April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[alenushka]

Getting better, love the 5th grade teacher my dd has for most of her classes, the Russian teacher is getting a smidge better. , although we knew she would be tough.

Amy - I know from my personal experience : Russian teachers are usually very tough Our education and , teaching, is different from USA; but, hopefully, your DD will get strong academics this year and get prepared well for the next year.
Where in Ohio do you live? We just came back from our vacation: we visited Hocking Hills area, Sundusky area (including Put in Bay), and a couple of State parks on lake Erie. We loved Ohio!!! . People were sooooo nice and friendly! We are still getting over "honor" system with fruit/vegetables stands - it would NEVER work in NY
Yelena

 

[jilljill]

I'm sitting here reading all this while wearing my DCL hoodie that I got on the Baltics cruise and feel like I could live in it forever. I'm hoping they have something similiar to it in the future because it's so darn comfy.

 

[jilljill]

Amy - I know from my personal experience : Russian teachers are usually very tough Our education and , teaching, is different from USA; but, hopefully, your DD will get strong academics this year and get prepared well for the next year.
Where in Ohio do you live? We just came back from our vacation: we visited Hocking Hills area, Sundusky area (including Put in Bay), and a couple of State parks on lake Erie. We loved Ohio!!! . People were sooooo nice and friendly! We are still getting over "honor" system with fruit/vegetables stands - it would NEVER work in NY
Yelena

I have a very good DIS friend who's DD got married at Hocking Hills 2 years ago. It's pretty there.

 

[Deb T.]

#5 Pictures!!!! lots of them! with every possible Disney character, especially in unusual/unplanned places! They say "have your camera ready at all times", but we never had a chance on our previous two cruises to meet/greet characters in any other place but the ones indicated on the program
And i LOVE children eyes when they meet Disney characters - their faces light up with such an excitement and happiness as if they were touched by magic

We've had many "unusual/unplanned" character interactions onboard the Magic and the Wonder - too many to count! One time, I was alone in the aft elevator with Tigger and his handler. On our Baltic cruise, DH and I and another couple (NZDisneyMom and her DH) were on Deck 4 watching people coming back from excursions at our all-aboard time when Stitch came out and started creating mischief with us. Then, Goofy and Pluto came out and joined in the fun. After spending time with us, they moved on to play shuffleboard with some kids that also happened to be on Deck 4 at exactly the right time.

 

[jilljill]

On our Baltics cruise DH and I were up on deck 5 near the Lab and all of a sudden Cinderella walked out from one of the doors and she was all by herself. It was so nice to be able to get a pic of her walking down the hall all alone and then we got pics taken with her. While walking along there she happened to look out the window and a CM was outside on one of the lifeboats and she waved to him and the look on his face was priceless. I forget the comment she made about him being there and spotting her but it was so cute and so in line with what Cinderella would say.
On that cruise we found the Princess's walking alone on several occassions, it was nice to see them without a 'handler' and in different areas of the ship.

 

[pershing]

#4 I never have time to watch a movie, but I would love to see a movie in their 3D movie theater

The movie theather is going to be 3D? Really? Cool! My eldest DS and I always do the movies onboard. Last time they only had Disney movies and some were not even first run. I hope they go back to the first run mix they used to have.

I'm sitting here reading all this while wearing my DCL hoodie that I got on the Baltics cruise and feel like I could live in it forever. I'm hoping they have something similiar to it in the future because it's so darn comfy.

I love my Disney shirts. They brighten a dull day. I don't have the DCL hoodie but I do have the fleece.

OH by the way, our cruise is not even coming up for 2 adults tonight, nevermind any kids. I'm wondering if they are re-assessing how many more GTY's they are going to offer. Maybe they will start assigning the GTY's cabins. Yea!

 

[alenushka]

We've had many "unusual/unplanned" character interactions onboard the Magic and the Wonder - too many to count! One time, I was alone in the aft elevator with Tigger and his handler. On our Baltic cruise, DH and I and another couple (NZDisneyMom and her DH) were on Deck 4 watching people coming back from excursions at our all-aboard time when Stitch came out and started creating mischief with us. Then, Goofy and Pluto came out and joined in the fun. After spending time with us, they moved on to play shuffleboard with some kids that also happened to be on Deck 4 at exactly the right time.

On our Baltics cruise DH and I were up on deck 5 near the Lab and all of a sudden Cinderella walked out from one of the doors and she was all by herself. It was so nice to be able to get a pic of her walking down the hall all alone and then we got pics taken with her. While walking along there she happened to look out the window and a CM was outside on one of the lifeboats and she waved to him and the look on his face was priceless. I forget the comment she made about him being there and spotting her but it was so cute and so in line with what Cinderella would say.
On that cruise we found the Princess's walking alone on several occassions, it was nice to see them without a 'handler' and in different areas of the ship.

