August 19, 2007 Disney Wonder

[My4PhillyGirls]

When we booked our first cruise last August, I told my wife that I wasn't getting off the ship in Nassau. When we arrived it was pouring down raining. Therefore I thought that was confirmation not to go. We enjoyed the ship until the early afternoon and the rain let up so we ventured down to the Straw Market. It was flooded out so we walked through the dry parts, took a few pictures with the Wonder in the background and got back on the ship and enjoyed room service and a movie.

Joe

 

[Jen76b]

DS (7) is a little nervous about being left in a club without his sister and not knowing anyone. We are trying to talk with his about it a little and show him as many pictures we can find of the kids clubs. He is a bit of a clingy child and I am hoping that he will take to the clubs a bit. How are the supervisors of the club at getting children to come in and get involved?

Jen

My DS was 7 on our last cruise in June and LOVED the Oceaners Lab. He was with his friend who was 8 so we asked to move him up to lab. He's a very smart child and I knew he would like more of the things they did at the lab. He's not a "clingy" child like you said you son is, so I can't relate to that, but he had a blast. I didn't let him go to the lab that much b/c I wanted him to do stuff with us, but he was constantly asking to go. He doesn't know we're going again this summer, but always asks "Mom, next time we go on the Disney cruise, can I spend more time in the lab?". I don't think he even wants to eat dinner with us next time. I'll probably have to make him..LOL

Jen

 

[My4PhillyGirls]

Everyone must be working hard in order to be able to pay off this trip in so that they can reserve palos and excursions as soon as they become available because all is quiet on this thread.

Joe

 

[Jen76b]

I know iIve been stressing about how to pay for this trip. I have almost all of it saved, just need to save for expenses on the trip.

I can't believe my DS8 still doesn't know we're going. I'm usually horrible at keeping secrets, but he was just talking this morning about it "Next time we go on the Disney Cruise, if we ever do, can we order room service?" He's always got Disney on the mind.

 

[jenanderson]

Our trip is PAID IN FULL!!!!

We added the REA package to our trip so we know for sure we will have a Palo reservation. The big decision for us is what night to book the reservation on. This will be our first cruise and we do not want to miss anything!

I do not think we will be booking any excursions this trip. We are planning on doing a bit of exploring Nassau on our own and then getting back on the ship early to enjoy some time on the ship. On Castaway Cay, we will also just be enjoying the day without excursions.

This trip is already SO expensive for us that excursions was one of the things we decided to do without. I have been trying to figure out how to cut back on all kinds of little things so that we can afford the things that were really important on this trip. We are cutting out things like excursions, trying to find cheap transportation, will bring on our own bottle of wine or two so we don't buy alcohol, limit all the extras. The kids have been saving all their birthday and Christmas money - they know if they want something, they need to buy it this trip.

Each weekend we play Disney music, adjust our countdown chain, and talk about the trip over dinners! What are you all doing to pass the time?

Happy Friday everyone!
Jen

 

[My4PhillyGirls]

That's great that you have paid your trip off already! When you go to Castaway Cay you could rent the bicycles and tour the Island on the trail. They don't cost that much and it is a fun activity for the whole family.

We went on the Wonder last August and in the fall DCL sent us a cd with music and the ships horn. Sometimes I pop it in the car radio when I pick up the girls from school. The sound of the horn always brings a smile to their faces

Joe

 

[StewieL]

Hello all,

Glad to see someone's paid up already. Congrats.

Jen, My Grandson Quinn is now 7.5 and will have just turned 8 a month or so before the cruise. He is also a little shy, and when we went on the Magic before he was with DW and me , because he didn't know anyone at the club.

One thing we could do is arrange a meeting before. We are at BC Villas...next to Epcot, and could meet you at the resort on the days before the cruise, or we could meet when we all get on board. We did this with Dis Board folks on th Magic, and the kids traded postcards and keychains from the State and City where you live. It was lots of fun. We set it up at 2 PM or so on the sail away day, and it was in one of the lounges. In any event, I think if the kids meet, there is the chance they will "buddy-up".

By the way, he was too young for the Oceaneers Lab last time, but I remember that as being really neat.

Love to hear how others feel about scheduling a little get together on sail away day.

