Aug. 24, 2006 - 3-day Wonder

[CDisney]

Yippee! I finally bit the bullet and booked a Disney cruise. After visiting Disney World 12 times in five years, my boys decided they wanted to do something different.

So, when we hit the seas, it'll be me, 38; DH, 39; and two DSs, 9 & 11, sailing away Aug. 24, 2006. This will be our first cruise, so of course I've got lots of research and planning to do. Anyone else already dreaming?

Edited to start a list of folks on the cruise:

Cdisney (Cassie); DH (Art), 39; and two DS9 (Nathan) & DS11 (David)
Ruth B (Ruth) and DS11 (Louis)
Disney Crazy Debbie (Debbie) and DS16
Ewt715 (Bill) and DG8 (Darien)

Any more?

 

[Ruth B]

No your not the only one dreaming!
Also booked for 24-27 Wonder with DS 11. First timer too.
I spent ages looking at info before booking but now can't wait until next aug. We are doing the cruise as part of a 16 night stay in Orlando( from UK)also staying at AKL,BWV,RPR and on i-drive for a few nights.
Best wishes, Ruth

 

[CDisney]

Hi Ruth,

Glad to see I'm not the only one already dreaming about August 2006. Looking at your choices of hotels for your Orlando trip, I think you're going to be hard pressed to decide which one ends up being your favorite. We've stayed at AKL and RPR and thoroughly enjoyed both of them because of the detailed theming.

With such a short cruise, we're trying to decide if we want to book excursions in Nassau or just stay onboard and enjoy the ship. Have you settled on any excursions yet? Booking a trip 16 months in advance sure does heighten the anticipation. I'm already thinking about booking a 2007 cruise because I'm certain that one won't be enough.

Cassie

 

[CDisney]

It's really amazing how much money early booking saves. I was considering upgrading our cabin, and as I was checking prices, the inside cabin that I currently have booked has gone up in price by over $500. I told my husband that when the August 2007 dates are released, I'll have to go ahead and book, just in case we want to go again.

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

I am excited too and hope I meet alot of people. I have been to WDW several times and stayed off site, CB and POFQ but this time I decided to splurge and do the Beach Club and try a cruise. We will be arriving at WDW on August 18th and taking the 24th cruise. We are really looking forward to it, especially the cruise!

Disney Crazy!

 

[CDisney]

I think my boys are more excited about this three-day cruise than just about any vacation we've planned. Each time they see a cruise commercial - Disney or otherwise - they start dreaming of all the food they're going to eat and all the fun they plan to have in the kids' club. We can't wait!

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

I guess that I forgot to list my DS16 who can't wait until the cruise. He says I always obsess about Disney vacations but I have left him pretty much out of the loop this time and he has even registered to participate in the teen section on this web site. The big thing for both of us is the CRUISE! I can't wait.

 

[Ruth B]

Hi Ruth,

Glad to see I'm not the only one already dreaming about August 2006. Looking at your choices of hotels for your Orlando trip, I think you're going to be hard pressed to decide which one ends up being your favorite. We've stayed at AKL and RPR and thoroughly enjoyed both of them because of the detailed theming.

With such a short cruise, we're trying to decide if we want to book excursions in Nassau or just stay onboard and enjoy the ship. Have you settled on any excursions yet? Booking a trip 16 months in advance sure does heighten the anticipation. I'm already thinking about booking a 2007 cruise because I'm certain that one won't be enough.

Cassie

Hi Cassie,
can't belive its now only 5 months away. I have booked the dolphin swim directly at blue lagoon as i beleive disney is no longer doing it, but am concerned about now having enought time on borad( however days are long on holiday)
How old are your boys? Louis has just turned 11, so not quite a teen but def acting like a pre-teen!.
hope to see you all on board
Best wishes
Ruth

 

[CDisney]

Hi Ruth,

My David will be 11 in May, while Nathan turns 9 in July. They're looking forward to being able to escape from Mom and Dad when they don't share our same interests. When we go to Disney World, I have to drag them to the shows, so I know they'll be in the kids' clubs during those evening hours.

Right now I'm waiting to see if I can get a good deal on airfare. Southwest only has its schedule open through Aug. 3 and I usually get the best rates with this discount airline.

Debbie, I added your teenage son to the listing. It's funny, I'm usually the obsessive planner, but I've been trying to resist the temptation to have every minute of every day booked while we're on the cruise. As it's our first cruise, I think I just want to kick back and soak it all in.

Cassie

 

[CDisney]

With the ever increasing gas prices, I finally caved and bought my airfare at a whopping $266 RT. I was just so afraid that when and if there was finally a decent sale, my nice non-stops would no longer be available at the times I need them.

Times sure do change. Since 1999, I don't think I've paid anything higher than $170 RT for airfare to Florida and quite often we were able to snag $69 each way.

 

[CDisney]

So, is there anyone else sailing on the Aug. 24th Wonder?

 

[Ruth B]

Not long to go now- am beginning to re-read everything! hope your all well, Ruth

 

[ewt715]

This year I am bring my eight year old grandson Darien. I brought my other grandson nine year old Billy last year, we went out Katrina came in, (what a ride) the crew and the Captian did a great job. The childerns program worked great. Fireworks, what a plus. The shows were pure Disney. We are staying at the Hampton Inn the day before, and using Arts Shuttle to the pier and return. Will be staying at All Stars movies when we return from cruise.

Bill & Darien

 

[Ruth B]

Hello all,
Just to remind you that you can now make reservation for shore excursion/palo/spa/kids club!.
Today(after the web being tempermental!) i booked the sting ray excursion at CC and register my DS for club. is there any thing else that i should book ?.
Can't do Palo or Spa( as travelling alone with Son), Best wishes, Ruth

 

[ewt715]

Ruth B.

Do not worry about Palo, you will enjoy the dining experince with you son. I have singed my grandson up for the club. My other grandson enjoyed the club. I will wait to see how the weather is before signing up for any excursions. I have been to Nassau numerous times and the action on the boat is better for the kids. CC is a great place for the kids, last year we could not find the hidden Mickey, maybe this year we wil do better. I did the banana boat last year my grandson loved it.

Looks like there are not many passengers on this trip, since there are not a lot of replies on this board. Good for us.

See all of you on board.

Bill & Darien

 

[ewt715]

Less than four weeks, can't wait.

Bill & Darien

 

[CDisney]

On this trip, we decided to book a guaranteed inside category 12 and take our chances, knowing we wouldn't be in our room long on such a short cruise. We finally got our room assignment and was pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to an ocean view.

We can't wait!

 

[ewt715]

Hi All

Hope everyone has a safe trip. Weather does not look bad. If you left anyone behind, they can watch the ship leave at www.opusad.com/radissonwebcam/.

Bill & Darien

 

[CB in Paradise]

My bags are packed for my first cruise.....can hardly contain myself......see you all soon.