April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[Deb T.]

Last week, I started a fun little description of what daily life on the Dream will be like when it’s our turn to cruise, affectionately titled “Exactly 5 Weeks from Today”. Unfortunately, I was interrupted by "life" and had to postpone my story. I’m happy to report that I am ready to continue it tomorrow - at the 4-week mark. For those who missed my first installments and would like to catch up, here they are.

Exactly 5 Weeks from Today: Saturday night preparations http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40294090&postcount=2644

Exactly 5 Weeks from Today: Sunday morning, boarding the Disney Dream http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40302211&postcount=2666

Exactly 5 Weeks from Today: Sunday afternoon
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40304175&postcount=2671

Exactly 5 Weeks from Today: Sunday evening
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40307764&postcount=2686

Exactly 5 Weeks from Today: Monday Nassau
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40330495&postcount=2712

 

[alenushka]

..
Connor qualified for AAU Nationals in both Point Sparring and Forms! He finished in 3rd place in both disciplines!
Debbie

Congratulations Connor!!! v

I have been busy buying and returning shoes - not sure how Zappos stays in business lol

So funny you mentioned it - that is exactly what I have been doing
Deb T. - I ordered those shape-ups you recommended, they seemed comfy, but right foot felt tighter compare to left. So I checked - right is size 7, left is size 8 I also ordered two new pairs on sandals (my desperate attempt to find that ONE pair of sandals) - trying to decide on shape-ups sandals (have been wearing them since 5 pm - so far so good ). This goes on and on, as a result - I have about 4 pairs to be returned tomorrow....

I was working on putting the FE stuff together last night. I was originally going to just throw everything in a suitcase and put them together when we got to Orlando on Thursday night. Well, it's a good thing I decided to put them together because they took forever to make up. .

Back in September, I thought I would just get all the gifts and then put them all in one bag and easily deliver them as is. What was I thinking?!? It took me way more than 7 hours to print labels and tags and to bag all these little things into little bags. The good thing - I brought my laptop with me and watched (should I say "listened to") all shows on line I missed during the last month ( 4 hr of Apprentice, Private practice, etc. ) I am glad all gifts are bagged, labeled and tagged. My DH took a picture to document my insanity Now - there is hope for our gym room and DS's pool table which were completely overtaken by FE's gifts

 

[bdink921]

Deb, I love love love your posts about each day of the cruise (sure is nice to imagine all we'll be doing), but could you please skip the day we have to leave -- that's the one day I don't want to 'dream' about

P.S Jacob just started with a cold today and was feeling pretty crappy when he went to bed -- hope it runs its course around our family and leaves quickly. I already have a sore throat -- yuck.

 

[Downrivermama]

Came home from our long weekend to find our cruise docs!!!

 

[Deb T.]

It's Tuesday morning, and exactly 4 weeks from today we'll be looking forward to enjoying a full day on a little piece of heaven on earth we call Castaway Cay! As the captain docks the ship, we gaze longingly at the pristine white sand beach dotted with colorful umbrellas and lounge chairs that are beckoning us ashore. We eagerly don bathing suits, sunscreen and cover-ups and then head up to Cabana’s to indulge in another wonderful breakfast onboard. It is so nice not to have to cook! Beginning around 8:30am, we’ll make our way down to Deck 1 to debark directly onto the island – no tenders for us here!

As we make our way past the tiny little post office on the right, some of us will stop in to purchase Bahamian stamps to adhere to postcards destined for the family and friends who aren’t enjoying pure paradise with us today. “Wish you were here!” Sometimes, Donald Duck is standing outside for photos! We’ll also run into Mickey, Minnie, and even Captain Jack Sparrow throughout the day for fun photo ops! This is the second time (and the last) that we can get "up close and personal" photos of our beautiful ship!

We’ll make our way to one of several beaches... families will settle on the first beach on the left, arriving by tram or by walking. Seasoned castaways who prefer fewer crowds will continue on down to the far end of the family beach. Teens will head to their own private hideaway, feeling very grown up with all their new found freedom from parents and happy to spend the day with their friends again. Adults sans children will continue on to Serenity Bay. Everyone will marvel at the crystal clear pale blue ocean water! Wow! Look closely, and you’ll see tiny little fish darting around in the water, reminding us that we really are on a teeny tiny natural tropical island in the middle of the ocean!

