April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[pershing]

I just wanted to thank you Sue!!!!!!!! We were driving until I looked back at Southwest due to this post. We are flying the 14th to the 27th from bdl now for $840 total.

1st year after many we arent driving it for spring break! My family is SO appreciative!

Yea!

Wow! I'm so glad my post helped!

I was honestly spewing my stress over doing something new like flying out of Hartford.

It was looking like we were gonna have to drive home from Florida before I found these airfares, so I understand the feeling about not having to drive.

I love my boys but they pick on each other constantly and the idea of driving for hours upon hours while forced to be referee....so not my idea of a vacation!

 

[Karen from VA]

We will be at discovery cove on the 16th. The amex discount came out in the Summer, I doubt it will be around for Spring break

I mistyped, I meant the Friday the 22nd. Although the 16th may be a better idea since the Discovery Cove ticket includes admission to Sea World too. We could do that on the 22nd. I can just hear my hubby now, 'that is too much to do'. He is the lay back and relax type.

 

[Karen from VA]

Just closed on a house in Davenport Fl...10 min from Disney....oh the obsession grows!!!

Lucky you! Congratulations

I hear it is a good time to buy real estate in Florida. A vacation home near Disney would be awesome.

 

[Karen from VA]

Your TA doesn't have to wait and hear back from DCL, she can call DCL and give them your request. I emailed my TA when I found out about the showtimes and she had an answer their that day or the next when she called them.

We started cruising with DD when she was 5 and have had late dinner for 12 out of 13 cruises. The one cruise we had early dinner we didn't like it, she was 8 that cruise. Kids are amazing at how they can stay awake when they need/want to when on vacation. When she was little she would go to the kids club for a little bit after dinner. We only had 1 time that she fell asleep at dinner and that was our first cruise and after a day at Castaway Cay - she had eaten so it wasn't a problem.
Also, my DD is not a morning child so she wasn't up at the crack of dawn.

I think that seals the deal for me. yjr ovewhelming consensus is the late seating is best. I will e-mail my TA and tell her to keep us at the late dinner time.

 

[Karen from VA]

You will find my DH at the blackjack tables at Atlantis -- and we'll be enjoying the rest of the resort

I am tempted to stay on the ship while in port at the Bahamas. Been there, done that but it was many years ago before Atlantis. Is that worth going to? I read on the some of the postings that it is pricey and may not be everyone's cup of tea. I have a Hard Rock Cafe pin collection and wouldn't mind going to the cafe for a pin or two but not sure about walking around Nassau with my daughter. From what I remember it is a short walk from the boat. May leave her at the Oceaneers Club if I go.

 

[bdink921]

I am tempted to stay on the ship while in port at the Bahamas. Been there, done that but it was many years ago before Atlantis. Is that worth going to? I read on the some of the postings that it is pricey and may not be everyone's cup of tea. I have a Hard Rock Cafe pin collection and wouldn't mind going to the cafe for a pin or two but not sure about walking around Nassau with my daughter. From what I remember it is a short walk from the boat. May leave her at the Oceaneers Club if I go.

We've been to Nassau a couple of times and the only thing DH really wants to do is go to Atlantis. The casino part is his 'condition' for going on the Disney cruise. Hey, I don't care--whatever gets us on the boat . As for the rest of Atlantis -- pricey yes, but sounds like so much fun. We booked a room at Comfort Suites in order to get the all access wristband and the price is much better than what DCL offers. The other option we're thinking of is the private beach next to Atlantis so we can enjoy some beach time and the give DH his time in the casino.

The walk through Nassau can feel intimidating to some -- people wanting to braid your hair, get in their cab, etc but we were ok with it. We hated the straw market though. Hard Rock is not a far walk from the street.

 

[jilljill]

I am tempted to stay on the ship while in port at the Bahamas. Been there, done that but it was many years ago before Atlantis. Is that worth going to? I read on the some of the postings that it is pricey and may not be everyone's cup of tea. I have a Hard Rock Cafe pin collection and wouldn't mind going to the cafe for a pin or two but not sure about walking around Nassau with my daughter. From what I remember it is a short walk from the boat. May leave her at the Oceaneers Club if I go.

You hit 10 posts. We knew you could do it.

We usually just get off the ship and walk around for a little bit, do some shopping and then go back to the ship have lunch and see what kind of trouble we can stay out of.
2009 was the first time DD stepped off the ship in Nassau, she was 15 - all other times she was in the lab/club or slept late that day. She wondered why we took her off the beautiful ship and made her walk around the smelly town . She and I did 2 more cruise by ourself I wasn't walking around by myself so she had to go with me, but we were fine and didn't feel intimidated or overwhelmed with the vendors. We just looked straight ahead and didn't acknowledge them. No one followed us or bothered us too much. We stay away from the Straw Market, doesn't interest us at all to walk thru it.
Yes, Hard Rock is about a 5 minute walk from the ship, it's just before you get to the main shopping area. You can get a shopping map on the ship and it's easy to follow.