Jen, if you, or anyone else, are up to meeting at DWR..we get in Weds AM...so send a PM and we can talk.


I have also done some searching on transportation.....I will make some calls and get back to you guys later this week on what I learn.

Stewart

 

[Dizzyworld]

I like the idea of a DIS meet before the sailaway party. We met at 3 PM at the Promenade Lounge. We did this last year and it was a great way for the children of all ages to met up. We all wore matching shirts and lime green leis so it was easy to spot each other the first day.

Jen.......congrats on paying off your cruise. I also teach so it is nice to know other teachers onboard. What do you teach?

We live on Disney music, even though my children are 12 & 14. There was a guy on the Dis Boards last year that made 2 CDs with Disney cruise music and other music from the parties, etc. So we listen to them. Since I am doing my mid-life crisis through Mickey Mouse, there isn't a day we don't talk about something cruise or WDW related. We have our door signs from the last two cruises up on our doors as constant reminders. I am already thinking about new door signs for this cruise.

As for transportation, we seem to have lots of different things going on for us. We will use ME once we get to MCO, Fl Tours to get to the port, and pick up a car so we can go to the Kennedy Space Center for the day before heading back to WDW for two nights.

The only excursion we have at this point is that we reserved a room at the Comfort Suites so we could go to the Atlantis for the day. I wanted to go the last time, but we were traveling with another family and they decided to stay on the ship. I knew it was going to be difficult to get my crew to leave them, so we went with Plan B. They are really looking forward to going this time. My DS loves anything to do with marine life (we think the child has gills), so any place new is great fun for him. And they are both at the age where the pools will be lots of fun.

On CC, just not sure yet. I'm leaning towards a beach day. My DS wants to do the fishing excursion again. It was the highlight of his last trip. My DD and I want to go parasailing again, if it is offered. The problem is my DS wants me to go with him fishing this time instead of DH. DS said DH didn't take enough pictures, so he really wants me to go just to take pictures. I don't fish though. On the other hand, I'm grateful at 14 he still wants to be on the same planet with me.

I'm hoping to get a reservation to Palo's for brunch. Last year, we got the private dining room for our DIS group, which was really nice for us.

It's nice reading about everyones plans. Meeting people on the DIS boards has really been the nicest part or our trips.

Time to go teach and make cruise money.

cya,
Shirley

 

[jenanderson]

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We went shopping for some cruise things so that was really fun! At Sam's Club, we got snorkling gear with fins for everyone in the family. They have a really great set that has their own carrying bags. We were also able to find a great rolling soft sided cooler that is the perfect size for bringing on a few beverages. Sam's Club also had good deals on kids swim suites and Speedo sandles. Everyone will know us when we board - we will be the family with WAY too much stuff with!

We have paid off the cruise but I am still working at finishing paying off the 10 days at WDW before the cruise - that is a big, bad bill! DH and I are both working extra hours to get it taken care of though. I like to have everything paid for before we go. I have already made tip envelopes for WDW and the cruise and put the money in all of those. I have been buying the right amount of Disney dollars for everything from beverage mugs at the resorts to photos on the cruise. The kids have also been asking for Disney dollars for gifts and have a lot saved up for things they will want.

Shirley - I work at an elementary school as the library/media person. So, I work with all the computers and run our library. DH is a 5th grade teacher.

Stewart - I will send you a PM. My DS would love to meet another little boy before going on. He is getting so excited about the trip!

Joe - My DD has been thrilled to e-mail another girl on the trip. I am not sure how much they have shared with each other but she now feels like she "knows" someone else and is also really excited to meet your daughter.

I love the idea of a meet on the ship! I think it would be fun for the kids and adults!

As much as I don't want to rush the summer passing by (especially being from Minnesota where it is so cold all winter) - I can't wait for our trip!

Talk to you all soon!
Jen

 

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hello Jen,

My youngest dd (6) was jealous because she wasn't getting emails from anyone. I told her that she will meet a lot of DIS kids while on the cruise.

We are doing our trip a little different from most because we are staying in Florida for five days after the cruise. I just couldn't get off of that beautiful ship and get on a plane to go home. That would have been too depressing

Joe

 

[Dizzyworld]

Joe I agree with you so much. I have been sad getting off the cruise and heading home. Although we won't have as long of a time as some of you, I'm glad this time we will have at least two more days before heading home. Then it will be one more day off before the kids go back to school.