Now that we have staked out our little piece of paradise for the next several hours, it’s time to relax! With any luck, the sun is shining brightly, there’s a gentle tropical breeze, and the crystal clear Caribbean ocean is warm. We sit back in our beach chair (or hammock or lounge chair) and enjoy the gorgeous view! The ocean stretches out in front of us for as far as we can see! Those on the family beach have a fabulous view of The Dream docked to the left. Laughter and squeals fill the air as children of all ages begin to frolic in the water. We can’t help but smile as our picture perfect vacation plays out before our very eyes.

More of Tuesday at Castaway Cay to follow later.....

 

[WPoohgirl]

Our house in NY closed and officially belongs to someone else - Thank Goodness! What a relief, raise your hand if you detest moving. I was there all last week with the movers packing.

Now we are trying to close on a house here on the 31st I have to get us out of the rental, clean that and get us into the new house before April 12th when we leave for Sarasota. How is this going to happen? Really I am just so grateful that we sold our house, boy was that stressful.

I just cannot wait to meet you all, sincerely. My daughter is so much more comfortable knowing some of the kids on the board already. She had the toughest time with the move. By the time we get on the plane I am going to have a goofy hat on waving a three fingered glove screaming wha hoo! I'll be lucky if they don't lock me up!!!!

 

[WPoohgirl]

It's Tuesday morning, and exactly 4 weeks from today we'll be looking forward to enjoying a full day on a little piece of heaven on earth we call Castaway Cay! As the captain docks the ship, we gaze longingly at the pristine white sand beach dotted with colorful umbrellas and lounge chairs that are beckoning us ashore. We eagerly don bathing suits, sunscreen and cover-ups and then head up to Cabana’s to indulge in another wonderful breakfast on-board. It is so nice not to have to cook! Beginning around 8:30am, we’ll make our way down to Deck 1 to debark directly onto the island – no tenders for us here!

As we make our way past the tiny little post office on the right, some of us will stop in to purchase Bahamian stamps to adhere to postcards destined for the family and friends who aren’t enjoying pure paradise with us today. “Wish you were here!” Sometimes, Donald Duck is standing outside for photos! We’ll also run into Mickey, Minnie, and even Captain Jack Sparrow throughout the day for fun photo ops! This is the second time (and the last) that we can get "up close and personal" photos of our beautiful ship!

We’ll make our way to one of several beaches... families will settle on the first beach on the left, arriving by tram or by walking. Seasoned castaways who prefer fewer crowds will continue on down to the far end of the family beach. Teens will head to their own private hideaway, feeling very grown up with all their new found freedom from parents and happy to spend the day with their friends again. Adults sans children will continue on to Serenity Bay. Everyone will marvel at the crystal clear pale blue ocean water! Wow! Look closely, and you’ll see tiny little fish darting around in the water, reminding us that we really are on a teeny tiny natural tropical island in the middle of the ocean!

Now that we have staked out our little piece of paradise for the next several hours, it’s time to relax! With any luck, the sun is shining brightly, there’s a gentle tropical breeze, and the crystal clear Caribbean ocean is warm. We sit back in our beach chair (or hammock or lounge chair) and enjoy the gorgeous view! The ocean stretches out in front of us for as far as we can see! Those on the family beach have a fabulous view of The Dream docked to the left. Laughter and squeals fill the air as children of all ages begin to frolic in the water. We can’t help but smile as our picture perfect vacation plays out before our very eyes.

More of Tuesday at Castaway Cay to follow later.....

This is soooooo delicious!!!!! This is what we all have in common isn't it? We all share the same love of this trip. Deb you describe so articulately every feeling that I experience when I am on the cruise. I took some time for myself this morning and carefully read through each time frame. It was almost like really being there. If I close my eyes I can feel the warm wind on my face and hear all the sounds. Thank you so much!!! My husband thought I was in some kind of coma! He called me a goofball. Heavens to Murgatroid I was weeping!!!!

