April 1 2010 cruise meet

[mmmears]

Only 9 more weeks to go, people!


Anyone going to Disney World before the cruise? We're flying down early the morning before. Right now, we have a reservation at BWV, but we're on a waitlist for BCV.

Yes, we'll be at WDW a few days before and after the cruise.

 

[Deb T.]

We will be at WDW staying at the AKL March 26 for 3 nites then over to Vero Beach until cruise day! Can you guess we are DVC owners??? Duh!

Us, too! DVC Members since 1995!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ppiew]

Us, too! DVC Members since 1995!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

humm We have been members since 1995 or 1996 (i think 96) Best investment ever!!!

 

[CarolinaBlue]

Yes... it was an unfortunate game. We tend to forget those very quickly.

Are you all ready for some snow and ice? It sounds like we're in for quite a bit of winter weather!

Unfortunate for State fans, maybe.


It's snowing here in my area now. I really hate winter! I'd like to be crusing right now! I just hope we don't lose power.....I will not be a happy camper!

 

[Deb T.]

It's snowing here in my area now. I really hate winter! I'd like to be crusing right now! I just hope we don't lose power.....I will not be a happy camper!

We're expecting 6-10 inches of ice and snow, and it's already started here, too. I agree with you, I'd rather be cruising now - or at WDW - or anywhere warmer!

 

[Mozart]

Rivalry is good. My whole family bleeds Carolina Blue. My oldest dd graduated from there last May and was on Franklin Street when they won the NCAA championship in April.

The last thing I need is to have to deal with a bunch of UNC fans. My wife is an alum from there and I went to Clemson.

Oh wait...we beat ya'll this year. Bring it on...

 

[Deb T.]

The last thing I need is to have to deal with a bunch of UNC fans. My wife is an alum from there and I went to Clemson.

Oh wait...we beat ya'll this year. Bring it on...

 

[Deb T.]

Prior to Cruise:
*Make two copies of passports, driver's licenses, and credit cards before leaving home. Put one set in your safe on the ship. Leave a 2nd set with a relative/friend at home.
*Tag everything (ie.disposable cameras, beach bags, etc.
*Take photos of luggage and contents prior to flights or cruise in case any are lost
*Mark outside of luggage for quick identification (ie. brightly colored ribbon on handles, unique luggage tags, etc.)

Embarkation:
*Parrot Cay and Beach Blanket Buffet both have the same buffet foods. Only differences are that Parrot Cay only has inside seating and wait staff bring your drinks, while BBB has inside and outside seating and you get your own drinks
*Drop off items for character autographs (ie. photo frame mats, pillowcases, t-shirts) at Guest Services as soon as possible on the first day so they'll have enough time to get them done.
*If you are a DVC member, be sure to stop by the DVC Desk (on Deck 4) to confirm they have your stateroom number for the DVC Meet invitation.

Cabin:
*Store life vests and suitcases under beds for more shelf space (you might need to lift the bed to get them underneath).
*Coffee table can be adjusted higher.
*You can request that the hassock and/or table be removed during your cruise if more cabin space is needed.

During Cruise:
*Frequent hand washing is the best defense against getting sick on a cruise.
*Find the secret deck 7 verandah - go all the way aft then through door, 7am-11pm.
*Find the Deck 4 window were you can see into the AP galley
*Deck 4 at night is dimly lit with a clear view of the sky while listening to the ship cut through the water.
*Deck 4 chairs are comfortable and area is generally quiet.
*Make sure you walk completely around Deck 4 outside to see the area with anchors, huge ropes, speed boats, etc.!
*Drink Station on Deck 9 has free milk, tea, coffee, water, juice, lemonade, and soda.
*Fruit and cookies are available at Scoops throughout the day
*Mickey Ice Cream bars are available from room service (but not on the menu).
*Don't worry about going to the disembarkation talk - it will be repeated all evening on the stateroom TV.

