April 29, 2012 ~ Aloha! ~ Wonder to Hawaii- who is with me?

[MousseauMob]

Now don't laugh at me but I bought that book the day we booked. I would say I was a bit too excited, . Actually we sailed to Alaska last year and her book was extremely helpful.

No laughing, I would have done the same thing, fortunately I already had the book (as well as a number of others) from our 2007 trip, so I just need to find them and pick out my favorites.

We have found the "ULTIMATE ------- GUIDEBOOK by Andrew Doughty
Oahu
Maui
Kaui
Hawaii
The best guideline books for visiting the islands. Even though we have been more then a dozen times, we still buy updated versions to refer to. Check them out at the bookstore or pickup a used one at a second hand store if not to old.

Val

Thanks, I need to go check these out. Travel books and cook books - you can never have too many of. Oh who am I kidding, you can never have too many books of any kind IMO. Even buying my Kindle hasn't stopped me from being a bibliophile. As much as I love Amazon, I have to go to Barnes and Noble from time to time for my smell of coffee and books fix!

ditto what Val said, I would think a Hawaiian theme night too!

Cool - Luau onboard. Now where are they going to bury that pig!

 

[tomoyo]

Thanks so much for your wealth of information.

You're welcome. I suspect I'm not the only lurker watching this thread with a bit of interest.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Hello all....cannot believe my DW and I will be going on this cruise and it is amazing on how many WBTA cruisers are on this cruise also....so I have a couple of questions and please forgive me if it has been asked and answered already on this thread.....we booked the first day last week and we usually always book our next cruise on the ship--10% and onboard credit. We will be sailing on the Dream on May 5th--do not expect any category 11 staterooms to be available when we cruise and the price has gone up already so getting the 10% is probably finished. Since we are on the ship will they give us the onboard credit(which I have no idea what it is for the 15 night) since we are on the ship? If they will not, I did read that if you transfer your reservation to Dreams Unlimited they offer an onboard credit....so please if you have info please let me know.

My DW and I will be interested in joining many of you if you plan on setting up some excursions in Hawaii.....never been there before although my wife has.....

Thanks all.....looking forward to this beautiful cruise.
Tom & Marilou

Welcome on board. It will be great to meet the two of you again.

does anyone who has done a long cruise remember how much rainforest pass would be for 15 night sailing??

I can't remember the exact price, but I think we got 5 days free on the Panama Canal cruise compared what it would have cost to buy day passes.

So instead of doing the Eastern Carribean in Feb. we will now be joining all of you on this "Wonder"- ful cruise to Hawaii!!!

Traveling will be me (Annette, 42 at time of sailing) and my Dsis (Amanda, 43). Since this cruise is in between my and Amanda's bday, we will be celebrating both on the ship. My bday is 2/3 and her's is 6/22. We love the Wonder!

Our last cruise was March 10, 2011 for 3 nights on the Dream and before that is was the 14 night WBTA.

I gotta to start reading since this thread is already over 50 pages long!

Annette

Welcome on board. It is great that you are joining us.

my husband and I are booked! we have a category 9b!! This cruise is like my dream come true I can't wait to go! This year cannot go by fast enough!

Welcome on board.

Thanks, I may have to look into this. Just not sure if I can since my reservation is an OBB I did back on the 2010 WBTA, I booked the 2011 WBTA but changed it to Hawaii. I have also paid about $6000 off it aswell. All these factors might change the usual rules, PLUS I already have $200 OBC from the OBB, Do I get the DU $400 ASWELL, or instead of.
Way too confusing for my current baby brain, Yep, It's turned to mush this pregnancy!



Thanks Corinna, I am going to do some research

DU takes pretty much anything in their stride. As long as you have not paid in full, you are good to go and we normally get the OBC for rebooking on board from DCL and an OBC from DU.

Aloha all!!!

We will be joining you on this cruise as well. Travel party consists of myself, Jordan, Sally (DW), Kailey (DD) and Avery(DD). This will be our 4th cruise and first time back on the Wonder since our honeymoon. We were scheduled for the WBTA last year but had twin girls instead. It will be their first cruise and we are so excited to bring them along as well. We haven't been to Hawai'i since 2005 so it will be exciting to go back.

