>> April 1, 2012 - Disney Dream Spring Break Frenzy! <<

[WDWExpress]

We didn't get anything in the mail today... should I worry so so sad, I was reading this at lunch and was bummed when there was nothing waiting for me..

 

[WDWExpress]

ddeal... we are doing the Sea Lion swim on Blue Lagoon island in the afternoon.. We loved that they had two options, so we can get up, have a nice breakfast, maybe even let the kids swim... then stroll to the catamaran at 12:30 and head to the sea lions... fun fun..

 

[RemoCat]

We didn't get anything in the mail today... should I worry so so sad, I was reading this at lunch and was bummed when there was nothing waiting for me..

We didn't our stuff either. It's coming, I'm sure!! I'm wondering if they mail international first...?

 

[ddeal1957]

WDWexpress...... I debated between the Blue Lagoon Sea Lion excursion and the Atlantis and finally decided on Atlantis. DH wanted to visit the casino so that was the deciding factor. Can't wait to compare notes afterwards!

Still waiting for our documents too!

 

[Deb T.]

We didn't get anything in the mail today... should I worry so so sad, I was reading this at lunch and was bummed when there was nothing waiting for me..

We didn't our stuff either. It's coming, I'm sure!! I'm wondering if they mail international first...?

Still waiting for our documents too!

Last year, we received our cruise documents exactly 31 days prior to our cruise date.... so maybe they will start arriving to US addresses next Thursday????? Oh I hope, I hope, I hope!

 

[SSinWYO]

So excited! In 5 weeks my daughter and I will be on a plane headed to Florida!

Sounds like I need to go to the Post Office and check for my package... Wasn't expecting it to be this early, but doesn't hurt to go a couple times a week just in case!

I have also decided that we're going to "wing it" when it comes to Nassau and our plans. We might feel like staying on board or might feel like shopping all day. We were thinking of the Atlantis water park but it's a bit pricey. We're going to do Wet N Wild instead!

5 weeks + 2 days and we'll all be Dreaming!

 

[Deb T.]

Some more helpful hints from your good cruise friend, Deb T......

Believe it or not, the next five weeks will go by very quickly. Our cruise has seemed way far off for such a long time, but it's now time to switch gears! It's really smart of those of you who are already packing. Here's a list of other things you may want to check off your "To Do" list in the next week:

Make your door magnets
Complete, print, and sign your online cruise documents
Purchase your incidentals (sunscreen, etc.)
Make hair and nail appointments, if desired
Make pet boarding reservations/arrangements
Make your FE if participating in the exchange
Print directions (to/from the port, hotels, etc.)
.........Port Address: 9155 Charles M. Rowland Dr., Port Canaveral, FL 32920
Make priority dining reservations at WDW, if needed
Set aside dollar bills for room service tips
Set aside dollar bills and quarters for tolls (if driving)


The following tasks should already be completed:
Hotel reservations before/after the cruise, as needed
Flights, if flying
Transportation to/from the port, if needed
Excursions
Double check passport expiration dates
If using birth certificates, ensure they meet the guidelines (must be an original or certified copy)

 

[Brookie1972]

We are counting the days until we leave for our Dream cruise! My kids are excited. We're supposed to get snow here in Michigan tonight which makes me dream of our cruise even more.

My 9 yr old daughter (who is going on 16) thinks she's too old for the Oceaneer club and wants to go to the tween club. She doesn't think there are going to be any other 9ish year old girls on the cruise and she's going to be stuck playing with her 7 year old brother.

We are on main dining and staying on deck 2.

Haven't started to pack yet - but I'm getting things ordered (bathing suit coverups and such). My kids and DH are hoping for a snow day tomorrow (my husband is a teacher). I just spent a big chunk of today catching up here as I was home with my DD who has a stomach bug.

It won't be long now!

My 9 yr old son will be in the Oceaneer along with his 5 yr old brother and sister and he is thinking the same thing....not so much as going to the tween club (he doesn't know about that) BUT being stuck with his little siblings. Sounds like there will be quite a few girls his age, but not too many 9 year old boys. He is pretty outgoing and hangs out with friends who are boys and girls....although a big group of girls might make him head the other direction, lol! If she doesn't mind a UM fan who is a boy, he is stuck there too.

