April 29, 2012 ~ Aloha! ~ Inagural Wonder to Hawaii-Part 4

[dcannon101]

Cayla aka Kaila (don't like the spelling, I think the pronouncation is most likely the same)

WOW This is weird. Your Hawaiian name and mine are the same.

Dale aka Kaila

 

[TryingtoRelax]

My husband has been making fun of me since we booked this cruise a few weeks ago. I've been reading this thread non-stop, to gather all the extremely valuable information you all have to offer. Never having cruised before, it's been so helpful. But it took a long time to read it, and he's been calling me a stalker. I'm not, but I don't have much to say, other than thanks for the help you didn't realize you were giving, and we're looking forward to the time with our little ones. I'll be at the little people meet with our son (6) and daughter (3). They're so excited to go on "the hotel boat."

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Welcome stalker, oh I mean TryingtoRelax. LOL. Hotel boat, how cute!

 

[AlohaDisney]

My husband has been making fun of me since we booked this cruise a few weeks ago. I've been reading this thread non-stop, to gather all the extremely valuable information you all have to offer. Never having cruised before, it's been so helpful. But it took a long time to read it, and he's been calling me a stalker. I'm not, but I don't have much to say, other than thanks for the help you didn't realize you were giving, and we're looking forward to the time with our little ones. I'll be at the little people meet with our son (6) and daughter (3). They're so excited to go on "the hotel boat."

Welcome! My little guy is most excited about eating pizza and hotdogs on a boat... It's fun to see what they become excited about!

 

[gdaneowner]

Let me know if you need any help, I would be happy to bring a package of diapers (or two!) since we have just a short drive to the port. I am just always thinking worse case scenarios and how would I handle them! LOL

Thanks for the offer, but I already ordered and paid for a 15 night supply from Babies Travel Lite!.. It just seemed like the easiest most convienent way to get them!.. It is wipes and all, so I think his butt is covered!.. (pun intended)..

 

[Pixiegran]

My husband has been making fun of me since we booked this cruise a few weeks ago. I've been reading this thread non-stop, to gather all the extremely valuable information you all have to offer. Never having cruised before, it's been so helpful. But it took a long time to read it, and he's been calling me a stalker. I'm not, but I don't have much to say, other than thanks for the help you didn't realize you were giving, and we're looking forward to the time with our little ones. I'll be at the little people meet with our son (6) and daughter (3). They're so excited to go on "the hotel boat."

Welcome. If you haven't already please go to page one and sign in on the roll call. That info will help others - like Mom's with small kids - to able to contact you form play dates

 

[Lexa]

Welcome aboard TryingtoRelax!

 

[Lexa]

I'm glad I checked our flights tonight. They changed our last leg in Chicago and now we have 40 minutes to get off the plane and to different gate to catch the flight home. I hate ORD because coming in or going out..you are always late. Seems they cancelled our flight #, but there are other 2 lights and they moved us to one who has only 40 minutes layover...need to call them tomorrow....they also moved our confirmed seats from the front of our plane to way back....what in the world????? Do I need to say that I didn't get a phone call or email about changes.....

 

[TChrist05]

LindaBabe....I totally agree with you in the statement that Disney probably prefers first timers rather than the seasoned DCL cruisers....we have done 27 Disney cruises....never an upgrade....but the second and third timers seem to get them all the time. Just my humble opinion.
Tom & Marilou

 

[TryingtoRelax]

I tried the spreadsheet, but it looks organized. (I fear messing around with other people's organization, given that organization is such hard work.) Do I just stick my info down on the bottom line? (Sorry, that sounds like such a silly question. Did I mention that I was new to this).

And, yeah, can I say my two were beside themselves at the idea of an entire restaurant devoted to hot dogs!

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

I used the Babies Travel Lite delivery site for my diapers. They have a bundle that comes with diapers, wipes, stinky diaper bags, and changing pads.. It really wasn't un-reasonably priced, considering that you don't have to have an entire piece of luggage to carry it in!.. They do also offer meal time bundles, that have baby foods in them. You might want to check them out.. You might find it much easier than lugging around all of your baby supplies!..

Definitely will be easier than lugging all the way from Australia, Airports are a nightmare, add in 3 kids, 6-8 pieces of luggage, a stroller and a car seat, Phew.... I'm surprised we still travel! I'm sure you completely understand

Playing devil's advocate here...for those of you needing diapers and ordering them to be delivered at the ship, what happens if they are not there when you arrive? Does the ship sell them? We are at sea for so many days before we reach land that I'm sure you would need more then what's in your diaper bag. I know these thoughts always went through my mind when going on vacations with kids in diapers.

Don't even put that idea out there in the universe, It's not going to happen!

We were on a cruise with a family with a small baby. The mom brought food for him - it was in plastic packaging - BUT she brought it at the rate he normally ate - and he blew through that really quickly - something about sea air

She had some kind of "feeder" that she stuffed with watermellon, seeds and all. (edit - it's the Munchkin Fresh food feeder on the baby's travel lite website) He sucked the fruit through the mesh of the thing and the seeds stayed behind.