Can't wait to have a pineapple Dole Whip and fresh fruit at the Dole Plantation on Oahu. Nothing better than fresh fruit in paradise.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Jordan

Welcome on board.

Hello, we will be joining you on this cruise as well. Traveling party consists of me (Heidi) and my DH (Chris). This will be my 11th sailing on DCL and my 4th cruise on the Wonder. We will also be sailing with my parents (my mom is JiminyC_fan), and some good friends (the Dudettes). Looking forward to this cruise because I have always wanted to go to Hawaii! Can't wait to meet some new friends.

Welcome on board

WOW-so many pages already. We are booked so far!! We are on the MV of the Fantasy as well, so no way can I take the kids out of school for another 2 weeks. It was hard enough getting the ok for my oldest to go for one week. He will be in middle school next year-had to ask the principal for an exception.
So, now I need to talk my mom into watching the boys. I need to bribe her with something.

We are paying cash for this one....couldn't be on the phone lines with DVC because I was chaperoning a field trip that day. I got my TA to book it. So, it will be just my DH and myself.

I see alot o familiar names. It will be another great group.

Welcome on board.

Hello all I was reading that The Disney Wonder will be in drydock from September 7-19, 2011 in Canada . Exact plans for this drydock have not been announced. What do you guy think they will be doing new paint new carpet fix things that broke and little updates or do you think they will do any major add on's maybe add magic porthole or even aquaduck (just dreaming)?

I don't think the Magic and Wonder would be big enough for Aquaduck. I heard during the PC cruise that they would make some more changes with Alaska in mind. What shape that may take is anybody's guess.

Corinna

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Travel books and cook books - you can never have too many of.

That is so me.

 

[castoff]

WOW-so many pages already. We are booked so far!! We are on the MV of the Fantasy as well, so no way can I take the kids out of school for another 2 weeks. It was hard enough getting the ok for my oldest to go for one week. He will be in middle school next year-had to ask the principal for an exception.
So, now I need to talk my mom into watching the boys. I need to bribe her with something.

We are paying cash for this one....couldn't be on the phone lines with DVC because I was chaperoning a field trip that day. I got my TA to book it. So, it will be just my DH and myself.

I see alot o familiar names. It will be another great group.

Welcome Aboard ! We are booked on the Fantasy for Thanksgiving ! Can't wait to see the new ship.

Hello all I was reading that The Disney Wonder will be in drydock from September 7-19, 2011 in Canada . Exact plans for this drydock have not been announced. What do you guy think they will be doing new paint new carpet fix things that broke and little updates or do you think they will do any major add on's maybe add magic porthole or even aquaduck (just dreaming)?

Interesting.....I hope something new but have no ideas.

I too ordered 2 books on Hawaii One from Frommers and the one from Ann Vipod. I am still trying to get another cabin to open up so I cam get my discount and OBC.

Hope you get another cabin.

Make sure you sing it low and a bit nasally (sp?) and flip that long hair!

another question for the cruisers that have done these long ones::

I am so used to planning out day by day based on shorter cruise itinerarys that pretty much never change...however, do we get to find out at all before we board what days will be formal, pirate, who the entertainers will be etc????

Somebody from somewhere will find out and then post. I can't wait to find out !!

 

[castoff]

We bought that one along with some Island books, maps, and Disneyland titles last night. The cruise book is extremely helpful and it's hard to put down!

Does it have maps ? Do you like them ? On my list to check out these books ! How is the weather ? I know same as mine. Just lovin it !

We have found the "ULTIMATE ------- GUIDEBOOK by Andrew Doughty
Oahu
Maui
Kaui
Hawaii
The best guideline books for visiting the islands. Even though we have been more then a dozen times, we still buy updated versions to refer to. Check them out at the bookstore or pickup a used one at a second hand store if not to old.

Val

Do you like this one better then frommer's ?

Thanks Tina. Now I can't get that song out of my mind. Maybe we should find a band to play it for the 1st DISboard meet on the ship. Okay, everyone, on the count of three let's sing. :

Bev

Your welcome.

No laughing, I would have done the same thing, fortunately I already had the book (as well as a number of others) from our 2007 trip, so I just need to find them and pick out my favorites.