We aren't beach people, because of going so much growing up and DD basically grew up at the beach, so paying to go to a beach isn't our cup of tea, but others don't get to the beach and will do just about anything to go. We just enjoy our day at CC.


I think you will enjoy late seating and if you don't like it after the first night you can try and get it changed to early dining for the rest of the cruise.

 

[rdevine10]

Another question! (cruise newbie). Does anyone know when we can book our excursions?

 

[disneycruisegal]

If you've never cruised with Disney before you can book 75 days out. Once you've cruised you're autmatically a Silver Castaway Club member and can book 90 days out for your next cruise. After 5 cruises your a Gold Castaway Club member and I believe you can book 105 days out, after 10 cruises you're a Platinum Castaway Club member and can book 120 days out. Concierge guests can also book 120 days out.
Hope this helped.

 

[rdevine10]

thank you! Now to keep our fingers and toes crossed that what we want to do has availability at 75 days out! I guess there is always the back up plan of staying on board Would be a lot cheaper too!

 

[outahere]

If you've never cruised with Disney before you can book 75 days out. Once you've cruised you're autmatically a Silver Castaway Club member and can book 90 days out for your next cruise. After 5 cruises your a Gold Castaway Club member and I believe you can book 105 days out, after 10 cruises you're a Platinum Castaway Club member and can book 120 days out. Concierge guests can also book 120 days out.
Hope this helped.

All true - plus you must be paid in full before you can book excursions or Palo/Remy.

 

[guarn3md]

I am trying to put together an autograph book for my son and sister with characters that they will probably see on the cruise. Somewhere I found a list of characters most likely to see on a Disney cruise. Can anyone tell me if this list is fairly accurate? Also will there be multiple visits with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, etc... Should I put more than one page for the main characters?
The List
Mickey
Minnie
Donald
Daisy
Chip
Dale
Goofy
Pluto
Captain Hook
Max
Mr. Smee
Lilo
Stitch
Jiminy Cricket
Pinocchio
Tinker Bell
Cinderella
Belle
Snow White
Princess Aurora
Princess Tiana
Ariel
Mr./Mrs. Incredible
Remey
Aladdin
Captain Jack Sparrow
Dopey

I know that it may be difficult to know exactly who will be on the cruise but any helpful tips would be great. I can also put in blank or generalized pages for possilbe other characters.
I need to have this done in time for Christmas!
Thanks for the help!
Debbie

 

[jilljill]

Haven't seen Tinkerbell, Remy, Mr & Mrs Incredible. Also don't remember seeing Aladdin, Jiminy Cricket or Pinocchio.
There will be multiple opportunites for each character.

 

[Karen from VA]

You hit 10 posts. We knew you could do it.

We usually just get off the ship and walk around for a little bit, do some shopping and then go back to the ship have lunch and see what kind of trouble we can stay out of.
2009 was the first time DD stepped off the ship in Nassau, she was 15 - all other times she was in the lab/club or slept late that day. She wondered why we took her off the beautiful ship and made her walk around the smelly town . She and I did 2 more cruise by ourself I wasn't walking around by myself so she had to go with me, but we were fine and didn't feel intimidated or overwhelmed with the vendors. We just looked straight ahead and didn't acknowledge them. No one followed us or bothered us too much. We stay away from the Straw Market, doesn't interest us at all to walk thru it.
Yes, Hard Rock is about a 5 minute walk from the ship, it's just before you get to the main shopping area. You can get a shopping map on the ship and it's easy to follow.

We aren't beach people, because of going so much growing up and DD basically grew up at the beach, so paying to go to a beach isn't our cup of tea, but others don't get to the beach and will do just about anything to go. We just enjoy our day at CC.


I think you will enjoy late seating and if you don't like it after the first night you can try and get it changed to early dining for the rest of the cruise.

Thanks, still working with Ness to get access to the Facebook group.

I am with you on the lack of interest in spending time on the beach. I live a block from the beach and go frequently so I am not interested in doing more than Castaway Cay. I think I will 'wing it' at this point. I don't plan on booking any excursions, maybe just a massage. I think there is enough to do and I want to make sure we relax and it is not go-go-go like the parks.

I heard from the TA, I let her know my 7pm show and 8:30 dinner preference and she confirmed that is what I have so she will cancel the waitlist for the earlier seating.

 

[Karen from VA]

I did a search on Pirate night on all the threads and didn't come up with much. So I wanted to get some input on it. For us it is on the 20th correct?