If your baby's not that small, mashed table food should work great. Lots of sandwiches available both through room service, table service, buffets and at goofy's gallery. Trust me - baby won't starve!

I have one of those feeder thingy-ma-jigs, It's great, but very messy!
I didn't think there would be any chance of him going hungry, not on a Disney cruise, just want to make sure it's food that he can eat without getting an upset tummy. I think he'll be fine, he sometimes eats the veges off my plate when we eat out now,

Can you call Disney Cruise Line without it costing a bundle??? Before you do anything else call them and ask about food for baby..explaining he can eat well cooked veggies smashed etc. They manage to feed my adult daughter who is allergic to 80%+ of the foods the rest of us eat with no issue so I think they would be prepared for older babies eating "solids" sort of. If it is too costly please post that and i will be happy to call them from Seattle (I have free long distance) and talk to them and let you know asap. If they know ahead what you need they are usually awesome about providing it. Also ask about price and availability of diapers.

Thanks for your thoughtful offer Judy. If Disney won't 'smash' his food then I will just order a plate of veges and 'smash' it with a fork myself. I am they have lot's of experience with babies, I don't know why I am worrying..... typical Mother!
Wow, that must be hard for your daughter. Do you need to carry an epi-pen, It's quite scary. Does she still enjoy her food?
My daughter is allergic to milk, not intolerant, allergic. It is not a fatal reaction, and she can tolerate small amounts, but if she has too much it builds up in her body and she becomes quite sick. Unfortunately I fear my baby will be the same, he is showing early signs.

Hayley:

I'm here in San Diego - right by Sea World - so I would be HAPPY to get stuff for you here so you don't have to schlepp it all the way from Australia for goodness sakes!!!

Just PM me a list of preferred brands and size of diapers, wipes, food etc. and I can pick them up and have them for you when you arrive. That way you can just pack them in your rental car for the drive up to LA when you are ready to go.

It hasn't been so long that I don't remember what a royal pain it is to travel with a baby - let me help you!


Stephanie

Thank-you Stephanie, That is so generous of you. I have placed an order with babiestravellite.com. I wouldn't like to burden anyone with boring nappie/diaper shopping
Besides, I am planning to shop in San Diego and will need my luggage space for more important things like shoes and handbags, lol.

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

As quickly as I post there are more replies!!!

We traveled with 2 babies that were 13 months and still eating soft mushed up stuff. DCL was able to see to it that they had yummy stuff each meal. Mashed potatoes, soft veggies, mushed up pastas

Sounds perfect, that puts my mind at ease, Thanks.

My little niece (8 months old) just got off the Dream a couple weeks ago, and the Main Dining Rooms had pureed food for her.

Awesome, OK, I am really OK with it now.
I have still placed an order with babiestravellitle.com for food pouches to take on excursions and stuff, but I think I'm all organised now.

You COULD buy diapers in Hawaii.....that way you would only need 1 week's worth. JUst a thought.

Thanks Connie, I did think of that, but didn't want to waste my limited time in Hawaii diaper shopping!
PS, sending good vibes for your verandah room, you might get dusted....

My husband has been making fun of me since we booked this cruise a few weeks ago. I've been reading this thread non-stop, to gather all the extremely valuable information you all have to offer. Never having cruised before, it's been so helpful. But it took a long time to read it, and he's been calling me a stalker. I'm not, but I don't have much to say, other than thanks for the help you didn't realize you were giving, and we're looking forward to the time with our little ones. I'll be at the little people meet with our son (6) and daughter (3). They're so excited to go on "the hotel boat."

Hi and welcome! I love that ... hotel boat, very cute.

I'm glad I checked our flights tonight. They changed our last leg in Chicago and now we have 40 minutes to get off the plane and to different gate to catch the flight home. I hate ORD because coming in or going out..you are always late. Seems they cancelled our flight #, but there are other 2 lights and they moved us to one who has only 40 minutes layover...need to call them tomorrow....they also moved our confirmed seats from the front of our plane to way back....what in the world????? Do I need to say that I didn't get a phone call or email about changes.....

I hate airlines!! I still haven't been given a bassinet seat and am really hoping I don't have to fly 13 hours to LAX with a fidgety baby on my lap. I still had to pay over $600 for him in taxes, but no seat or bassinet!

LindaBabe....I totally agree with you in the statement that Disney probably prefers first timers rather than the seasoned DCL cruisers....we have done 27 Disney cruises....never an upgrade....but the second and third timers seem to get them all the time. Just my humble opinion.
Tom & Marilou

It makes sense, they clearly already have you hooked, they may think it is smarter to try and shmooze the newbies and hook them too.
They really should look after the loyal cruisers first.