Thanks, I need to go check these out. Travel books and cook books - you can never have too many of. Oh who am I kidding, you can never have too many books of any kind IMO. Even buying my Kindle hasn't stopped me from being a bibliophile. As much as I love Amazon, I have to go to Barnes and Noble from time to time for my smell of coffee and books fix!

Cool - Luau onboard. Now where are they going to bury that pig!

Same here. I will be checking out the travel section this weekend. Umm they can skip the pig.

You're welcome. I suspect I'm not the only lurker watching this thread with a bit of interest.

The numbers on that is shocking I tell ya just shocking. Feel free to provide any additional information.

 

[Happy Goofy]

Just had Borders put aside the book by Anne Vipond.

Called DCL today and they were able to add the transfers from the DL hotel to the pier and then the pier to the hotel. However I was not able to make reservations at Paradise Pier. They will not be available until around August. Last time we stayed there it was around $ 90 a night and they are right across from DL.

 

[valbob89]

Does it have maps ? Do you like them ? On my list to check out these books ! How is the weather ? I know same as mine. Just lovin it !




Do you like this one better then frommer's ?

Yes we do. We have a couple of Frommer's that I used for Europe and liked better then others but we like these better for Hawaii. Here is a link to a website that you can review, including scanning sample pages.
http://www.wizardpub.com/oahu/oahu.html
val

 

[goofprincess]

ALOHA and welcome to all new people joining this WONDERful Hawaiian cruise. Looks like DH and I will be going to Hawaii in June as my brother and sister in law will be off on a 42 day cruise and we will be staying at their townhouse in Kailua, which is on the opposite side of Waikiki. It will be SO much fun to settle in for three weeks and not feel rushed. I have always wanted to live there since I was in my 20s and now that DH and I are retired, we may find some fun jobs and settle into island life. Hey maybe I could get a job at Aulalni. That way I will fulfill two dreams, living in Hawaii and working for the mouse.

 

[mishoe01]

ALOHA and welcome to all new people joining this WONDERful Hawaiian cruise. Looks like DH and I will be going to Hawaii in June as my brother and sister in law will be off on a 42 day cruise and we will be staying at their townhouse in Kailua, which is on the opposite side of Waikiki. It will be SO much fun to settle in for three weeks and not feel rushed. I have always wanted to live there since I was in my 20s and now that DH and I are retired, we may find some fun jobs and settle into island life. Hey maybe I could get a job at Aulalni. That way I will fulfill two dreams, living in Hawaii and working for the mouse.

Here you go, Sandy...

www.Aulani.jobs/Application

 

[dcannon101]

Just had Borders put aside the book by Anne Vipond.

Called DCL today and they were able to add the transfers from the DL hotel to the pier and then the pier to the hotel. However I was not able to make reservations at Paradise Pier. They will not be available until around August. Last time we stayed there it was around $ 90 a night and they are right across from DL.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did they charge for these? I am planningon staying at the Grand Californian. Hopefully the price will be similar.

 

[sshaw10060]

WOW-so many pages already. We are booked so far!! We are on the MV of the Fantasy as well, so no way can I take the kids out of school for another 2 weeks. It was hard enough getting the ok for my oldest to go for one week. He will be in middle school next year-had to ask the principal for an exception.
So, now I need to talk my mom into watching the boys. I need to bribe her with something.

We are paying cash for this one....couldn't be on the phone lines with DVC because I was chaperoning a field trip that day. I got my TA to book it. So, it will be just my DH and myself.

I see alot o familiar names. It will be another great group.

Aloha Baltic Buddy! It will be great to cruise with the two of you again.

 

[Tinkerbel129]

WOW! We are at 105 stateroom!!

If I'm reading the spreadsheet right

 

[jessrose18]

just booked anabella for one night stay before cruise....not bad $109 plus tax..

they had a link for supershuttle ressies to/from hotel they run $42 per couple from lax and $58 per couple to ship terminal...will keep looking at these options, and of course rental car.

our plan is to fly in sat am and head to disneyland and buy one day hoppers.....according to this years schedule they are open until midnight so i think i just might get my first trip to disneyland through this cruise vacation!


