll be Spring Break and our friends travel a lot so if they're home, we'll stay with them, if not then well stay at the Hilton. Either way I'm covered. They also plan very last minute so they'll know if theyll be home about the time I need to cancel which is 48*.​

That's last minute traveling! Great to have the option of the friends. Even if it's not for a long visit I'm sure it would be nice to see them

I'm leaning towards Kelly's or Bravo. Do they serve much italian food on the ship?​

Not much that I remember. Maybe all the Italian options had meat so I didn't try them. The buffet has tons of options so I might have missed seeing something, and the menu changes daily. Palo has some tasty options if I'm remembering correctly.

Plus we get two free bags each! And I agree about not being stressed.​

Love those free bags!

I'm glad. I was a little worried about the water at CC in January. April should be wonderful.​

Yep, we didn't get in the water last January, but in March it was lovely.

Oh that's good to know. So will we meet on the SAS bus? That'll be fun! And then we don't have to be anywhere until the mister drill right? What do you usually do when you board while waiting for your room?​

I'm hoping we'll get the same bus, that would be great! I have no idea how many buses they have going at the same time though.

Right, you don't 'have' to be anywhere until the 4:00 muster drill. Usually I go right to lunch, then the rooms will be ready between 1:00-1:30, quickly drop off any bags I have. (They'll take your big bags before boarding the ship, if you want, and deliver them to your room later) I would suggest the tour of the ship that they do, but if that doesn't work into your plans they have maps. You'll also want to check out the club with Joshua that first day so he can find out the starting activities. He'll definitely want to go that first day to meet people. Then there's usually a DVC meeting at 2 or 3, I like to go to those, potential to win prizes. Or there's a spa open house too, I'll want to sign up for a discounted massage that first afternoon. So much to do! Oh I'm getting so excited thinking about it!!!!!

This cruise is finally starting to feel real. ​

It's going to be amazing!​

 

[rentayenta]

I love the FE! And you came up with a great way to reuse it, you don't have to get another one for family events and it's perfect for you and Josh!

You inspired me to come up with a way to not have to get 2 FEs. ​

I'm not sure, but it sounds like your hotel is right near the ESA I booked. I was looking at Kelly's landing as a place for lunch. They have a number of locations so we could be looking at different places, but we have a publix near us. If you see and ESA, I'll want a report on all the shopping!

I will for sure and report back what I find. Do they have a shuttle from the airport to the hotel? The Hilton does not. A cab is $13 before tip. $13 isn't a lot but it sure adds up quickly. ​

I can see if you folks are night on the town and all about the ship people. This goes back to the way we do DVC vacations. Fran and I spend a lot of time in the room, she needs naps and I don't feel right skipping out on her all the time. Occasionally I will go hit the pool while she's napping or go to the spa, but a lot of the time while she is impromptu napping I just sit and hang out. Maybe take a shower, watch a movie or write up the TR. I also need to hang out when she takes a shower and gets ready and sometimes that takes a while. For me, I find that it's nice to have some wine for the evening time when I'm waiting around. Your mileage, I'm sure varies.

If Michael was with me, I'd for sure bring more on board. I suspect all Joshua and I will need we can get from room service; hot wings and Mickey ice cream bars. We'll stop at the Comercial Mexicano when we land in Mexico in 30 days!!!

I totally understand enjoying the room. If this was a girls cruise, hint hint, I'd be stocking up.​

You've made great progress with all your cruise details! It must feel great to have it all paid off!

It's fun looking at restaurants in new places, but it can be so difficult to decide. I'm sure Joshua will make a great pick!

Thanks! Its so fun looking at all of our choices. My only request is that we don't eat any place we've got here. If he suggests Applebee's, I'll come unglued. ​

Exactly what Jill said, both are fabulous and totally different. You know I am totally flexible, any preference on days?

I have no idea. ​

That's a great price. I couldn't make one either.

I thought so too especially because we can use it for any future cruises and FEs. ​

That's last minute traveling! Great to have the option of the friends. Even if it's not for a long visit I'm sure it would be nice to see them

They'd never think of planning anything like we all do. It is a good option though. Either way, my hotel choice is made.​

Not much that I remember. Maybe all the Italian options had meat so I didn't try them. The buffet has tons of options so I might have missed seeing something, and the menu changes daily. Palo has some tasty options if I'm remembering correctly.

Palo! I cannot wait.​

Love those free bags!

me too. It keeps them a major player in the airline wars.​

Yep, we didn't get in the water last January, but in March it was lovely.

That's what I have read. I love the water and am so glad it's be a more agreeable temp. Do they rent boogie boards on CC. Did you make a final decision on our Cozumel day?​

I'm hoping we'll get the same bus, that would be great! I have no idea how many buses they have going at the same time though.

D'uh, of course they have more than one bus. Hahaha!​

Right, you don't 'have' to be anywhere until the 4:00 muster drill. Usually I go right to lunch, then the rooms will be ready between 1:00-1:30, quickly drop off any bags I have. (They'll take your big bags before boarding the ship, if you want, and deliver them to your room later) I would suggest the tour of the ship that they do, but if that doesn't work into your plans they have maps. You'll also want to check out the club with Joshua that first day so he can find out the starting activities. He'll definitely want to go that first day to meet people. Then there's usually a DVC meeting at 2 or 3, I like to go to those, potential to win prizes. Or there's a spa open house too, I'll want to sign up for a discounted massage that first afternoon. So much to do! Oh I'm getting so excited thinking about it!!!!!

My main goal is to have Joshua meet the club CMs and the other kids. I'd love to do the DVC meeting too and the spa one too and maybe win something. They give discounts for services booked that first afternoon?

There is SO much to do! ​

It's going to be amazing!

Agreed and we've only got:


85 days!!! ​

 

[pooh'smate]

I am here. Slowy catching up. I have only read the past couple of pages, but congrats on paying the cruise off. I like your FE.

 

[rentayenta]

I am here. Slowy catching up. I have only read the past couple of pages, but congrats on paying the cruise off. I like your FE.

It's lot of fun chatter aside from our cruise getting canceled and us rebooking.

I really like the FE too. I couldn't pay the $50 so I thought 2 pockets labeled parents and kids would work for us on this cruise and any after.

I'm really thinking I could get Michael on a cruise to Alaska.​

 

[pooh'smate]

It's lot of fun chatter aside from our cruise getting canceled and us rebooking.

I really like the FE too. I couldn't pay the $50 so I thought 2 pockets labeled parents and kids would work for us on this cruise and any after.

I'm really thinking I could get Michael on a cruise to Alaska.​

Jon swears he will not go on a cruise but I do think I could get him on one to Alaska. I would love to go on a cruise.