August 19, 2007 Disney Wonder

[MickeyBeast]

We are not really wrapping them. We got knick-knack type of things good for any age, boy or girl. We are delivering them each of the first 3 nights. My girls are looking forward to playing "Secret Mouse"

 

[Jen76b]

I put mine in those little baggies like you get for party favors. I always do that for school, so it's just a habit.

I just have to apologize to all the teens in advance for their FE gifts. We have so many teens and I had no idea what to get. I couldn't find anything good that was specific to Texas, so they may seem random.

 

[MickeyBeast]

Should be fine! It is the thought and magic that counts.....we could not find postcards or such indicating Maryland without doing some extensive shopping. We just did not have the time. Figured that with 17 some families it would be the fun and excitement for both parties...those giving and those getting. Each of my girls and I picked out something that we wanted to give and would be liked by all and was within our budget.

 

[Dizzyworld]

I like the term "Secret Mouse." Cute.

 

[royjack]

Just when I think I have figured out how these boards work, I make a wrong click, and turn back into the the Neanderthal that I really am. I THINK I am posting a reply to the thread of folks who are going to be sailing on the August 19th, Wonder, but I don't see "title's on the other posts, and I am afraid that I am creating a whole new post. ARRUGH!

I was trying to find out how to hook up with other folks that will be on this cruise, but since I have no idea if this will get connected, I will give a little background. This is our first Disney cruise. My wife & 2 children (DD11, DS10) will be leaving tomorrow to spend the rest of the time in FL visiting my wife's relatives, & they will drive up to meet me at the port. Based on information from another post, I have booked two one-way rentals. I will be flying down from Boston, arriving at MCO around 11:45. We have been on one other cruise, Princess lines for my 50th birthday (Jan. 2000). Clearly, the kids were 7 years younger, & we spent 5 days trying to convince them to join the other kids. We are DVC members & I was thinking of just selling the points, when the agent suggested that I try at least one Disney cruise before I sell the points. So, here we are! Since I have no idea whether this will go to the right place, let me stop rambling and get right to my questions. I apologize if they have been answered within the thread, and I am counting on some patient, solicitous soul to be kind enough to repeat:
- One person renting one way from MCO to the port on Budget. Any tips / suggestions / advice on what to do / not do to get there quickly? Suggestions for the flip-flop going back w/ the whole family?
- Since this is our first Disney cruise, I thought it would be good to hook up w/ other folks from this thread. I can't find if there is a place / time that has been agreed to. I would be really helpful for a Nubie. It looks like several people already know each other and have made plans, and I do not want to intrude.
- I read on another thread that there are some special bennies if you are a DVC member. True? Worth signing up for? I also understand there is a reception for repeaters, but I am not in that group.
- We have been to Nassau before, but just stayed on the beach. This time I think we will be doing some parasailing, etc. since the kids are old enough. Do we need to book this in advance, or can we just pay for it there?
- My kids are great kids, but they are kind of in those awkward "in between" years. Not really kids, but not yet teens. Any suggestions for what we can do. I want very much to spend time with them, but not every minute.
- People have also talked about booking special dinners and using the concierge. Where is the concierge? Is Paolo (sp?) something to do with the kids, or do I just book that for the wife and me? 4 nights seems like a very short time, so I am not sure.

I thank everyone in advance for their patience. I can see from reading the other postings that there are a lot of kind and understanding folks out there, so no matter where this ends up, I am sure I will get some responses. I don't know what the protocol is, and I don't want to upset the Board by posting any forbidden information, but I would be happy to provide my direct email it that is easier / allowed. Again, thanks!!

Roy Jack

 

[MickeyBeast]

Lets see what I can do to help you....you may want to read this thread from beginning to end when you are flying down...that way you will know some of us. This is the thread for the Wonder 8/19-8/23.

Just when I think I have figured out how these boards work, I make a wrong click, and turn back into the the Neanderthal that I really am. I THINK I am posting a reply to the thread of folks who are going to be sailing on the August 19th, Wonder, but I don't see "title's on the other posts, and I am afraid that I am creating a whole new post. ARRUGH!