 

[JLSE50]

From DISNEY INSIDER:

Jan/Kana

 

[MrsMork]

My husband has been making fun of me since we booked this cruise a few weeks ago. I've been reading this thread non-stop, to gather all the extremely valuable information you all have to offer. Never having cruised before, it's been so helpful. But it took a long time to read it, and he's been calling me a stalker. I'm not, but I don't have much to say, other than thanks for the help you didn't realize you were giving, and we're looking forward to the time with our little ones. I'll be at the little people meet with our son (6) and daughter (3). They're so excited to go on "the hotel boat."

Welcome!! And come to the DIS meet at 3 also! Lots of nice friendly people there and although we may seem to know each other, many, many of us have never met.

I'm glad I checked our flights tonight. They changed our last leg in Chicago and now we have 40 minutes to get off the plane and to different gate to catch the flight home. I hate ORD because coming in or going out..you are always late. Seems they cancelled our flight #, but there are other 2 lights and they moved us to one who has only 40 minutes layover...need to call them tomorrow....they also moved our confirmed seats from the front of our plane to way back....what in the world????? Do I need to say that I didn't get a phone call or email about changes.....

LindaBabe....I totally agree with you in the statement that Disney probably prefers first timers rather than the seasoned DCL cruisers....we have done 27 Disney cruises....never an upgrade....but the second and third timers seem to get them all the time. Just my humble opinion.
Tom & Marilou

Yep, 12 done, number 13 here, never an upgrade.

 

[padalyn]

I'm sorry you can't get a massage.....I have fibromyalgia and it really helps me. I have one every week! I had this Romanian guy do my hot stone massage on the Fantasy....I had him on the Dream last year.....but I am having a senior moment right now and I can't remember his name....anyway, he has GREAT hands! I DID have to tell him to be more gentle on my calves because of my vericose veins, but otherwise........wow!

Connie - were you on the Fantasy? Her Maiden voyage sails on Saturday...

WOW This is weird. Your Hawaiian name and mine are the same.

Dale aka Kaila

You can have it if you like - I prefer my name as I picked it! I was trying for a word that has no meaning in any language - google didn't come up with one - so I thought I was safe...well...not so much. In Serbian it means banana and in Hebrew is has a meaning as well...oh well. My best friend's mom named her a French word - years after we became friends I found out her name means "lap dog" (Babiche). So, when I changed my name I was REALLY trying for a non-word.

LindaBabe....I totally agree with you in the statement that Disney probably prefers first timers rather than the seasoned DCL cruisers....we have done 27 Disney cruises....never an upgrade....but the second and third timers seem to get them all the time. Just my humble opinion.
Tom & Marilou

this will be number 18 and my first upgrade - I still think it was because it was a handicapped room and no other reason. It is frustrating to us long time cruisers. On one thread someone suggested they toss darts at a diagram of the ship to determine who gets upgraded. They always miss me!

 

[Lexa]

I asked my TA if she can call DCL months ago and request a stateroom, the same as we had last year on Magic. I know they usually don't take requests, but my TA said they took a note....and guess what...we didn't get 7076 which was stateroom on Magic, but close enough, it's 7078.

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

I asked my TA if she can call DCL months ago and request a stateroom, the same as we had last year on Magic. I know they usually don't take requests, but my TA said they took a note....and guess what...we didn't get 7076 which was stateroom on Magic, but close enough, it's 7078.

We had 7076 on the WBTA 2010, loved it, great location and it had a double steamer trunk.


Do any of you or your kids collect Vinylmation? They have a cute Tiki one available at the moment at disneystore dot com. Called Hawaii Tiki!
Geez I wish we had Disney Store here, could have gone nuts for FE's! Some great stuff. They do ship to Oz, but the shipping rates are crazy.

 

[Pixiegran]

We had 7076 on the WBTA 2010, loved it, great location and it had a double steamer trunk.


Do any of you or your kids collect Vinylmation? They have a cute Tiki one available at the moment at disneystore dot com. Called Hawaii Tiki!
Geez I wish we had Disney Store here, could have gone nuts for FE's! Some great stuff. They do ship to Oz, but the shipping rates are crazy.

FYI Disney stores themselves have a lousy selection. I am sure it is less than 1% of what is online that is in actual stores.

 

[AZMouseFan]

So, just got home from work and DCL left me a message that the Town, Country and Tequila excursion for Ensenada is now canceled! It was a prerecorded message which didn't go into specifics but they said something about "constantly looking out for what's best for their cruisers". Did anyone else get a message about a canceled excursion for Ensenada. They said I could book another excursion through the website. But if they canceled this due to violence in the area, I'm concerned about booking anything else!





Lissa

We also got this recording. It was pretty funny because the landline and my cell were ringing at the same time with the same message! The tour could be cancelled because of violence but since other tours are still available I doubt it. My guess is the quality of the tour wasn't up to Disney standards. I tried to book the wine tasting this evening but the website wasn't cooperating. I'll try again tomorrow.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Thanks for the link!! But, not sure I like the result....

Bev = Pewi




Bev & Gary (Pewi & Kali)

Mine is Kepi....it's only a little better than Pewi. I like Gary....Kali is nice. John is Keoni. So we're Kepi and Keoni....hahaha.