I was at the Halloween store and there were tons of pirate costumes at least 10-15 for women and men and about 5 for girls. I got to thinking that it would be a good time to get ours because of the availability. I could wait until after Halloween but the selection and sizes will be sketchy. Having said that I could easily spend $100 for a costume and accessories. I wouldn't mind that if it is a costume party and lots of people dress up. If we are a handful of the only few then I don't think it is worth it. What do you think is the percentage of people who dress up? Who else from our cruise on this board is dressing up?

I also read about a suitcase weight limit and people not taking costumes because of it. I assume that is the airlines, correct? There is no suitcase weight limit on the boat is there? We are driving down in the Sienna and don't have any constraints on what we bring. Are their constraints to how much you bring on board?

 

[Karen from VA]

My honey has an addiction to Mountain Dew and can drink a 2 liter in a day or two. I know, I think that is terrible but he is as skinny as a rail and claims that is one of his few vices and doesn't want me to bug him about it. I read you have to pay for sodas, is there a bottomless cup like at the resorts available? The resorts don't carry Pepsi products, they only have Coke products.

Can I pack a suitcase with three or four 2 liters for our cabin?

Ignore this, I just found a good thread on this.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2539706&highlight=soda

 

[outahere]

My honey has an addiction to Mountain Dew and can drink a 2 liter in a day or two. I know, I think that is terrible but he is as skinny as a rail and claims that is one of his few vices and doesn't want me to bug him about it. I read you have to pay for sodas, is there a bottomless cup like at the resorts available? The resorts don't carry Pepsi products, they only have Coke products.

Can I pack a suitcase with three or four 2 liters for our cabin?

Ignore this, I just found a good thread on this.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2539706&highlight=soda

Yes you can carry it on with you, and get ice at the drink station, or in your cabin from your stateroom attendant.

 

[Deb T.]

Hi Everyone!

We just had another family join our FE Exchange! Here is the updated list of participants so far:

Fish Extender Exchange: (Deadline to join 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 (*still need DH and children’s names)
goofy4tink & DH, DD17
jeni37 & DH, DS14, DS10, DD6
kim5678 & DH, DD13
lindafish & DH
disneycruisegal & DH
caronjn & DW, DS10, DD7 (*still need cabin number and names)
alenushka & DH, DD10, (and maybe DS in college)
pershing & DS16, DS14, DS13
bdink921& DH, DS12
svcutler & DH, DD15, DD11
Downrivermama & DD12
Rlbren & DH
allaboutdisney1967 & DH, DD13
Karen from VA & DH, DD6


Anyone else??

 

[Deb T.]

I did a search on Pirate night on all the threads and didn't come up with much. So I wanted to get some input on it. For us it is on the 20th correct?

I was at the Halloween store and there were tons of pirate costumes at least 10-15 for women and men and about 5 for girls. I got to thinking that it would be a good time to get ours because of the availability. I could wait until after Halloween but the selection and sizes will be sketchy. Having said that I could easily spend $100 for a costume and accessories. I wouldn't mind that if it is a costume party and lots of people dress up. If we are a handful of the only few then I don't think it is worth it. What do you think is the percentage of people who dress up? Who else from our cruise on this board is dressing up?

I also read about a suitcase weight limit and people not taking costumes because of it. I assume that is the airlines, correct? There is no suitcase weight limit on the boat is there? We are driving down in the Sienna and don't have any constraints on what we bring. Are their constraints to how much you bring on board?

It's really hard to predict how many people will be in costume for Pirate Night. Since this sailing seems to be heavy with DISers, I would guess there will be a fair amount dressed up. However, basically you should probably go with the notion that you're dressing up for fun, whether or not everyone else is. Plus, it makes for a great family photo, especially when Captain Jack is in the photo! DH and I won't be dressed in full pirate gear this cruise (we only do that when we have young kids with us), but we'll definitely wear a few accessories. I can tell you that it always appears that the families who are all dressed up seem to be having the most fun that evening! My vote is go for it!

 

[jilljill]

My honey has an addiction to Mountain Dew and can drink a 2 liter in a day or two. I know, I think that is terrible but he is as skinny as a rail and claims that is one of his few vices and doesn't want me to bug him about it. I read you have to pay for sodas, is there a bottomless cup like at the resorts available? The resorts don't carry Pepsi products, they only have Coke products.

Can I pack a suitcase with three or four 2 liters for our cabin?

Ignore this, I just found a good thread on this.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2539706&highlight=soda

Just checking to see that you also found in that thread that you do not pay for sodas/drinks at the 24 hour self serve drink station on the pool deck and in the dining rooms/buffet.
Now I'm curious where you read that you have to pay for sodas? You only pay for them from a bar or room service.



Pirate night....we find the number of people that dress up to me minimal, I'd say about 10-15% or a bit less. That's the ones that go full out in costume and such. Our family will usually wear a Pirate t-shirt or something along those lines.