I was trying to find out how to hook up with other folks that will be on this cruise, but since I have no idea if this will get connected, I will give a little background. This is our first Disney cruise. My wife & 2 children (DD11, DS10) will be leaving tomorrow to spend the rest of the time in FL visiting my wife's relatives, & they will drive up to meet me at the port. Based on information from another post, I have booked two one-way rentals. I will be flying down from Boston, arriving at MCO around 11:45. We have been on one other cruise, Princess lines for my 50th birthday (Jan. 2000). Clearly, the kids were 7 years younger, & we spent 5 days trying to convince them to join the other kids. We are DVC members & I was thinking of just selling the points, when the agent suggested that I try at least one Disney cruise before I sell the points. So, here we are! Since I have no idea whether this will go to the right place, let me stop rambling and get right to my questions. I apologize if they have been answered within the thread, and I am counting on some patient, solicitous soul to be kind enough to repeat:
- One person renting one way from MCO to the port on Budget. Any tips / suggestions / advice on what to do / not do to get there quickly? Suggestions for the flip-flop going back w/ the whole family? No tips from me...we are flying into MCO from BWI and using the Disney buses.
- Since this is our first Disney cruise, I thought it would be good to hook up w/ other folks from this thread. I can't find if there is a place / time that has been agreed to. I would be really helpful for a Nubie. It looks like several people already know each other and have made plans, and I do not want to intrude. You are not intruding. None of us really know each other except from here. Some will be in WDW first and are meeting up. My family will actually be on the 3 day as we are doing back to back. We are all meeting in the Promenade lounge at 3pm on the 19th. Some special things such as Fe gift exchange and bracelets have already been planned out BUT we would love to meet you. If you scroll back there is a post with all the kids ages. Yours will certainly be welcomed. The kids clubs on the cruise are awesome and your kids should enjoy.
- I read on another thread that there are some special bennies if you are a DVC member. True? Worth signing up for? I also understand there is a reception for repeaters, but I am not in that group. We are DVC also. They have a reception that you should get an invite to. They have great giveaways and it is a great place to meet other members.
- We have been to Nassau before, but just stayed on the beach. This time I think we will be doing some parasailing, etc. since the kids are old enough. Do we need to book this in advance, or can we just pay for it there?if you go to the Disney cruise line web page you can do all your preboard paperwork there and sign up for excursions. We are doing the dolphin encounter in Nassau and parasailing at Castaway Cay
- My kids are great kids, but they are kind of in those awkward "in between" years. Not really kids, but not yet teens. Any suggestions for what we can do. I want very much to spend time with them, but not every minute. The kids clubs are great. My girls had a blast there 2 years ago.
- People have also talked about booking special dinners and using the concierge. Where is the concierge? Is Paolo (sp?) something to do with the kids, or do I just book that for the wife and me? 4 nights seems like a very short time, so I am not sure. Palo is the adult only dining spot. It is ok but totally up to you.

I thank everyone in advance for their patience. I can see from reading the other postings that there are a lot of kind and understanding folks out there, so no matter where this ends up, I am sure I will get some responses. I don't know what the protocol is, and I don't want to upset the Board by posting any forbidden information, but I would be happy to provide my direct email it that is easier / allowed. Again, thanks!!If you have any other questions feel free to PM me. MICKEYBEAST

Roy Jack

 

[disney4dana]

I have been away for a little bit and a lot has gone on!!
First and fore most~~~
to Royjack
Don't worry about being a newbie here. i was too just a short time ago. I am glad you found us. If you get a chance to read this thread, you'll find out this seems to be turning out to be one fun group. please take the time to find us on the promenade lounge at 3pm on departure.
Mickeybeast summed up things pretty well. I can't help you with the transportation issue either. We are taking the disney transport. I seem to remember a thread somewhere. I'll see if I can find it for you.
We are identifying ourselves with green silicone wristbands like lance armstrong's "livestrong". They are imprinted with "Disney Wonder August 2007" If you would like to purchase some I do have 4 left. they are 1.29 each. You would just reimburse me at the meet.
The group of kids is a few pages back and there are a lot of kids their ages and some are emailing each other. I think you won't have a problem getting them to participate on this cruise. you might have to beg them to spend time with you! From what I understand from the disney website and here is that within the club/lab activities are divided into age groups. So that your DD11 isn't doing things with a DD8.
I didn't book Palo because what I considered a short time as well. But I have heard people rave about it.

Wow I have been gone awhile that was awfully long winded! Hope to hear from you and we help.

Dana

 

[disney4dana]

Jen76~~
Sorry you can't make it but I really do understand the OCD. Have It myself. I'll see you on the bus. I will probably already have the wristband on.

I also gift bagged my Fe gifts. (found at the dollar store) The OCD kicking in there. Did not include the Illinois gifts in the bags tho. They'll be separate for the families. Not sure can you bring sweet corn on the ship? Nothing says Illinois like sweet corn. Well, maybe road construction I actually shipped the gifts with Fedex on Monday. They'll beat me there! No fair!

Only thing left for me is the packing. How's everybody doing in the preparations?

Dana

 

[jenanderson]

Cleaned the house...CHECK!

Made cute little bags with all the FE gifts...CHECK!

Finished the last magnets for the door...CHECK!

Went to the bank to be sure I have plenty to spend...CHECK!

Packed - added more - then packed a bit more...CHECK!

Obsessed over every detail...CHECK!

Ready to leave early tomorrow...CHECK!

This should be it for us! We will look forward to seeing you all there!
Jen

 

[disney4dana]

Jen,

So good to hear!!! Nice to have it all checked off.