 

[CarolinaBlue]

The last thing I need is to have to deal with a bunch of UNC fans. My wife is an alum from there and I went to Clemson.

Oh wait...we beat ya'll this year. Bring it on...

Enjoy it 'cause it doesn't happen THAT often!

 

[Deb T.]

It is Wednesday, and 8 weeks from now some of us will be finishing last minute tasks before traveling Thursday morning, some of us will already be in transit, some of us will be at WDW, and some of us will be checking into a hotel near the port. One thing's for sure... ALL of us will be eagerly anticipating our WONDERful cruise!! It will have seemed like forever since we booked our trips and we will hardly be able to believe the day is almost here!

All of our clothing, swimsuits, and accessories have been carefully packed in suitcases and carry-ons. Digital and video cameras have been charged and ready to capture every magical moment. Embarkation outfits are laid out and ready to be put on first thing in the morning. Door decorations have been created. FE extenders are ready to be hung and FE gifts are ready to be distributed. Final cruise documents have been filled out online, printed, and safely stowed along with passports in our carry-ons. Mail and newspaper deliveries have been stopped. We hope to be able to sleep tonight! There are butterflies in our stomachs and smiles on our faces!

For those of us who've cruised Disney out of Port Canaveral before, we know exactly what to expect and have been visualizing the entire process in our dreams for months! For those of you who will embark on your very first Disney cruise, you are a bit anxious - hoping that all of your planning and research has paid off and that everything will go smoothly. Don't worry - it will!!!

Only 8 more weeks to go...............

 

[Mozart]

So, where will you be exactly 2 months from when you read this? We'll be at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Downtown Disney watching our 5 year old niece being made into a princess.

 

[Mozart]

Woops. Read that wrong. I meant that we'll be back on the ship after a day at Castaway Cay getting ready for Friendship Rocks if it doesn't change times.

Looked at the wrong date the first time.

 

[Deb T.]

So, where will you be exactly 2 months from when you read this? We'll be at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Downtown Disney watching our 5 year old niece being made into a princess.

We'll either be battling it out for highest score at Toy Story Mania or strolling around EPCOT checking out all of the Flower & Garden Show exhibits.

 

[Deb T.]

Woops. Read that wrong. I meant that we'll be back on the ship after a day at Castaway Cay getting ready for Friendship Rocks if it doesn't change times.

Looked at the wrong date the first time.

Actually, our Castaway Cay stop is on a Saturday, which would be 2 months to the date. However, if you stick with the "9 weeks from today" theme, it'll be a Wednesday.

 

[Deb T.]

It is Thursday, and in the morning just 8 weeks from now we ready to board The Disney Wonder!

We will wake up early, hardly believing that the day is finally here! A few final morning preparations, and then we all will make our way to the port. Some will arrive by personal car, some by rental car, some by hired car, and some on Disney buses. At some point, while crossing over the peak of a bridge, someone will look to the left and gasp, "There it is! There's the ship! Do you see it?" And now we're REALLY excited! We'll wind around this way and that, and then approach the ship from the back, hardly breathing at the wonderous sight of her! We'll drive through a security check to verify we're cruising that day, then hand our luggage over to the porters, tip them, and then walk inside the glass doors. A quick security screening scan of person and carry-ons, and then up the escalator to the smiling cast member who will guide us to the correct check-in line. What boarding number did you get?

Soon, we'll be exploring the port building, noticing all the little Disney details, such as how the ceiling is designed to look like waves. We'll marvel at the large Disney ship scaled model that is cut in half on the back side, and then peer inside the model to see if we can figure out which cabin will be our home-away-from-home for the next three nights. Those with children will meet Kid's Club counselors and hear about some of the planned activities. White wristbands will be attached to kids' wrists and parents will receive their pagers. Soon, characters will start appearing in front of the ship model for photos! Look, there's Captain Mickey!!! Some of us will step out on the balcony and stare in awe of what looks like a tall building moored a few feet away! Looking down, we can watch some of the preparations underway for our arrival, like all the luggage piled high inside huge rolling metal cage-like bins that are being eased up gangway planks, disappearing into the hull of the ship, that will magically appear outside our cabin doors around 3pm.