Jen...........I teach 3s at a preschool 3 afternoons a week. And in the evening at a local community college, I teach remedial math and I help people get their GEDs. Mentally I'm all over the place. It allows me to work around my children's schedule, especially now that they are getting into all those after school activities. I think it is great you are going to get to stay so long at the Poly before the cruise. My kids love the pool there.

Nite all...............

 

[Donald & Daisy Duck]

Hi again everyone! I haven't been on in a few weeks. My daughter had some medical issues and was in the hospital for 8 days, but things are better now. A Disgroup meet sounds wonderful! I would love to meet everyone and think it's a great idea. I have heard of other groups meeting and it always sounds like so much fun. Let me know where and when, we are in. I can't wait to be on our cruise!

 

[StewieL]

Hello All,

Since we are 8 on this cruise...both my grown daughters and husbands as well as 2 grandkids and DW and me, we looked into transportation from Orlando airport to WDW, then WDW to Port Can. and the Cruise ship, and then back to the Airport. As I remember, the ship charges significant amounts for the transfers, as does WDW to ship...and for the bunch of us, that's a lot. I know WDW picks up for free at the Airport, but we're looking at the whole package anyway. Found FL-Tours at the DisBoards site...and the price for a van is very reasonable. So....for any of you guys looking for a solutin, you might check them out.


Joe: My granddaughter Simone turned 5 in October....and it might be nice "match" for your 6 year old daughter. Simone is a real character...and VERY into Princesses, Disney...etc. She did the one wek Magic out of Long Beach in June, 2005 and had a blast.



Jen of Jen76b: I see you have an 8 year-old who still doesn't know he's going....but he might want to hook up with my grandson Quinn (8 in June) and JenAnderson's son, Benjamin.

I really think the Promenade lounge at 3 PM on sail away is a great idea. We did this last time. Also....last time, all the kids brought along post-cards and really inexpensive key-chains (souvenier shop stuff) from their home towns to trade with other kids..and that was really a nice gesture.

Last time we went on Disney, we never got to Palo...for many reasons. Anyway, does anyone know if you can get reservations there before the cruise? Can they be booked in advance?

Looking forward to meeting everyone. I am certain our little group will grow before we sail.

Stewart

 

[Dizzyworld]

Hi Stewart.........yes you can book Palo in advance online. Since you are a returning cruiser, I think you can do it 90 days ahead. Bookings open up at
3 AM EST. ZZZzzzzz............. They do hold back about 50% of the reservations for booking onboard I heard.

I like the gift exchange between the children too.

 

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hello All,

Since we are 8 on this cruise...both my grown daughters and husbands as well as 2 grandkids and DW and me, we looked into transportation from Orlando airport to WDW, then WDW to Port Can. and the Cruise ship, and then back to the Airport. As I remember, the ship charges significant amounts for the transfers, as does WDW to ship...and for the bunch of us, that's a lot. I know WDW picks up for free at the Airport, but we're looking at the whole package anyway. Found FL-Tours at the DisBoards site...and the price for a van is very reasonable. So....for any of you guys looking for a solutin, you might check them out.


Joe: My granddaughter Simone turned 5 in October....and it might be nice "match" for your 6 year old daughter. Simone is a real character...and VERY into Princesses, Disney...etc. She did the one wek Magic out of Long Beach in June, 2005 and had a blast.



Jen of Jen76b: I see you have an 8 year-old who still doesn't know he's going....but he might want to hook up with my grandson Quinn (8 in June) and JenAnderson's son, Benjamin.

I really think the Promenade lounge at 3 PM on sail away is a great idea. We did this last time. Also....last time, all the kids brought along post-cards and really inexpensive key-chains (souvenier shop stuff) from their home towns to trade with other kids..and that was really a nice gesture.

Last time we went on Disney, we never got to Palo...for many reasons. Anyway, does anyone know if you can get reservations there before the cruise? Can they be booked in advance?

Looking forward to meeting everyone. I am certain our little group will grow before we sail.