We'll see you at the poly?
dana

 

[acman]

WOW Time is almost here. Welcome Roy glad you found us. Many of us have been talking for months with an-tis-a pa-tion of this great adventure we're about to go on. You can reserve activities online at DCL web site and go to reservations and do all the preboarding stuff and also go to differant sites on that web page and see what avalible Parisailing , boating ,massages ect.
Boy it sure is exciting to see people sign off here and head out toward WDW.
We don't fly out of California until Wednesday. So much to worry about betwween now and then. FE gifts bought and I'm sending them ahead via Fed-X tommorrow. Boy there ended up being alot of gifts and they take up too much room in the suit cases. Well just thought I'd check in and say hi Later Mike

 

[acman]

WOW Time is almost here. Welcome Royjack glad you found us. Many of us have been talking for months with an-tis-a pa-tion of this great adventure we're about to go on. You can reserve activities online at DCL web site and go to reservations and do all the preboarding stuff and also go to differant sites on that web page and see what avalible arisailing , boating ,massages ect.
Boy it sure is exciting to see people sign off here and head out toward WDW.
We don't fly out of California until Wednesday. So much to worry about betwween now and then. FE gifts bought and I'm sending them ahead via Fed-X tommorrow. Boy there ended up being alot of gifts and they take up too much room in the suit cases. Well just thought I'd check in and say hi Later Mike

 

[acman]

Double posting Do I feel stupid

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

Somebody want to help me fill out the Bahamian Immigration Arrival Form, please?

Nothing says "We're only here because DCL stops here. I may not get off the boat at all. I'm not a terrorist."



mk

 

[Darth Sidious]

hey there everyone. scott here... i was just reading and saw that there were 4 wristbands left. my parents said they would be interesting in buying those 4 wristbands. we will see you on the 19th at 3:00 on the promenade(sp?) thanks and have fun packing

 

[Dizzyworld]

There's always room for more.

This is our first Disney cruise. My wife & 2 children (DD11, DS10)
- One person renting one way from MCO to the port on Budget. Any tips / suggestions / advice on what to do / not do to get there quickly?
I think the port opens at 10 AM, but they don't start boarding until noon to 1 PM (the official time?).Usually closer to noon. Maybe someone else can confirm this?

- Since this is our first Disney cruise, I thought it would be good to hook up w/ other folks from this thread. I can't find if there is a place / time that has been agreed to.
DIS Meet is at 3 PM in the Promenade Lounge. Great time for the children to get to meet each other as well as the rest of the DIS crew.

- We have been to Nassau before, but just stayed on the beach. This time I think we will be doing some parasailing, etc. since the kids are old enough. Do we need to book this in advance, or can we just pay for it there?
I'd try to book what you are really interested in doing.

- My kids are great kids, but they are kind of in those awkward "in between" years. Not really kids, but not yet teens. Any suggestions for what we can do. I want very much to spend time with them, but not every minute.
DIS Meet is a good starting point for the children.

- Is Palo something to do with the kids, or do I just book that for the wife and me?
Adult place only. If you want to do dinner or brunch, go to where they are doing the reservations on board. Get there at least 15 minutes earlier than the posted time in your Navigator. It used to be at "WaveBands" starting at 1 PM.

- 4 nights seems like a very short time.
You're right, it is too short .

Roy Jack

CYA real soon.

 

[Dizzyworld]

Jen and family.........Travel safe.

Mike.....I know what you mean about needing another suitcase for all the FE gifts.

mk.......I hate the forms too.

 

[royjack]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I will look for a gathering at the Promenade Lounge at 3:00. (I assume that that is physically on the boat, and I also assume that we will be boarded by then.) If Darth Sidious wants the bands, then he responded first. If there are any left, I will be happy to pay for them.

I just had a less than pleasant experience. I have now spent two days and close to two full hours trying to do advanced on-line check in. After MANY cycles back and forth through their system, including several calls to their help line, I FINALLY got someone who said he physically filled in the remaining (passport) information. When that still failed to "clear" me as completed, he then told me that all I really needed to do was to fill in the coupon in the back of the book, and sign that!!!! Filling in all of the other information for the benefit of Disney did not positively add to my experience!

Roy -

 

[Jen76b]

Hello everyone! I can't believe that next week at this time I will be in WDW! I"m soo excited!

I wish I had thought about shipping my FE gifts ahead of time. I don't know where I'm going to pack them. You think it's too late to send them now?? If not, how do I go about doing that?

We're leaving on the 16th, but I'm going to start packing this weekend. Just to make sure I have all my last minutes stuff.

Dana- I'll be looking for your bracelet on the bus.. so if a strange woman introduces herself as Jennifer.. that's me

Jen

 

[Donald & Daisy Duck]

Jen - have a safe trip! We will see everyone real soon! I'm not sure about how to ship the packages...maybe someone else will know. I would love to ship my 'cruise' suitcase down so we don't have to bring it to WDW with us. Enjoy the Poly!!