We DID get a snow day today, hope you got one too!

 

[Brookie1972]

Good idea (Wet and Wild)....we were thinking about doing Atlantis on our own, for the 5 of us it was getting quite pricy, we were going to play it by ear and the weather. I would hate to be stuck there if the weather was poor.

We fly back the same night of the cruise but don't have to be at the airport until 7pm. We can always hit up Wet and Wild or Typhoon Lagoon/Blizzard Beach for part of the day at a fraction of the cost and enjoy the ship while we are in Nassau.

No tickets for us today either!

So excited! In 5 weeks my daughter and I will be on a plane headed to Florida!

Sounds like I need to go to the Post Office and check for my package... Wasn't expecting it to be this early, but doesn't hurt to go a couple times a week just in case!

I have also decided that we're going to "wing it" when it comes to Nassau and our plans. We might feel like staying on board or might feel like shopping all day. We were thinking of the Atlantis water park but it's a bit pricey. We're going to do Wet N Wild instead!

5 weeks + 2 days and we'll all be Dreaming!

 

[virginiafam]

Hey Christopher - add me to the Drinking Buddies list... Hoping to make it this year since I will have DH with me! Can leave Connor in the adjoining room to my parents - where my Dad should be snoring away by 10pm!!
Debbie

Christopher--could you please add virginiafam to the Drinking Buddies list? We have late seating. Thanks.

 

[WDWExpress]

Brookie-
we have been to both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach..both are great but we prefer Blizzard Beach, amazing concept, wonderful slides and great kids area.

 

[D73]

District Drinking Buddies
D73
ddeal1957
WDWExpress
ccbride412 (especially bachelorette night)
SSinWYO
guarn3md
peytoncolts
virginiafam



I moved this list since it was buried about 10 pages back now and will try to move it up once a week so it is easier to find. Anyone else?

Christopher

 

[Brookie1972]

Brookie-
we have been to both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach..both are great but we prefer Blizzard Beach, amazing concept, wonderful slides and great kids area.

We have been to both (without kids) and there are certain things I like better about Blizzard, I like the lazy river at Typhoon Lagoon better. Everytime we go to Great Wolf Lodge like places we joke that it is so crazy with the 3 kids all wanting to do different things, worrying we are going to lose one of the little ones......can get quite stressful.

We were thinking about maybe this isn't the best last day plan, I guess it depends on the mood, etc. Dh mentioned maybe we just want to go back to our pre cruise hotel (Port Orleans) and spend the day at the pool, less busy and crazy!

I am such a planner too, if feels weird to say we are going to wing things like the day in Nassau and day after the cruise.....add me to the OCD list!

 

[WDWExpress]

Well I started one of my favorite parts of our vacation preparation... the creation of our personal itinerary...

I create a daily break down of where we will be and what we will be doing (the OCD has kicked in).. I put down hotel reservation #'s, arrival times, everything I think that I need at my fingertips, even though I have memorized most of it.

Once we get on the cruise, the planning is at a minimum as we want to experience as much as we can and since we haven't done this before it's all new.

When the cruise is over we head to Animal Kindom Lodge for a couple of days at the parks... and one day to see the Flower and Garden show.

Then sadly home... but I will have it all planned out and be able to look at it over and over as get ourselves together for the best vacation every.

 

[Deb T.]

Well I started one of my favorite parts of our vacation preparation... the creation of our personal itinerary...

I create a daily break down of where we will be and what we will be doing (the OCD has kicked in).. I put down hotel reservation #'s, arrival times, everything I think that I need at my fingertips, even though I have memorized most of it.

Once we get on the cruise, the planning is at a minimum as we want to experience as much as we can and since we haven't done this before it's all new.

When the cruise is over we head to Animal Kindom Lodge for a couple of days at the parks... and one day to see the Flower and Garden show.

Then sadly home... but I will have it all planned out and be able to look at it over and over as get ourselves together for the best vacation every.