You have taken "day dreaming" (very puny) to a whole new level! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this for us, I genuinely appreciate it. Really helps the old stress level!
Wendy

 

[Deb T.]

Deb, I love love love your posts about each day of the cruise (sure is nice to imagine all we'll be doing), but could you please skip the day we have to leave -- that's the one day I don't want to 'dream' about

I have to be almost dragged off the ship at the end of each cruise, so I totally relate to you and disliking that last day. I promise to make it not quite so painful.

Our house in NY closed and officially belongs to someone else - Thank Goodness! What a relief, raise your hand if you detest moving. I was there all last week with the movers packing.

Now we are trying to close on a house here on the 31st I have to get us out of the rental, clean that and get us into the new house before April 12th when we leave for Sarasota. How is this going to happen? Really I am just so grateful that we sold our house, boy was that stressful.

I just cannot wait to meet you all, sincerely. My daughter is so much more comfortable knowing some of the kids on the board already. She had the toughest time with the move. By the time we get on the plane I am going to have a goofy hat on waving a three fingered glove screaming wha hoo! I'll be lucky if they don't lock me up!!!!

This is soooooo delicious!!!!! This is what we all have in common isn't it? We all share the same love of this trip. Deb you describe so articulately every feeling that I experience when I am on the cruise. I took some time for myself this morning and carefully read through each time frame. It was almost like really being there. If I close my eyes I can feel the warm wind on my face and hear all the sounds. Thank you so much!!! My husband thought I was in some kind of coma! He called me a goofball. Heavens to Murgatroid I was weeping!!!!

You have taken "day dreaming" (very puny) to a whole new level! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this for us, I genuinely appreciate it. Really helps the old stress level!
Wendy

You are very sweet! I appreciate all of your kind words. You're right - we all share the same love of this trip - and the promise of the great family vacation that it holds.

 

[guarn3md]

Good Morning...
2 questions...
1) If I want to ship a box to myself for the cruise - FE gifts...how would I do that? Does anyone know...
2) Yelena - you sent me a message through facebook and said you posted a driving checklist...did you post that here or somewhere else? I was looking for it, but didn't know where it was...

Thanks for the help!
Debbie

 

[Deb T.]

1) If I want to ship a box to myself for the cruise - FE gifts...how would I do that? Does anyone know...
Thanks for the help!
Debbie

This info can be found in the DIS DCL FAQ sticky at the top of the main cruise thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2068966

Here ya go!
Boxes Sent the Ship Ahead of Cruise - PLEASE follow these instructions carefully!!!!!! UPDATED AS OF 2/25/2009
• ONE box per stateroom, no exceptions.
• The package must have the guest full name, ship, sailing date, stateroom number or GTY if you have not been assigned a stateroom number.
• The package also must have a packing slip attached to the outside of the box that details the contents of the package. For prescriptions, a copy of the prescription is sufficient. Your list may or may not be read but it must have one. Write packing slip on the outside of the envelope.
• NO FOODS/DRINKS OF ANY KIND, LIQUOR OF ANY KIND, FIREARMS, ETC.. Items that cannot be shipped to the Disney Cruise Line Warehouse and delivered to the ship include: food products (any and all food products including baby food/formula), beverages (liquor, water, etc.), chemicals, and luggage. These items will not be accepted at the warehouse and will be returned. This may cause the dogs to hit on your box and that would be a bad thing.
• The required size of the cartons you are shipping down have to be about the size of a record storage box 12 inches on a side and should not weigh more than 20 lbs. (This has been asked personally by Dave Adams who is the owner)

Address your package(s) to:
Disney Cruise Line Warehouse
Guest Name / Stateroom # (GTY, if you don't know what it is when you send the package)
8633 Transport Drive
Orlando, FL 32832
Phone: 407-566-8196

In the bottom left corner of the top of the package put the following information: ATTN: HOUSEKEEPING
*Name
*Sail Date
*Ship
*Stateroom Number
*Packing slip that details contents of the package (for prescriptions, a copy of the prescription is sufficient)
• Packages must arrive by Friday by 3:00pm for the 7-Night Cruise on the Disney Magic (Saturday).
• Packages must arrive by Friday by 3:00pm for the 4-Night Cruise on the Disney Wonder (Sunday).
• Packages must arrive by Wednesday by 3:00pm for the 3-Night Cruise on the Disney Wonder (Thursday).

