April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[WPoohgirl]

Good Day Everyone,

Just caught up with this thread, been in Maine for two weeks, I am originally from there. The school where we visited was soooo good and my kids so happy to visit their cousins that we are actually considering a move there. I totally don't know what will happen but we are going to give it a try I think. HUGE DECISION. Anyway I think they actually have the same vacation date so I wouldn't have to change my cruise date. My husband has to apply for a job there and may lose his 4 wks he has now...

I have to share with you all, I am concerned what it is going to be like on a sold out cruise. Will it feel crowded do you think? Or merely more festive? I was really putting some thought into waiting until June when the kids get out of school. I expect that no matter when we go that first year for the Dream it will be busy. We so enjoy when everyone gets off in the Bahamas and we have the ship to ourselves (errr sort of) I am really thrown off by this move thing I guess. Have any of you all been on a sold out cruise? I am so confused.

Really all I want to do is step on that ship!!!!!!!

 

[scootch]

Have any of you all been on a sold out cruise? I am so confused.

Really all I want to do is step on that ship!!!!!!!

We watched a show on the travel channel which said almost all cruise ships run at least 95% capacity. For our November cruise, they gave a ton of people $99 bounce back offers to fill the ship up. I think what I may see different on this ship than my mid november ship is just more kids to adults since the kid clubs are filled up. So I am not really worried about the cruise crowd over any other date I might have chosen to cruise.

Good luck on your decision. I am really wanting to move south, the winters have taken their toll on me in recent years. It is really a hard to decision. I hope it works out for you. Being with family is a bonus in life I believe.

 

[svcutler]

Thanks Alenushka, and to everyone for your advice. Counting the days!!

 

[Mom 3 mouseketeers]

Paid In Full!!! As of today our cruise is paid!!!!!!!!!!!Now it's time to save our change for all our fun stuff.

And sit back and wait ...

 

[pershing]

Paid In Full!!! As of today our cruise is paid!!!!!!!!!!!Now it's time to save our change for all our fun stuff.

And sit back and wait ...

No hustling after the holidays to pay off the cruise! Yay!

I have that done, our DVC stays pre and post paid for, a car rented, tickets for Universal that I bought 2yrs ago when they had that7 day deal, and leftover Disney tix for the kids (mommy took an unknown weekend trip with friends to the world and néeds a new ticket now).

Next stop on the planning train-airfare! Then travel Insurance within 14 days of airfare so that were covered for an airline strike.

I can't believe that people just wing this stuff without all the prior planning! They must be out of their minds at the last moments.

 

[Downrivermama]

Hi all! My dd and I are sailing on this cruise too! Booked using my DVC points once the school district somewhat finalized the calendar for next year. We are very excited this will be our 5th cruise with DCL. DD (12) is looking forward to the Aquaduck!

We would be game for the Fish Extender exchange!

 

[Deb T.]

Hi all! My dd and I are sailing on this cruise too! Booked using my DVC points once the school district somewhat finalized the calendar for next year. We are very excited this will be our 5th cruise with DCL. DD (12) is looking forward to the Aquaduck!

We would be game for the Fish Extender exchange!

Welcome aboard, Tina!

I've got you down for the FE exchange. Please pm me with your DD's name and your cabin number.

Here's the updated list so far. Deadline to join is 4-1-11
Ness2289 & DD12
Deb T. & DH
Tigger1313 & DGD17
Golfnsuch & DH, DS11, DS7
WPoohgirl & DH, DD14, DS12
Z’sDisneyMom & DH, DD12
ydrj & DH, DS16, DD14
princessdaisy & DH, DD18, DS8
goofy4tink & DH, DD17
jeni37 & DH, DS14, DS10, DD6
kim5678 & DH, DD13
lindafish & DH
disneycruisegal & DH
caronjn & DW, DS10, DD7 *need names and cabin number
alenushka & DH, DD10, (and maybe DS in college)
pershing & DS16, DS14, DS13
bdink921& DH, DS12 *need names and cabin number
svcutler & DH, DD15, DD11 *need names and cabin number
Downrivermama & DD12 *need names and cabin number

 

[Deb T.]

As of right now, we're sticking to the ship unless Comfort Suites comes down again. Which I doubt.

So...if anyone's looking to share Palo Brunch that Monday, let me know I'm game!

We'll most likely stay on the ship, too. I'd bet a lot of the repeat cruisers will, since Nassau is sort of a "been there, done that" port. Plus, we'll need every available minute to explore this new, awesome ship!