I love doing this, too! in fact, I'm so OCD that I start our "information sheet" the day I make the first reservation and then constantly add to it. I find that it keeps me organized. And, it's so nice to be able to pull up our details in a moment's notice. I keep it all in a Word document and add charts as needed for things like theme park hours and clothing charts.

 

[RemoCat]

I love doing this, too! in fact, I'm so OCD that I start our "information sheet" the day I make the first reservation and then constantly add to it. I find that it keeps me organized. And, it's so nice to be able to pull up our details in a moment's notice. I keep it all in a Word document and add charts as needed for things like theme park hours and clothing charts.

You all know I'm OCD right with you, so I've got similar stuff going!

Different topic: any Kingdom Keepers readers out there??? I've read all 4 books, and we are reading them aloud to our kids as a family activity (as quickly as we can...on book 2 and want to get through 4 in the next 5 weeks - whew!). Guess I know what our reading time in school will be spent doing! Anyway, I just read today that the official release date is Apr. 3 - while we're on the ship - and it's confirmed that this book takes place on none other than...The Disney Dream!!! Unfortunately, we'll miss the book signing by a day. Ridley Pearson will be in town on March 29, 30, and we arrive on the 31st. Oh well...but still, that will be a sweet souvenir to bring home, so long as Disney has enough in stock down there that week. So excited for this one!!

 

[D73]

Well I started one of my favorite parts of our vacation preparation... the creation of our personal itinerary...

I create a daily break down of where we will be and what we will be doing (the OCD has kicked in).. I put down hotel reservation #'s, arrival times, everything I think that I need at my fingertips, even though I have memorized most of it.

Once we get on the cruise, the planning is at a minimum as we want to experience as much as we can and since we haven't done this before it's all new.

When the cruise is over we head to Animal Kindom Lodge for a couple of days at the parks... and one day to see the Flower and Garden show.

Then sadly home... but I will have it all planned out and be able to look at it over and over as get ourselves together for the best vacation every.

Oh boy, I guess I should be added to the OCD list too then because my daily itinerary has been in the works for over 2 months and is constantly updated as I need or airlines change schedules etc.

I am at Kidani Village in between cruises as well so may see you as I have to get the DCL buses to and from Jambo House.

You all know I'm OCD right with you, so I've got similar stuff going!

Different topic: any Kingdom Keepers readers out there??? I've read all 4 books, and we are reading them aloud to our kids as a family activity (as quickly as we can...on book 2 and want to get through 4 in the next 5 weeks - whew!). Guess I know what our reading time in school will be spent doing! Anyway, I just read today that the official release date is Apr. 3 - while we're on the ship - and it's confirmed that this book takes place on none other than...The Disney Dream!!! Unfortunately, we'll miss the book signing by a day. Ridley Pearson will be in town on March 29, 30, and we arrive on the 31st. Oh well...but still, that will be a sweet souvenir to bring home, so long as Disney has enough in stock down there that week. So excited for this one!!

Kingdom Keepers fan here!! And yes I saw that it is being released during our trip. I plan to purchase it on my iPad in between my Dream cruise and leaving on the Fantasy on the 7th.

 

[guarn3md]

I am popping on here for a quick second to say "YIKES!" this thread has grown a lot in the last day. I have a lot to answer to but got to leave you hanging...
Have to run and get Connor from Tae Kwon Do - he's been there since 9am! I will be back later to answer the FE questions and other stuff....
Debbie

 

[guarn3md]

OK... I am home, for now... Here we go...

I sure am. I decided to hold on to this one for sure. That's all I signed up for in Nassau. That gives me a new experience and then I have some time to do some shopping in town (max an hour) but then back to the ship for the rest of the afternoon.

I did sign up for parasailing on Castaway Cay as well. I have never done that so I am nervous and excited.

I did manage to get a Palo Brunch on the Sea Day. Recently added early Palo dinner on first night. Not sure if I will go or not since I would be all alone but went ahead and got the reservation for now.

What about you??? Anyone else?

Christopher

We have no excursions planned for Nassua, did the Dolphin Encounter last year at Blue Lagoon so if anyone has any questions let me know. DH wanted to do the Atlantis but after doing the math for three adults (Connor is a Disney Adult) he decided not worth it, especially with spring break crowds. Could be a mistake!