If your box is hit on by the screening dog or chosen for additional screening they will open the list and the box and look through it. They will close it back up and provided nothing bad is in it then it will be in your room as usual later after boarding. These boxes will be coming on the ship with the crew mail among other things so they may be in the staterooms later then they were before as they are low priority in the scheme of things for Disney.

 

[Deb T.]

2) Yelena - you sent me a message through facebook and said you posted a driving checklist...did you post that here or somewhere else? I was looking for it, but didn't know where it was...

Thanks for the help!
Debbie

It was buried way back on page 176 http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40287191&postcount=2637

I just found a few of my packing lists. I hope this list does NOT add to the stress level, but opposite, help to organize. I like to print it a week before we leave, and cross out things I packed/don't need. Also, I write notes on it and reminders. It helps me sleep, lol . A few items we have to pack the morning of...I hope it is helpful. If anybody have any additions/new ideas, would be great to know! Last minute packing list

Chargers –
phones (2)
A’s mp3
K’s ipod
D’s ipod
DS
DSi
Photocamera (3)
Videocamera
Gps
Ipad
iTouch
Pandigital

iPad
iPad car and photo card adaptors
Pandigital
itouch
DVD players
CD’s
Audiobooks
DS
DSi
MP3
Ipods
Photo Camera(s)
Videocamera

(this is scary how our "technology" list grew over the past few years )

Phone(s)
Belts
Eye glasses (3)
Sun glasses
Contact lens plus extra set
Contact lens case and solution

Kid’s activity bag for the car
HW to catch up/school vacation packets
Water
snacks
Webkinz / toys

car pillows
Road blankets
picnic bag (table cover, salt/pepper, knife, paper plates/cups/spoons/forks, paper towels, cereal bowls, food )

Hair brush/last minute bathroom supplies (make up, nail polish/kit, shaver)
toothbrushes
BP meds

Extra car keys
Jewelries

Money
Tickets
Passports
Hotel reservations
Island car/tours reservations
Print outs
Directions / address
Driving I-95 guide
Rain coats
Umbrella
Extra Socks

For the car:
Tissues
Hand sanitizer
moist wipes
hand cream
deodorants
Toilet seat covers
Stain remover
Rubbing alcohol swabs
First aid kit (tylenon, advil, Mylanta, peptobismol, Neosporin, bandaids)

Book/magazine

Ziplock bags (large and small)
Address labels (for luggage)
Flashlight
Nightlight
Laundry bag
Single dollars (for tips)

Travel size Agave (sugar substitute)

TO DO last minute:
download books
Download movies
“getting away” message on phones and email
Computer back up
A box for mail for a neighbor
Program/unprogram shows on DVR
Call credit card company and inform about your trip out of country
Call cel. phone company and inquire about International min plans
Take contact lenses box
Watches
Cold water for the road

Unplug electricity
Turn off a/c / heat
Turn off water
Take out garbage
Water plants
Fill in water for bamboo
Turn off boiler

 

[guarn3md]

Thanks Deb for the helpful information!

So if the box can not have any food items - I am taking that to mean that if our FE gifts have tootsie rolls, starbursts, tootsie pops, etc... in them then I can't send them, correct?
Ugghhh... Oh well trying to prevent my Dad's eyes from popping out of his head when he sees all the stuff we think we are putting in the car. Maybe I should go back to the idea of a rooftop carrier.
Debbie

 

[Deb T.]

Thanks Deb for the helpful information!