Lucky!!!!!!!

 

[alenushka]

The movie theather is going to be 3D? Really? Cool! My eldest DS and I always do the movies onboard. Last time they only had Disney movies and some were not even first run. I hope they go back to the first run mix they used to have.
!

I hope this info would keep you excited :

"Disney Digital 3-D
In addition to first-run films, the Buena Vista Theatre screens 3-D digital movies for your enjoyment. Equipped with the latest digital 3-D projectors, the theatre allows you to experience the fun and excitement of both new and classic films during your cruise.
The Buena Vista Theatre also features some special surprises—adding a fourth dimension to your Disney cruise movie-going experience."

more info and pics right there:
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/dream/entertainment/buena-vista-theatre/

 

[jilljill]

They've been showing the 3D movies onboard for a while now.
In the BV and WD theaters they do only show Disney movies and they are the newer releases, some are still shown in there after they are released on DVD.
On the stateroom tv's you will find Disney and non-Disney movies.
You have to keep in mind that it is a Disney ship and I'm sure it's much cheaper to show the Disney movies in the theater as opposed to showing ones that are not Disney owned.

 

[bdink921]

Sue, your post was exactly what I needed today! I am in serious need of some Disney Dreamin! So, I'm going to go all out and add even add some categories:

Top 3 Things I Personally Want To Do On This Cruise:
1. Relax
2. Not worry about a thing
3. Enjoy being pampered

Top 3 Things I Personally Want To Do On The Ship:
1. Relax on our verandah on our sea day while snacking on an All Hands On Deck Platter. I love looking out at nothing but ocean!
2. Explore every inch of the new ship and check out all the new innovative technology, such as the framed pictures that are supposed to change and react as you pass by!
3. Savor every meal (and all the snacking in between) that I don't have to shop for, prepare, or clean up afterward!

Top 3 Things I Personally Want To Do On Castaway Cay:
1. Sit in a beach chair at the water's edge at Serenity Bay with just my feet in the water and read a good book while listening to small waves coming ashore.
2. Buy a comfy Castaway Cay sweatshirt to snuggle in when I need a Disney hug.
3. Eat lunch at Cookies and Serenity Bay's Air Bar.

Thanks for my little break from reality!

OK I'll play

Top things I want to do on this cruise/ship
1. Relax and not try to 'do it all'
2. Buy something for myself--I never buy anything for me
3. A little silly but, go to the top deck at night and look at the stars
4. Ride the aquaduck
5. Go to Quiet Cove for a little while
6. Order room service (we never seem to use room service)

Top things I want to do at CC
1. Go snorkeling
2. Go to Serenity Bay (really just want to see it)
3. Pull a chair up to the water line and sit here with my hubby enjoying the moment

 

[scootch]

Amy - I know from my personal experience : Russian teachers are usually very tough Our education and , teaching, is different from USA; but, hopefully, your DD will get strong academics this year and get prepared well for the next year.
Where in Ohio do you live? We just came back from our vacation: we visited Hocking Hills area, Sundusky area (including Put in Bay), and a couple of State parks on lake Erie. We loved Ohio!!! . People were sooooo nice and friendly! We are still getting over "honor" system with fruit/vegetables stands - it would NEVER work in NY
Yelena

We live on the OHio, PA, WV border, right on the Ohio River. About 2 hours from Sandusky. We usually go to Kalahari every June, but didn't this year. Maybe by cruise time Matti will realize the Russian teacher really loves the kids and isn't really yelling all the time. My guess is noone could ever understand her, so you know what happens, you speak up.. thus she got used to having a loud voice. So by April she won't be afraid of you. dH's nephew just went to Hocking Hills this past weekend.

 

[svcutler]

Boy, I haven't gotten to write something in awhile; school is crazy!

I'll play the top 3 game:
1. Ride Aquaduck
2. Sit on verandah and eat that platter Deb was talking about, even though I have no idea what's on it. I just want to eat on my verandah!
3. Explore the ship and see all that it has to offer

and a few more:
4. Eat at the Animator's Palate - I haven't been on a DCL before so I know it will be magic
5. Enjoy the Pirate Night
6. See Castaway Cay and snorkel with the kids (if they don't freak out that there is actually fish in the ocean!!)
7. 3D or 4D movies (I love those!)


For all the experienced DCL's, is there something or a few things us rookies should look out for? i.e., the all hands on deck platter Deb was mentioning...

 

[Deb T.]

2. Sit on verandah and eat that platter Deb was talking about, even though I have no idea what's on it. I just want to eat on my verandah!