Believe it or not, even if you were the first to arrive at 10am, time will pass quickly. There is so much to observe (people-watching is very fascinating here!)! Before we know it, the first boarding announcement is made, and the concierge guests will start walking toward the big yellow ears! That's our cue! Boarding Number 2's will start surging toward the queue for their turn. Another announcement, and off they go! Through the ears, the first swipe of each Key to the World card, a quick embarkation family photo, a request for our name, across the gangway ramp, the sight of twenty or so impressive white uniformed smiling officers, "The Disney Wonder welcomes the ____ Family!", clapping, more smiling, are we really onboard?!?!, and then we are ushered to an amazing luncheon buffet! Which way would you like to go - Parrot Cay or Beach Blanket Buffet?

More of Thursday to follow at the 7-week mark.....

 

[Deb T.]

It is Friday morning and Nassau day! Some of us woke up really early and watched a beautiful sunrise as the captain eased our huge ship into the Nassau harbor and gently nestled us up against the dock. Amazing! Some of us slept in and didn’t even realize the ship had stopped moving!

Breakfast options and times are listed in the Navigator that we received the night before, right next to a towel animal and chocolates, as part of our turn-down service. When and where you eat breakfast is totally up to you. Buffets are usually available at Beach Blanket Buffet and Parrot Cay, complete with a cook-to-order omelette station! Goofy’s Galley usually offers a variety of pastries. And sometimes, a sit-down breakfast is available at Triton’s. Espresso lovers headed straight to the adults-only Cove Cafe for made-to-order coffee (for an additional cost).

A few families with early rising children are enjoying the Mickey pool all to themselves! Those who like to workout have already hit the gym or are walking completely around the Deck 4 promenade where every three laps equals one mile.

Many of us will have excursions to prepare for. Sunscreen, check. Hat, check. Sunglasses, check. Souvenir money, check. Key to the World Card, check. ID, check. Camera, check. Ready to go! The rest of us will stay onboard and enjoy activities on a nearly empty ship. We all revel in the fact that we are on vacation on the most beautiful ship in the world! Ahhhhhhhh.

More of Friday to follow at the 7-week mark….

 

[Deb T.]

I can't fix the header. We are actually:
8 Weeks from today...

It's Saturday morning, and 8 weeks from today we'll be looking forward to enjoying a full day on a little piece of heaven on earth that we call Castaway Cay! As the captain docks the ship, we notice a pristine beach, dotted with colorful umbrellas and lounge chairs, beckoning us ashore. In the center of the lagoon, The Flying Dutchman is moored. We can immediately see that it is an actual movie prop, since the backside of it is welded steel. Later, we will stand on the beach, arm-in-arm with Captain Jack Sparrow with his ship in the background for a spectacular photo op! But first, we’ll indulge in another wonderful breakfast onboard. It is so nice not to have to cook!  Beginning around 8:30am, we’ll make our way down to Deck 1 to disembark.

As we pass by the tiny little post office on the right, some of us will stop in to purchase Bahamian stamps to adhere to postcards destined for the family and friends who aren’t enjoying pure paradise with us today. “Wish you were here!” Sometimes, Donald Duck is standing outside for photos! Oh, and if you picked up a Castaway Cay Treasure Hunt packet, look around closely because one of your first clues is here!

We’ll make our way to one of several beaches. Families will settle on the first beach on the left, arriving by tram or by walking. (Seasoned castaways who prefer fewer crowds will continue down to the far end of the family beach.) Teens will head to their own private beach. And adults sans children will continue on to Serenity Bay. Everyone will marvel at the crystal clear light blue ocean water! Wow!