So if the box can not have any food items - I am taking that to mean that if our FE gifts have tootsie rolls, starbursts, tootsie pops, etc... in them then I can't send them, correct?
Ugghhh... Oh well trying to prevent my Dad's eyes from popping out of his head when he sees all the stuff we think we are putting in the car. Maybe I should go back to the idea of a rooftop carrier.
Debbie

I don't know how strict they are about food items... but the sniffer dog would be cause for concern.

 

[Deb T.]

Tuesday at Castaway Cay, continued...

We’ve been enjoying on the beach for a couple of hours now! Building sandcastles, swimming, sunning, and smiling. Beach volleyball, a basketball free-throw challenge, and Crab Races are all starting soon. A DJ is playing popular beach music. Yes, the family beach area is alive with energy! Some have already ventured off on rented bicycles or are floating lazily in rented inner tubes. Getting hungry? Cookies' BBQ and Cookies’ BBQ2 have been preparing barbecue feasts for us, buffet style! We gather the family and migrate toward the aroma of hamburgers and barbequed chicken. After filling our plates full, we find a picnic table in the shade of the shelter and proceed to fill our bellies, being careful to save some room for ice cream!

After lunch, some will check the younger children into Scuttle's Cove so parents can have a little bit of “couple” time. The kids will enjoy some fun activities while parents explore the island on their own and possibly even decide to see what the adults-only beach is all about. Serenity Bay can be found at the far end of the island, at the end of a long tram ride down an abandoned air strip and what seems like worlds away from the family beach. Peaceful and serene, this beach is bliss for those wanting true rest and relaxation. Some are reading, some are dozing, some are floating in the pale blue water, and some are sitting in beach chairs at the edge of the ocean with their feet in the water. The Air Bar is nearby, and a server passes by frequently to make sure we all stay properly “hydrated”. Next to the Air Bar is Serenity Bay’s very own private barbecue lunch spot. And just like at Cookies’ and Cookies’2, they even have ice cream and cookies! We're on vacation, so calories don't count, right??? Those of you who have young children might wish they were older so you, too, could spend the entire day here at Serenity Bay, but those of us who’s children are grown know that those days pass all too quickly and we secretly wish our children were still young and enjoying Castaway Cay with us.

A fun spot to walk off lunch (and get a little exercise) is the walking/bike path half-way down the runway between the family and adult beaches. Our reward for venturing inside this maze-like trail is coming across the little tower where you can look out over most of the island. It’s a pretty long walk, so be sure to grab some cold water before heading in if the day is hot.

All too soon, we realize it’s getting closer and closer to the 4:30pm all-aboard time. Wait! Have we taken time to check out the little souvenir shops yet? Although there are a few Castaway Cay items in the onboard gift shops, a bigger variety of exclusive CC merchandise is for sale only on the island! Don’t worry about not having cash, though, because only our Key to the World cards are accepted here. Very convenient… too convenient according to my DH!

We hear the ship’s horn and that is our cue that all aboard time is approaching. Reluctantly, we start gathering our belongings. Did you know that a sprinkle of baby powder makes brushing off the fine white sand a very easy task? With a heavy heart, we begin heading back toward the ship. Do we REALLY have to leave the island? Say it isn’t so. If we hadn’t thought about rebooking onboard yet, we are certainly thinking about it now!

More of Tuesday (yes, there’s more! ) to be continued later this afternoon…

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks Deb for the helpful information!

So if the box can not have any food items - I am taking that to mean that if our FE gifts have tootsie rolls, starbursts, tootsie pops, etc... in them then I can't send them, correct?
Ugghhh... Oh well trying to prevent my Dad's eyes from popping out of his head when he sees all the stuff we think we are putting in the car. Maybe I should go back to the idea of a rooftop carrier.
Debbie

I was thinking about shipping down a box with all our FE stuff in it for the same reason, but with candy in them, I don't want the dogs to go nutty when they get to my box!! My poor dh is just looking at all the bags and just shakes his head. Looks like one carryon is going to have them all in it. No way am I taking a chance of them disappearing from my checked bags!!

 

[rdevine10]

impatiently awaiting the arrival of our cruise documents.

When do I start to get worried?

