April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[scootch]

Having saw a documentary on the travel channel, most every cruise ship sails near capacity... so I dont' think you will notice that much difference. The only thing I think I will notice is we went before midnovember and there were probably less kids than there will be on this Easter time one. Our last cruise we had late seating with a waitlist and it came thru to early seating about 6 weeks beforehand. You can also change it like Deb said once you are onboard. I didn't want to go to Animators after spending the day at Atlantis(we just wanted to do room service). and they were very accomodating. Alot depends on what you are used to. We eat dinner every day at 430 pm, so we would die eating at 8pm

As far as room/deck, we really liked being middle of the ship deckwise. We didn't like waiting for the elevators, so it was nice being just up a few flights or down a few flights to get to whatever you needed. We chose deck 7 too. We ended up getting a 11B room, midship 7567.

 

[pershing]

You are probably like me and don't see the need for paying for beach time when on a cruise.

You're right, we don't really focus on visiting beaches, except Castaway Cay! (Of course) Especially this time around with the new beach area slide play area.

I was hoping this could finally be the time I get to check out the adult-only area as the kids could go to the teen beach. (My oldest, the only teen at the time, had a blast at the teen beach last time. They snorkeled and did all sorts of stuff that didn't cost anything!) Hint! Slather teens w/sunscreen before they leave as they won't reapply! He burned! Whew!

So far the rumor is there's going to be a 2nd adults only pay restaurant that will feature french food, but that hasn't been confirmed as of yet. It's even rumored to be called Remy's. I'd rather go to a french restaurant than an italian one.

I didn't know that! I love Palo, but a change would be nice.

Massachusetts is one of only a few, maybe even the ONLY state that does not set it's spring break with Easter. Our April vacation is always the 3rd full week of April, no matter when Easter falls.

Thank goodness for Patriots Day, huh! Some people think we should do away with it, but I say NO WAY!

Actually, some of our fellow cruisers enlightened us on the first few pages of this thread that- *glup* New York (picture Red Sox and Yankee Fans trapped on a floating vessel together), New Jersey and maybe Virginia all have this week off.

We're in!! First cruise.We booked today and could only get 4C. We are a family of 6. I wanted two cat 11 but ended up with a 4C for 5 of us.

We also had to take the 2nd dinner seating but waitlisted for the first. Anyone have any thoughts on whether there is a chance the waitlist will come through?

Welcome Aboard!

I tried to get a Catagory 11 for my friend and her son today and they were all gone! It showed A through C open for 2 people on Thursday! Now its all gone and no 11 guarantees available. I'm gonna check back in Jan '11 when the final payments are due. Hopefully some cancellations will open up.

If your 2nd seating waitlist does not come through, you can also try to change it as soon as you get on the ship. We personally like 2nd seating because it give us more daylight time to do things.

I like 2nd seating too! I thought I wouldn't because we eat early at home. However, on the ship it felt rushed to get back from whatever we were doing to shower change and get to dinner. And, hate to say it, sometimes the wait staff was kinda anxious for us to leave so they could prepare for the 2nd seating.

I find second seating more relaxing!

 

[KerryDVC]

I booked this cruise a few weeks ago. I finally got my school calendar and can now say we are definitely able to go!

DH and I went on a Disney cruise for our honeymoon 10 years ago. DH, DDs and I went on a Disney cruise in 2007. Both cruises were on the Wonder. This will be the first cruise for my DS. We also decided to bring my DM and DF along for their first cruise.

I know it sounds crazy, but as hard as it is to wait, sometimes I feel like the anticipation and planning is the best part.

Our Me, DH, DD7, DD5, DS3, DM, DF

 

[Deb T.]

I booked this cruise a few weeks ago. I finally got my school calendar and can now say we are definitely able to go!

DH and I went on a Disney cruise for our honeymoon 10 years ago. DH, DDs and I went on a Disney cruise in 2007. Both cruises were on the Wonder. This will be the first cruise for my DS. We also decided to bring my DM and DF along for their first cruise.

I know it sounds crazy, but as hard as it is to wait, sometimes I feel like the anticipation and planning is the best part.

Our Me, DH, DD7, DD5, DS3, DM, DF

Welcome Aboard, KerryDVC!

 

[Ness2289]

Welcome, Mom2BCCC and KerryDVC! I've added you to the roster above!

 

[pershing]

Welcome Aboard KerryDVC! I know what you mean about the anticipation. Overall, thoughout the year I think 'such and such days to go until the cruise.' Definately, a spirit lifter!

I found a picture on the shipyard's website of our boat being built:

Nice to see the colors on the smoke stack. (This picture is updated weekly).

It says next to it: View into the covered building dock II (hall 6), with the new cruise liner "Disney Dream" (Disney Cruises Line, USA) under construction.