Stewart

Hello Stewart

Deyshia is 6 but will turn 7 in May. I think she will still be in the club age with her. Deyshia forced us to buy one of those princess outfits at DW when we got off the ship last August. I hope she can still wear it this year. Do you know how much those things cost

I'm afraid that my wife won't go for dinner at Palos because she likes to eat as a family. So my plan is to try to get the brunch and send the youngest dd's to the clubs and maybe my teenager will find some activity to keep her occupied. My oldest took one look at the loft and since she didn't know anyone, never came back.

I look forward to the DIS meet because we plan to be at the port at 10:00 a.m. thus we hope to get a #2 boarding pass so that we can eat, walk around the ship until our room is ready, and then get settled before the sailaway party since we have early dining.

Joe

 

[Jen76b]

Stewart- I'm trying to wait until the end of the school year before I let my DS know about our vacation. As soon as I tell him, I'll get email address from you and JenAnderson and maybe all our boys can chat.

My DS is just now getting into emailing his cousin who he doesn't get to see often, so it's funny to see how long it takes him to send an email.

I love the gift exchange idea. It looks like all of us are from different states, so it'd be fun to see what everyone brings.

Jen

 

[jenanderson]

Looks like the kids are going to have some great opportunities to meet other kids - I know mine are so excited now that they know they be meeting other kids!

Joe - I like to eat as a family as well. My plans with Palo are to book Palo at a time that still allows me to "eat" with the kids! We are hoping to either do a casual early dinner with the kids where we don't go to a main dining room and then have DH and I go to a late Palo reservation - or - get an early Palo reservation and then still go to our late dinner in the dining room with the kids (we of course will not eat another full meal ).

The one thing that I did special for this trip for DH and I was to get the REAS package so I know we will get reservations. We don't get the chance to go out often and really don't ever have a chance to get dressed up and go out. I don't care if I am the most dressed up person there - we are putting on NICE clothes and we are having a romantic dinner together.

Jen - Let me know when you tell your son. I know my DS would love to send a message. My DS writes his aunt e-mails so I know all about how long it can take! It is so cute though and it makes him feel really important!

Shirley - How many door signs do you make? I have been reading about them and looking at posts to get ideas. Do you do the ones where you laminate the paper and then use magnets? Have you had yours taken or were they okay? This is a project that I need to get started on!

Well, my break is over! Have a great day everyone!
Jen

 

[Donald & Daisy Duck]

Hi everyone. I just read on page one of the Disboard that Magic Kingdom is having their Pirates and Princesses Party on August 18th and wanted to let everyone here know about it. You have to purchase tickets to the event and it runs from 7:30 pm to 12:30 pm with a special parade and meetngreets etc. Just thought you might be interested.

 

[jenanderson]

Hi everyone. I just read on page one of the Disboard that Magic Kingdom is having their Pirates and Princesses Party on August 18th and wanted to let everyone here know about it. You have to purchase tickets to the event and it runs from 7:30 pm to 12:30 pm with a special parade and meetngreets etc. Just thought you might be interested.

Thanks for the heads up on this one. My kids would love this! We did MNSSHP a couple of years ago and really enjoyed the special event. DH and I will have to talk about it. I am just a little concerned with how late the kids will be up with the cruise to go to the next day. On the other side, they will probably stay up late regardless knowing it is their last night at WDW.

Our family LOVES the pirate stuff! We are planning on getting very dressed up for the Pirate night on the ship - is anyone else? I am worried we will be the only ones in full pirate gear - DH will NOT be happy with me. When we went to WDW 2 years ago for Halloween, I convinced the family to dress up. DH went as Jack Sparrow, DS was Captain Hook, DD was tinkerbell, and I was a bar wench (for lack of a better term ). The highlight was that we were approached by some manangement type WDW guy and were asked to lead the parade at the MNSSHP! It was incredible to be IN the parade and see all those people waving at you as you go by. I am trying to convince the family to go all out with these costumes on the ship. Will we be the only ones really dressed up?

Well, we are one week closer to the big date! We are working on house projects this weekend so our family will be listening to Disney music while we work and will probably reward ourselves with a good Disney family movie again. Hope you all have a great weekend and are finding ways to pass the time as well!

Jen

 

[dvcmember]

My DH and my 2 dd's6 and 10 will be on this cruise as well. The kids just found out we are going today. We sailes on the magic last August Barb