More of Saturday to follow at the 7-week mark….

 

[Mozart]

Deb:

Can you post an update on the fish extender exchange? Add Mozart and wife with boy (6) and girl (5). Room 2104.

 

[Deb T.]

Deb:

Can you post an update on the fish extender exchange? Add Mozart and wife with boy (6) and girl (5). Room 2104.

Sure! I'm thrilled to add your family to our list!

FISH EXTENDER GIFT EXCHANGE PARTICIPANTS (so far):
ppiew - Gert & Jack, Lori & Rob, Sophia (13), Olivia (8), Cabin # 2 BR GTY
Bobo_UK –Deano & Katie, Jessica (5), Cabin 7127
Deb T. – Deb & Jeff, Cabin 6566
CarolinaBlue – Karen & Steve, Kelley (19), Caroline (almost 16), Cabin 2592
Isi – Isabel, Jose, Bryan (8), Brianna (8), Cabin 6051
Mouseskis – Kristi & Brian, Matthew (7), Andrew (4), Cabin 2105
Kdlong – Kari & Russell, Bryson (7), Austin (5), Cabin 5024
Aye-Landers - Ron & Beth, Emily (13) Cabin - GTY
TDWZ - Trisha & Kurt, Adam (11), Hailey (9), Cabin 2512
eastonsmom – Melissa and Easton (6), Cabin 7123
Mozart - DH & DW, DS (6), DD (5), Cabin 2104

For anyone else considering joining, the FE exchange is very easy and a LOT of fun! Here's what it involves:
Before you leave for the cruise:
*Buy or make little gifts for each cabin (some people give a gift for each person in the cabin, some people do one gift per cabin - it's totally up to you!)
*Make or buy your Fish Extender. Your FE can be anything, just as long as it can hold a few treats! I use a small canvas bag, but many people have gorgeous personalized hanging pockets (very similar to hanging letter holders).
*Print a copy of participants so you'll know which cabins to deliver your gifts to.
Once you're onboard the ship:
*Hang your FE from the silver fish clip outside your cabin door. (It is recommended that you secure it to the clip with a zip tie to keep it from wandering.)
*Whenever it's convenient to you, deliver your FE gifts to the other participants.
*ENJOY peeking inside your FE to see what surprises have been delivered to your FE!

 

[Deb T.]

I can't fix the header. We are actually:
8 Weeks from today...

It's 8 weeks from now... Happy Easter! The wake-up call comes early today. There’ll be no sleeping in this morning because of all the hustle and bustle of cabin stewards in the hallways who are frenetically turning the ship over for the next batch of up to 3,200 new cruise guests! Do we really have to vacate our comfortable cabin? Please say it isn’t so! But, alas, it is, and so we rise and begin preparations for the next leg of our trip, whether it’s a stopover at WDW or a flight/drive back home.

Last night, we had to put all of our luggage out in the hallway by 11pm, so hopefully we’ve all remembered to keep a full change of clothes out for today, including shoes! The ship’s crew has many stories about guests who have had to wear, um, “creative” outfits as they disembarked - until they could be reunited with their luggage in the Customs area!

We’ll probably be eating our first sit-down breakfast of the cruise - in the exact same spot we ate dinner the night before, with the same attentive server and assistant server who we’ve grown to love and will miss. Final goodbyes to tablemates, and then we’ll slowly and reluctantly make our way toward the exit in the atrium. This large opening in the wall on Deck 3 has been concealed and gone largely unnoticed during the duration of the cruise, and you take a moment to marvel at how clever Disney engineering is! After all, it's the same opening that we entered through with great anticipation just 3 days prior! We’ll linger... stall, actually... as we mentally weigh the consequences of becoming a stow-away onboard just so we can extend our wonderful vacation a little longer. Some of us will be comforted by the fact that we rebooked our next Disney cruise onboard a day or two ago, and will already be counting down the days until that next adventure.

More to follow at the 7-week mark...