Yay! Gosh, they have like 9 months to finish this ship. Looks like alot more work to be done!

 

[lildeb724]

But we will move to second...We are a group of 11. I will post when we cancel switch - maybe you can call right away and get moved to first seating

 

[scootch]

I know it sounds crazy, but as hard as it is to wait, sometimes I feel like the anticipation and planning is the best part.

I agree!! that is "one" reason I could never surprise my kids with it, they are obsessively talking about it already too. I remember for my 40th birthday(ok dating myself here... bear with me) I purchased this huge Barry Manilow VIP package that included front row seats and a one on one champange vip meet with him after the concert. The anticipation was the funnest part, after it was over, I had this huge letdown. Well April will be soon, so we will be getting to the 365 day mark before long!!

 

[Disney1fan2002]

But we will move to second...We are a group of 11. I will post when we cancel switch - maybe you can call right away and get moved to first seating

If they already have a waitlist, wouldn't the CM give the seating to someone on the waitlist before they give it someone calling up and requesting it?

 

[Disney1fan2002]

OMG! I just found out about the Aqua Duck! My ds and I just watched the video....too cool. This just secured the fact that we will not be getting off the ship in Nassua.

 

[lildeb724]

If they already have a waitlist, wouldn't the CM give the seating to someone on the waitlist before they give it someone calling up and requesting it?

If you can time it right - I think tyhe system updates overnight. Can never hurt to try.

 

[scootch]

OMG! I just found out about the Aqua Duck! My ds and I just watched the video....too cool. This just secured the fact that we will not be getting off the ship in Nassua.

My kids are looking forward to using the Aquaduck too..... although not enough to make us miss Atlantis. Got our piggybank fund to go back there. We really loved it.

Anyone else doing B2B?? also anyone have room 7677??? I currently have a midship great room but it is not available to for three night cruise we are doing beforehand. Ho hum... really don't want to change rooms, but with just the girls and myself going, it is doable.

 

[Mom2BCCC]

But we will move to second...We are a group of 11. I will post when we cancel switch - maybe you can call right away and get moved to first seating

Thanks. Please post when you cancel. I'll give it a try because the other family is stressed out about the 2nd seating. Part of me hopes we are "stuck" with the later seating, but either is fine with me.

 

[pershing]

I love getting mail from Disney Cruise Line!

Yesterday, I got this 'we're so glad you booked' brochure! Love the porthole!

There's a mistake in the beginning part when they just 'suggest' having a passport, instead of requiring but I like the design.

That said, there wasn't anything I didn't know already inside.

I wish they'd send something more specific to the Disney Dream Ship, but I guess it's too early for that.

Anyone else get one?

 

[Ness2289]

Yes, I received ours last week. I just love DCL mail too! I was glad DD didn't check the mail on this particular day since she doesn't know about the cruise yet.

 

[Mom2BCCC]

Our group is now at 11 people. My parents decided they wanted to come too! My mother is possibly more excited than I am. She has been trying to get my father to vacation outside of New England for nearly 50 years! We're all shocked he agreed to go. Hopefully they won't stress me out too much. I'll spend my time worrying about where they are and whether they are having a good time.

They are booked in Cat 6B. No rooms were available for assignment.

Any recommendations on fun things to do for the grandparents? They love the slots so I know they'll be going to Atlantis to the casino.

 

[jilljill]

I love getting mail from Disney Cruise Line!

Yesterday, I got this 'we're so glad you booked' brochure! Love the porthole!

There's a mistake in the beginning part when they just 'suggest' having a passport, instead of requiring but I like the design.

That said, there wasn't anything I didn't know already inside.

I wish they'd send something more specific to the Disney Dream Ship, but I guess it's too early for that.

Anyone else get one?

Actually them saying they suggest a passport is not a mistake. As of now passports are not required for a closed loop cruise - beginning and ending at the same port.

 

[scootch]

I love getting mail from Disney Cruise Line!

Love the porthole!


I wish they'd send something more specific to the Disney Dream Ship, but I guess it's too early for that.

Anyone else get one?

yes, look what we did with ours... shhhhhh

 

[CleoPahd]

I'm curious about the passport thing and recently posted on another thread. When we booked this cruise we were told that a passport was required to board the ship, and that we would not be allowed on without it. Having never cruised with Disney before I was wondering if this was a new Disney rule because as I understood it as long as it was closed-looped, only a BC & ID was needed. Fortunately, I have a passport and would rather take it with me for peace of mind, but will they really now turn people away without it as I was told by the CSR I dealt with?

 

[jilljill]

Once again, not everyone at DCL reservations gives out the correct information. The only way to get the correct information on this is to check the Department of State website for the most current information.

I was just on the Wonder in Jan. and saw many people checking in with their BC & ID.