 

[bumperlove]

Ok People,

It's snowing outside! And not lightly!

Where's that groundhog!

I was pretty perturbed by the snow yesterday!! Glad it all melted today

 

[golfnsuch]

impatiently awaiting the arrival of our cruise documents.

When do I start to get worried?

Don't worry yet. You're not alone. Although I suspect mine are still at my TA's office waiting to be mailed out to me.

E.

 

[Deb T.]

Exactly 4 week from today, it is Tuesday and..........

We just stepped off Castaway Cay and back onto the Dream to find the sail away party underway on the pool deck. The upbeat music puts us in a festive mood! Shortly, we’ll head to our cabins to begin getting ready for tonight’s activities as our vessel slowly pulls away from the beautiful tiny island. It’s mind boggling that 4,000 people are showering at practically the same time and we all still have plenty of hot water to wash the remnants of Castaway Cay off of us! Gosh, the water heater in my house barely makes it through three people showering!

At our 3rd dinner rotation restaurant, we’ll greet our servers and tablemates by name tonight having become very familiar with them over the last two nights. We’ll also realize that many of the servers who we saw working hard at Cookies BBQ today are now busy making dinner as perfect as possible for us tonight! Do they ever get a day off? (The answer is: rarely – all DCL crew work 70+ hours each week! ) As we look around the restaurant, we observe that a few guests failed to apply enough sunscreen during the day ouch! We also can’t help but notice that the servers and quite a few guests are dressed up like pirates! Aye, tonight is Pirate Night - the “show” for all three restaurants. Did you pack some pirate wear? A pirate t-shirt or head-to-toe authentic outfit? Or maybe you found some pirate-themed items in your FE? Thanks, DCL, for our pirate bandanas! Love the pirate-themed menu!

In between dinner and Pirate Night festivities, there are plenty of activities listed in the Navigator! Keep an eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow and other characters available for photos and autographs! Like to line dance? Then head to D Lounge! Like game shows? Attend “A Pirate’s Life for Me”! Instead of a stage show in the Walt Disney Theatre, a special guest performer has been brought onboard to amaze and entertain us. Who will it be tonight? A comic? A juggler? A ventriloquist? A combination of all three? Let’s go see!

As darkness descends, sailors beware - the pool deck has been transformed into a pirate’s lair! Aye mateys, there be not one, but two pirate parties awaitin’ ye brave souls: the Mickey’s Pirates in the Caribbean family-oriented show and then the livelier Buccaneer Blast as darkness descends. Arrrrrrrrgh! Yes, there be Pirates IN the Caribbean tonight! Let’s get this party started! We’ve learned that DCL is the only cruise line in the world with permission to set off fireworks at sea and we can hardly wait to experience this!

As the pirate party winds down, the Pirate Dessert Buffet is being readied for us in Cabana’s! Oh yeah, it’s time to eat again! Definitely check out all of the spectacular food sculptures on display! But, go soon because it’s only open from 10:30pm to 11:15pm! Afterward, pull up a lounge chair on the pool deck and experience watching Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl on the huge Funnel View movie screen outside on deck 11. Really, how many people can say they have watched one of the Pirates’ movies with the amazing built-in special effect of actually being onboard a real live moving ship?!? Shiver me timbers!

Soon, our sugar high begins to wear off and the now familiar gentle rocking of the ship has relaxed us. We realize we are weary from a full-day of amazing adventures. Time to make our way back to our cabins, empty our FE’s, check out our newest towel animal, glance at tomorrow’s Navigator, and ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……………….

Tomorrow, a day at sea!

 

[Deb T.]

News from DCL:

-- Starting this week, dining times onboard the Disney Dream are being changed. Both dining periods will begin 15 minutes earlier than originally scheduled -- First dining will begin at 5:45 p.m. and second dining at 8:15 p.m.

-- Beginning today, March 22, 2011, you will have until 11:59 p.m. the day before cruise departure to complete online check-in forms. (Previously, your deadline was two days prior to vacation commencement.)

I just read this in my latest weekly email issue of AllEars and thought you'd like to be the first to know!