Right now, DH and I are planning to only do Palo for dinner... but if that changes, I'll let you know.

 

[hbg4]

Hi
just finalized our flight from NY to MCO last week so we are definately coming on the Disney Dream next April 17th.
I'l be travelling with my DM and DD14. We're staying precruise at Animal Kingdom Villas then post cruise at Beach club villas.
We're in cabin 8166. Cat 8C.
Can't wait

 

[Deb T.]

Since this is my first cruise with DCL, not sure about Palo's reservation availability.

If I pay the rest of my balance off in January, I can then make my reservations, correct?

And if I try to make them as late as January, will they have any availability left?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

You are correct, your entire balance must be paid in full to make any Palo, spa, Flounders, or DCL excursion reservations. If you are using a TA, you will want to be in contact with them to make sure your payment is posted prior to the opening of your booking window:

120 days prior to sailing for Platinum Castaway Club cruisers (after 10th cruise).
105 days prior to sailing for Gold Castaway Club cruisers (6th thru 10th cruises).
90 days prior to sailing for Silver Castaway Club cruisers (2nd thru 5th cruises).
75 days prior to sailing for first time Disney cruisers.

There is a possibility that first time cruisers will have very limited booking options online at the 75-day mark. However, DCL does leave plenty of slots open for booking while on board.

 

[Deb T.]

Hi
just finalized our flight from NY to MCO last week so we are definately coming on the Disney Dream next April 17th.
I'l be travelling with my DM and DD14. We're staying precruise at Animal Kingdom Villas then post cruise at Beach club villas.
We're in cabin 8166. Cat 8C.
Can't wait

Welcome aboard!

Be sure to let me know if you'd like to participate in the Fish Extender Exchange.

 

[Deb T.]

Good Day Everyone,

Just caught up with this thread, been in Maine for two weeks, I am originally from there. The school where we visited was soooo good and my kids so happy to visit their cousins that we are actually considering a move there. I totally don't know what will happen but we are going to give it a try I think. HUGE DECISION. Anyway I think they actually have the same vacation date so I wouldn't have to change my cruise date. My husband has to apply for a job there and may lose his 4 wks he has now...

I have to share with you all, I am concerned what it is going to be like on a sold out cruise. Will it feel crowded do you think? Or merely more festive? I was really putting some thought into waiting until June when the kids get out of school. I expect that no matter when we go that first year for the Dream it will be busy. We so enjoy when everyone gets off in the Bahamas and we have the ship to ourselves (errr sort of) I am really thrown off by this move thing I guess. Have any of you all been on a sold out cruise? I am so confused.

Really all I want to do is step on that ship!!!!!!!

First of all, best of luck and pixie dust as your family decides whether or not to move back to Maine.

Regarding a sold out cruise, I'm really not too worried about it. This ship is going to be huge, with plenty of activities to do all day, every day, which will help spread everyone out so it won't seem so crowded. Personally, I'm never able get to every activity that I'm interested in - so much to do, so little time to do it in. For example, DH and I just debarked from a 12-night Baltic cruise two weeks ago and one of our goals was to watch three of the movies showing in the Buena Vista Theatre - but we were so busy that we were only able to see one of them!

 

[svcutler]

Hi
just finalized our flight from NY to MCO last week so we are definately coming on the Disney Dream next April 17th.
I'l be travelling with my DM and DD14. We're staying precruise at Animal Kingdom Villas then post cruise at Beach club villas.
We're in cabin 8166. Cat 8C.
Can't wait

Hi HBG4,

We're from CT (about 45 minutes outside the City) and flying out of NYC as well. Can you tell me what was the best fare you found, and which airport? I've been looking but can't seem to find one less than $400 these days....

Thanks and PS - my DD is 15. We'll be staying at Bonnet Creek after the cruise, so maybe they can arrange to hang out in the teen section on the boat and get to be friends.

 

[svcutler]

Thanks Deb! Good info to know

 

[pershing]

There is a possibility that first time cruisers will have very limited booking options online at the 75-day mark. However, DCL does leave plenty of slots open for booking while on board.

...and if that doesn't pan out or you can only get an inconvenient time, try calling Palo's last minute and asking for openings. People have had alot of success that way as cruisers tend to blow off their Palo reservations after a long hot day at the beach.

 

[Deb T.]

...and if that doesn't pan out or you can only get an inconvenient time, try calling Palo's last minute and asking for openings. People have had alot of success that way as cruisers tend to blow off their Palo reservations after a long hot day at the beach.