For all the experienced DCL's, is there something or a few things us rookies should look out for? i.e., the all hands on deck platter Deb was mentioning...

The All Hands on Deck platter is ordered from room service and can vary a little bit from cruise to cruise, but basically it has a variety of cheese, crackers, and red grapes. The last time we ordered it was a couple of months ago while the Magic was carefully navigating through 60 miles of breathtaking fjords from Oslo, Norway, back out to the Baltic Sea!

We'll all be "newbies" on the April cruise since none of us have experienced sailing on the Dream before. I'm eagerly anticipating trip reports from those who are fortunate enough to sail before us. But, here are some general things I can suggest:
*Stop by Guest Services after boarding to ask about any special activities that need to be signed up for such as a Galley Tour, Tea with Wendy (or Alice), etc. These events tend to be on sea days of the longer cruises, but maybe they'll offer some on our sailing.
*You can store life vests and suitcases under the bed for more shelf & closet space.
*The coffee table in the cabin can be raised/lowered.
*If you are a DVC member and don't receive a "DVC Welcome Home" magnet on your door by dinnertime the first night, stop by the DVC Desk and let them know you're onboard so that you will receive special surprises and an invitation to the DVC Member Reception.
*You don't need to line up before your seating time for dinner. Your table is assigned, so there is no hurry to try to get a "good" table. Once the doors open, seating takes less than a minute, so plan to arrive a minute or two after your dining time.
*Individual packets of Aspirin and Meclazine (generic Dramamine) are available free from Guest Services and the Health Center.
*Mickey Bars can be ordered from room service and in the dining rooms!
*As a special treat, pack ice cream cones to use at the ice cream station instead of the small cups they provide.
*I like to create my own banana split by getting a cup from the 24-hour drink station, then I cut up a banana from Goofy's Galley (I'm sure there will be fresh fruit from a walk-up eatery somewhere on the Dream, too.), then I add ice cream and chocolate syrup (provided by DCL). I sometimes pack mini-marshmallows to add to it. If you have favorite toppings, you might want to be sure to pack them, too.
*If you drop off your passports at Guest Relations the night before Castaway Cay they will get them stamped for you. A Bahamian official comes over from the nearby island, Abaco, so your stamp might say Abaco, Sandy Point, or something else because there is not an official "Castaway Cay" passport stamp.
*If you're planning to mail postcard from Castaway Cay, go to their post office early because they do run out of stamps. Take small bills because they don't keep a lot of change.
*Pack a beach bag to lug your stuff around on Castaway Cay.
*There is an observation tower on Castaway Cay that is at the back of a long walking/biking trail off of the runway that goes from the main beach to Serenity Bay.
*The further down the family beach you go, the less crowded it will be.
*If you plan to snorkel on Castaway Cay, do it early in the day because the water tends to get murkier throughout the day. Also, wear a t-shirt to avoid burning on your back.
*If you plan to shop at the Straw Market in Nassau, bring small bills to make bartering easier. You don't want to negotiate from $10 to $6 and then pull out a ten dollar bill to pay with.
*If you plan to get your hair braided, bring some "spray" sunscreen to avoid painful burns on tender scalp!
*If you plan to charge your tips (for the head server, server, assistant server, and stateroom attendant), do it early in the trip to avoid long last-minute lines at guest services.
*If you plan to rebook while onboard, also do that early in the trip. There is always a long line of people wanting to rebook on the last night.
*Pack your dirty clothes each night to avoid the last-night packing frenzy.
*Don't miss "Pub Night" on the last night. The cruise staff does an adult-only performance of "If I Were Not Upon the Sea" that is hilarious!

 

[alenushka]

We'll all be "newbies" on the April cruise since none of us have experienced sailing on the Dream before.
But, here are some general things I can suggest:........

WOW, Deb, great list!
We have sailed with DCL twice but I still learned smth new from your list
I want to add:
Bring a T-shirt or a Pillow case and permanent markers and drop it at the Guest Services at embarkation; they would have Disney characters sign it for you by the end of the cruise (last time we brought a lunch box made of velvet fabric and then DD took it to school every day )
Yelena

 

[pershing]

For all the experienced DCL's, is there something or a few things us rookies should look out for? i.e., the all hands on deck platter Deb was mentioning...

I'm not as experienced as Deb. T but I can add one or two:

*arrive at the terminal with your kids wearing their bathing suits (and maybe you too). The pools are usually open right away and a little after lunch, they open the slide. It can be the least crowded time in the pools the whole cruise.

The non-disboard newbes are just gathered around waiting for their cabins to be ready and their luggage to arrive. I often feel bad for the kids watching while other kids are happily splashing away.