We signed up for the Sea Lion excursion and then plan on visiting the casino for a few minutes.

And we also have dinner @ Palo on the last night. Other than that - we plan on just "going with the flow" and see where that takes us. I would like to check out either the champaign tasting class or the mixology class. For these classes it sounds like I will need to visit GC quickly once on board to check availability.

Anyone else planning on doing any excursions?

We also have Palo brunch for the sea day - but just my Mom and Me. I have a couples massage on the beach reserved for my Mom and me, she giggles every time I tell her it's a couples massage. John and Connor are doing the parasailing with my Dad and Asia. That is all we have reserved right now. Oh I have a tea reserved too, but need to cancel it...too much going on!

Just checking in to say hello!

Anyone know how the FE group is progressing? We have two rooms involved and asked to be in separate groups, but I am wondering if there is enough rooms yet for two separate groups.

I really need to get going on the FE gifts....and make an FE!

Also need to figure out how I am going to pack in two bags without exceeding Spirit's ridiculous 40 lb weight limit....

I think we are at 28 participating staterooms. I was still planning to separate into 2 groups and also separate families traveling together. So many people were interested in smaller groups and so am I, since I am flying. I know I am going to regret writing this but... if anyone is intersted in being in a large group - meaning doing the FE with all signed up staterooms, let me know and I will make three groups. I did hear from one room that they are interested in this option. Deb T. you may have to help me out with this since you are the expert, having done it last year.

I love doing this, too! in fact, I'm so OCD that I start our "information sheet" the day I make the first reservation and then constantly add to it. I find that it keeps me organized. And, it's so nice to be able to pull up our details in a moment's notice. I keep it all in a Word document and add charts as needed for things like theme park hours and clothing charts.

I start a planning spreadsheet too as soon as the trip is booked. I have mine in a workbook in Excel. I track all my planning websites and crowd predictions and update as predictions change. I also track my dining reservations, I mentioned before that online reservations is not a good thing for me. I will not admit here, publicly, what I do with dining reservations. Too ashamed plus I might get flamed!

You all know I'm OCD right with you, so I've got similar stuff going!

Different topic: any Kingdom Keepers readers out there??? I've read all 4 books, and we are reading them aloud to our kids as a family activity (as quickly as we can...on book 2 and want to get through 4 in the next 5 weeks - whew!). Guess I know what our reading time in school will be spent doing! Anyway, I just read today that the official release date is Apr. 3 - while we're on the ship - and it's confirmed that this book takes place on none other than...The Disney Dream!!! Unfortunately, we'll miss the book signing by a day. Ridley Pearson will be in town on March 29, 30, and we arrive on the 31st. Oh well...but still, that will be a sweet souvenir to bring home, so long as Disney has enough in stock down there that week. So excited for this one!!

I love this series. I have an original Kindle - wonder if I preorder if it will download while we are at sea. I have been able to download books without a charge in Canada. Hmmm, might have to look into that!

OK - got to run! DH is waiting impatiently for me to come so we can go out dinner... Out again I go!!
Debbie

 

[VA_mouseman]

any Kingdom Keepers readers out there??? I've read all 4 books, and we are reading them aloud to our kids as a family activity (as quickly as we can...on book 2 and want to get through 4 in the next 5 weeks - whew!). Guess I know what our reading time in school will be spent doing! Anyway, I just read today that the official release date is Apr. 3 - while we're on the ship - and it's confirmed that this book takes place on none other than...The Disney Dream!!! Unfortunately, we'll miss the book signing by a day. Ridley Pearson will be in town on March 29, 30, and we arrive on the 31st. Oh well...but still, that will be a sweet souvenir to bring home, so long as Disney has enough in stock down there that week. So excited for this one!!

We're all bigtime KK fans here! I've read them all at least once, and my younger son loves them too. He's so into it that he's even made it his recent blog article for a fellow Disney fan site.

In March, he'll be recapping KK books 3 and 4, so stay tuned! No guarantees, but he forwarded some questions to Ridley Pearson that may be published in April (while we're on the Dream, no less). I totally hope that KK5 will be available on board the Dream.

(FYI, here's his first blog article).