I've also heard that Palo will put you on a waiting list, and then you'll get a message in your cabin when there's an opening.

 

[pershing]

Hi all! My dd and I are sailing on this cruise too! Booked using my DVC points once the school district somewhat finalized the calendar for next year. We are very excited this will be our 5th cruise with DCL. DD (12) is looking forward to the Aquaduck!

We would be game for the Fish Extender exchange!

Hi
just finalized our flight from NY to MCO last week so we are definately coming on the Disney Dream next April 17th.
I'l be travelling with my DM and DD14. We're staying precruise at Animal Kingdom Villas then post cruise at Beach club villas.
We're in cabin 8166. Cat 8C.
Can't wait

to both of you!

hbg4 we are the DVC opposite of you Beach Club before and AK post cruise.

I've also heard that Palo will put you on a waiting list, and then you'll get a message in your cabin when there's an opening.

.....and let's not forget that there is another adult only restaurant next to Palo's!

Enjoy fabulous French dining with a Disney•Pixar twist at Remy. This adult-exclusive restaurant features an ever-delicious multi-course menu created by Chef Arnaud Lallement of the famed l'Assiette Champenoise in France and Chef Scott Hunnel from Disney's awardwinning Victoria & Albert's. Guests who visit Remy will be treated to a premier dining experience throughout their evening, from the delicately prepared cuisine right down to the marble-floored wine room. Located next to Palo and inspired by the Disney•Pixar film Ratatouille, Guests will find cleverly hidden signs of the famous character throughout. It's a must-see and a must-dine experience aboard Disney Dream.

 

[WPoohgirl]

We watched a show on the travel channel which said almost all cruise ships run at least 95% capacity. For our November cruise, they gave a ton of people $99 bounce back offers to fill the ship up. I think what I may see different on this ship than my mid november ship is just more kids to adults since the kid clubs are filled up. So I am not really worried about the cruise crowd over any other date I might have chosen to cruise.

Good luck on your decision. I am really wanting to move south, the winters have taken their toll on me in recent years. It is really a hard to decision. I hope it works out for you. Being with family is a bonus in life I believe.

Thank you so much for your kind reply. It is sometimes very comforting to know what other people think! I believe I will hang on until the dust settles here and I figure out what is going on!!!! Was that the cruise inc special? Ironically I just saw that, great information in your post thank you. If your not worried than I don't think I should be either

I really get the cold weather thing, and here I am perhaps moving further north, go figure

 

[WPoohgirl]

First of all, best of luck and pixie dust as your family decides whether or not to move back to Maine.

Regarding a sold out cruise, I'm really not too worried about it. This ship is going to be huge, with plenty of activities to do all day, every day, which will help spread everyone out so it won't seem so crowded. Personally, I'm never able get to every activity that I'm interested in - so much to do, so little time to do it in. For example, DH and I just debarked from a 12-night Baltic cruise two weeks ago and one of our goals was to watch three of the movies showing in the Buena Vista Theatre - but we were so busy that we were only able to see one of them!

Thank you Deb, I appreciate it!

12 day Baltic...drool, drool.

What was it like being on a cruise for that may consecutive days? I only dare dream of such luxury. I literally can't even wrap my head around it! I would be so happy with 12 days stretched out in front of me. Not to sound like a complete idiot but do you go into food coma? I am afraid I would eat myself to death! Just kidding but really, you must have to temper yourself after a few days. Sorry to babble! Thanks again!

 

[Deb T.]

12 day Baltic...drool, drool.

What was it like being on a cruise for that may consecutive days? I only dare dream of such luxury. I literally can't even wrap my head around it! I would be so happy with 12 days stretched out in front of me.

Well, the best way to describe it is to say that we're already planning to go back when DCL goes again in 2012!!!

We also did the 11-night Mediterranean in '07! The longer cruises are heaven! The best part is you don't have to turn around and re-pack after just a few days!

Not to sound like a complete idiot but do you go into food coma? I am afraid I would eat myself to death! Just kidding but really, you must have to temper yourself after a few days. Sorry to babble! Thanks again!

No food coma for us, but we certainly did our fair share of eating! Breakfast buffet, then lunch buffet, then what we jokingly referred to as "appetizers" in the afternoon (usually piping hot french fries or tacos from Pluto's), then late dining, then grazing the late-night snack stations, all with frequent trips to the ice cream station plus the occasional "All Hands on Deck" platter from room service. Yummmmmmm! To counteract all the gorging, we always used the stairs and we also tried to walk at least 2 miles around Deck 4 each day.