IS THERE A PLACE NEAR DISNEYLAND THAT YOU RECOMEND WE CAN WALK TO/CAB TO TO BUY ALCOHOL? OR CAB TO FROM THE CRUISE SHIP PORT IF WE GET DROPPED OFF BY SHUTTLE? ALSO, CAN YOU PURCHASE LIQOUR ON SUNDAYS IN CA (not in MN so I have to ask)??? ONE MORE LIQUOR QUESTION, IF WE BUY IN HAWAII CAN WE BRING BACK ON THE SHIP AND DRINK????

 

[acourtwdw]

Finally made it the end! Gotta be honest, I skimmed a lot of the pages.

BTW- if you are looking to upgrade/downgrad cabins, look at the site at 12am EST. That is when they release the staterooms that are on "hold".

We called DVC today and re-shopped our cash ressie to points. Yippee!!!

Have a great night everyone

 

[valbob89]

just booked anabella for one night stay before cruise....not bad $109 plus tax..

they had a link for supershuttle ressies to/from hotel they run $42 per couple from lax and $58 per couple to ship terminal...will keep looking at these options, and of course rental car.

our plan is to fly in sat am and head to disneyland and buy one day hoppers.....according to this years schedule they are open until midnight so i think i just might get my first trip to disneyland through this cruise vacation!


IS THERE A PLACE NEAR DISNEYLAND THAT YOU RECOMEND WE CAN WALK TO/CAB TO TO BUY ALCOHOL? OR CAB TO FROM THE CRUISE SHIP PORT IF WE GET DROPPED OFF BY SHUTTLE? ALSO, CAN YOU PURCHASE LIQOUR ON SUNDAYS IN CA (not in MN so I have to ask)??? ONE MORE LIQUOR QUESTION, IF WE BUY IN HAWAII CAN WE BRING BACK ON THE SHIP AND DRINK????

we have never had a problem bringing alcohol back to the ship from a visiting port. We did not try to hide the package. It is my understanding that it is allowed.

 

[Happy Goofy]

There is a super market about a mile from DL. We took a taxi from PP to it. They do not have a big selection . We were interested in wine. We bought one of those three liter boxes figuring it would be safer than bottles. We put it in our carry on. We never had any trouble bringing wine on board.


I think the book by Anne Vipond is about $14

 

[ibouncetoo]

Here you go, Sandy...

www.Aulani.jobs/Application

No administrative jobs at DCL in Celebration.......

.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

just booked anabella for one night stay before cruise....not bad $109 plus tax..

they had a link for supershuttle ressies to/from hotel they run $42 per couple from lax and $58 per couple to ship terminal...will keep looking at these options, and of course rental car.

our plan is to fly in sat am and head to disneyland and buy one day hoppers.....according to this years schedule they are open until midnight so i think i just might get my first trip to disneyland through this cruise vacation!


IS THERE A PLACE NEAR DISNEYLAND THAT YOU RECOMEND WE CAN WALK TO/CAB TO TO BUY ALCOHOL? OR CAB TO FROM THE CRUISE SHIP PORT IF WE GET DROPPED OFF BY SHUTTLE? ALSO, CAN YOU PURCHASE LIQOUR ON SUNDAYS IN CA (not in MN so I have to ask)??? ONE MORE LIQUOR QUESTION, IF WE BUY IN HAWAII CAN WE BRING BACK ON THE SHIP AND DRINK????

Hi Jessica,

there's a supermarket about 1 mile from DL. You don't want to walk it especially late at night. While the area directly around DL is pretty safe, it can get a bit seedy just about 3/4 of a mile down in either direction.

I think your a person who collects info for friends, so you might want to Google "The Block". What it is is a hip, shopping mall/restaurant/hang-out that is really not too far down the street from DL and Downtown Disney. You'll find all kinds of nice ambiance to hang out with along with a large movie theatre and shops, cafes, bistros, etc. If someone doesnt' want to spend all day at DL or CA, this might be another alternative.

As for the port of Long Beach, daylight is fine, don't recommend going out walking at night. While its not extremely dangerous, use caution. There is a small area called Port O'Call directly next to the terminal which has a small shuttle that takes you there in like 5 minutes. Its walkable but you'll get tired. Its a place very similar to the area around Jetty Park. Sundays are full of people getting crab legs and hanging out with the family.

Let me know if I can be of any further help, I live about 8 min away from DL.

 

[goofprincess]

Category 10C showing up on DCL website now. (9 pm PST)