*When going to watch a movie in Buena Vista Theater-hit the top deck first for snacks and drinks- some pizza, chicken nuggets and stuff etc. They have stuff outside the theather but its not free. (at least it wasn't in 2008, not sure if that changed.)

*Bring some kind of tape to tape the movie schedule and navigators to the cabin mirror. I highlight the stuff I want to do and what the kids want to do. That way we don't miss anything fun!

 

[Deb T.]

To piggy back on the last two posts...

Another idea that people have brought onboard to have autographed through Guest Services is a photo mat. Just be sure to put painter's tape around the edge that would be covered by the frame so that all of the autographs can be seen. Also, autograph books are a must for the cruise because there will be a lot of character interaction.

There is a wonderful Welcome Aboard Buffet Lunch as soon as you board. On the Magic and Wonder, you can go to Topsiders to get your food, then take it around to the Mickey Pool area so that you can enjoy a wonderful lunch while your kids play a nearly empty pool. I'm not sure yet where the lunch buffets will be upon boarding the Dream, but hopefully we'll get that info from the cruisers before us.

Snacks and beverages outside of the theaters are still not free. However, small bags of potato chips are free from Pluto's Dog House on the Magic & Wonder and will probably also be available from whatever Dream walk-up eatery has hamburgers. Also, french fries make a great movie snack! Just be sure to stop by the 24-hour drink station before getting your other snack food.

Bring highlighters for the daily Navigator schedule of events. Some people even bring a different color highlighter for each person.

 

[alenushka]

We live on the OHio, PA, WV border, right on the Ohio River. About 2 hours from Sandusky. We usually go to Kalahari every June, but didn't this year. Maybe by cruise time Matti will realize the Russian teacher really loves the kids and isn't really yelling all the time. My guess is noone could ever understand her, so you know what happens, you speak up.. thus she got used to having a loud voice. So by April she won't be afraid of you. dH's nephew just went to Hocking Hills this past weekend.

Kalahari was one of our two choices, but our DS picked South beach resort in Marblehead; it was right on the lake, and a very nice place (we stayed in a cottage).
I hope Matti is not afraid of me bs of her teacher . I promise to speak softly. Our DS is in College and he just shared that one of his math teachers (not Russian ) "speaks so loudly, almost screams, like she has a dislexia of some sort"... it might be the case with Matti's teacher as well I hope Matti is adjusting and does not take it personally
Y.

 

[alenushka]

To piggy back on the last two posts...

Another idea that people have brought onboard to have autographed through Guest Services is a photo mat.

Great tip!
It is on my list to get at Michael's!
BTW: if anybody needs 50% off coupon for Michaels, here it is:
http://mic.michaels.com/20100905DigitalUSLP.aspx
Y.

 

[alenushka]

Hi Yelena,

When you click on REGISTER and enter Katya's birthday it will let you know that she is under 13 and you need to print out a form, sign it, return it by mail, email, or fax. If she doesn't mind using yours then you don't have to. That's how my Gabby and svcutler's Jacob started. It takes a few days to get the okay back from DIS.

Hope that helps.

Donna

Thank you, Donna, we have just faxed the form to DIS. Hopefully, Katya would be able to write under her own username really soon . She is very excited. It seems like they are having fun chatting with each other. She checks the board a few times a day
Y.

 

[scootch]

Kalahari was one of our two choices, but our DS picked South beach resort in Marblehead; it was right on the lake, and a very nice place (we stayed in a cottage).
I hope Matti is not afraid of me bs of her teacher . I promise to speak softly. Our DS is in College and he just shared that one of his math teachers (not Russian ) "speaks so loudly, almost screams, like she has a dislexia of some sort"... it might be the case with Matti's teacher as well I hope Matti is adjusting and does not take it personally
Y.

No by April she will be probably laughing, saying, "Mrs. Milajecki must have put them on my cruise so I don't miss her." She is my sensitive girl. Now she is really wanting to go on the Camp Fitch trip but looking into changing the cruise, since I book so early would just cost me too much(and in my opinion, it is not worth it) plus if we cruised in Feb or March, she would have to come back from the trip and make up all her work while doing her current work. Our school has a policy of not to give work out beforehand, although most of them do give a little out. I can't imagine missing 5 days and then coming back and doing regular work and make up work at the same time. At least not in middle school. Why we have always gone a bit before a holiday so they can do the work during holiday time. I told her she could chose... stay home with daddy and go to camp fitch or go with mommy and sissy on the dream... gee wonder which one she will chose in the end.

We did the mat and the pillow case. I will try to take a picture later of the mat and post. I got the frame at Target. It turned out cute and is quite often commented on when people visit for the first time.