August 24th 2012 Cruise to the Bahamas!!!!

[templed]

Hello!

We are also joining this cruise. We are Steve, Katrina, DD Issy (7) and DS Sam (4). This is our first Dream cruise, we sailed on the Wonder in 2010, Karin and Tom were on that cruise as well I would say small world but actually looks like any cruise in August is likely to meet you! Just had a look at your trip reports which are amazing.

Sam wasn't old enough for the club last time and is going to love getting stuck in.

We are from the UK based in the south of England near Portsmouth. Also DVC members we are staying at AVL before and after the cruise.

A double dip at Castaway Cay was what sold it for us, as well as the kids club on the Dream.

Here is the video from our 2010 trip, Sam loved waving to the people as they went up and down the glass elevators, one of the highlights of the trip! go figure. Also the fireworks at the end were shot from the viewing platform from BLT which was awesome

https://vimeo.com/19904851

Welcome aboard! Your Issy about the same age as my son (6). How long is your pre-cruise stay? We'll be at BLT starting on Sunday before the cruise.

 

[Constant]

Welcome aboard! Your Issy about the same age as my son (6). How long is your pre-cruise stay? We'll be at BLT starting on Sunday before the cruise.

We are staying 4 nights before in AKL Jambo and then 4 nights after in Kidani. We thought about a split stay again but by the time we got round to it there wasn't availability. I wasn't expecting to like BLT as I have never been a big fan of the Contemporary but loved the rooms, pool, location, well you know everything!

We thought about do the shallow water dolphin experience on the Nassau day but on the basis they didn't really touch a Dolphin at seaworld last year during the feeding it might turn out to be a waste of money.

Hoping to run the 5k on Castaway Cay this time, with 2 stops trying to work out if they run it both times if anyone knows?

 

[templed]

We are staying 4 nights before in AKL Jambo and then 4 nights after in Kidani. We thought about a split stay again but by the time we got round to it there wasn't availability. I wasn't expecting to like BLT as I have never been a big fan of the Contemporary but loved the rooms, pool, location, well you know everything!

We thought about do the shallow water dolphin experience on the Nassau day but on the basis they didn't really touch a Dolphin at seaworld last year during the feeding it might turn out to be a waste of money.

Hoping to run the 5k on Castaway Cay this time, with 2 stops trying to work out if they run it both times if anyone knows?

We're "planning" on running the 5k as well.... we'll see what happens (those late nights at the pub have a tendency to kill the motivation...)

This is our first foray into DVC ... We've never occupied as owners until now But... we've got friends that have just raved about BLT. We're booked in a 2 bedroom Lake view. I'm going for the "wow" factor... as my wife was not too keen on spending the money in the first place.... (she'll see my point once we get there... lol)

 

[Constant]

We're "planning" on running the 5k as well.... we'll see what happens (those late nights at the pub have a tendency to kill the motivation...)

This is our first foray into DVC ... We've never occupied as owners until now But... we've got friends that have just raved about BLT. We're booked in a 2 bedroom Lake view. I'm going for the "wow" factor... as my wife was not too keen on spending the money in the first place.... (she'll see my point once we get there... lol)

We had a lake view and loved it, weird but there was something really calming about it, being so close to the action but almost escaping from it. We were looking over toward Wilderness lodge over the boat rental, back then the kids were napping a fair bit and it was nice on the balcony with feet up watching the world go by out the back.

Also as owners you get to use the viewing platform (exclusively still?) which was amazing. I doubt there is a 'bad' DVC resort, we haven't tried any others in the World but we have been out to Vero Beach which was great but each time not long after a hurricane, which although hadn't damaged the resort had washed away the beach.

Only got car hire to pay now and then we are all set!!!

Katrina was the same although 5 years in and we haven't regretted it once buying in, not when looking at art of animation for $300 a night for a room which doesn't even come close.

 

[templed]

We had a lake view and loved it, weird but there was something really calming about it, being so close to the action but almost escaping from it. We were looking over toward Wilderness lodge over the boat rental, back then the kids were napping a fair bit and it was nice on the balcony with feet up watching the world go by out the back.

Also as owners you get to use the viewing platform (exclusively still?) which was amazing. I doubt there is a 'bad' DVC resort, we haven't tried any others in the World but we have been out to Vero Beach which was great but each time not long after a hurricane, which although hadn't damaged the resort had washed away the beach.

Only got car hire to pay now and then we are all set!!!

Katrina was the same although 5 years in and we haven't regretted it once buying in, not when looking at art of animation for $300 a night for a room which doesn't even come close.

Wilderness Lodge is actually my home resort. We've stayed at Old Key West (bought points from our friends) and absolutely loved it. I've been wanting to do a time share for a while. My parents and siblings own at Marriott Vacation Club, and while I think their properties are generally nicer than DVC... DVC wins in my book, because well... it's Disney!

Yes, top of the world lounge is still DVC members only and their guests (staying on points).

The only thing we have left is to purchase the dining plan for the pre-cruise stay. We've got a bus of 15 people going to the cruise from BLT, so it just worked out better/cheaper to hire private transportation to the port and then back to the airport.

 

[krazy4crusing]

Hi Everyone!!

We just booked the cruise last weekend!! We were supposed to be on a 4 night cruise but instead we switched to the 5 day, I cant wait for 2 days at Castaway Cay!


Our cast of characters are Me, DH, DS8, DD3 and DD, DM We may also have some other friends joining us but they are yet to book.

This cruise is going to be great!

I look forward to chatting with all of you!

 

[dizneeat]

Hello!

We are also joining this cruise. We are Steve, Katrina, DD Issy (7) and DS Sam (4). This is our first Dream cruise, we sailed on the Wonder in 2010, Karin and Tom were on that cruise as well I would say small world but actually looks like any cruise in August is likely to meet you! Just had a look at your trip reports which are amazing.

Sam wasn't old enough for the club last time and is going to love getting stuck in.

We are from the UK based in the south of England near Portsmouth. Also DVC members we are staying at AVL before and after the cruise.

A double dip at Castaway Cay was what sold it for us, as well as the kids club on the Dream.

Here is the video from our 2010 trip, Sam loved waving to the people as they went up and down the glass elevators, one of the highlights of the trip! go figure. Also the fireworks at the end were shot from the viewing platform from BLT which was awesome

https://vimeo.com/19904851

It's great we are going on another cruise together! I loved watching your video ... what beautiful memory of an awesome trip!
You are going to LOVE the DREAM, she is such a beautiful ship - Tom and I went on 3 back to backs last summer (and another one in February ) and even though the ship is HUGE compared to the WONDERful Disney WONDER we loved our stay there.
Hey, and thanks for stopping by at my trip reports!

We are staying 4 nights before in AKL Jambo and then 4 nights after in Kidani. We thought about a split stay again but by the time we got round to it there wasn't availability. I wasn't expecting to like BLT as I have never been a big fan of the Contemporary but loved the rooms, pool, location, well you know everything!

We thought about do the shallow water dolphin experience on the Nassau day but on the basis they didn't really touch a Dolphin at seaworld last year during the feeding it might turn out to be a waste of money.

Hoping to run the 5k on Castaway Cay this time, with 2 stops trying to work out if they run it both times if anyone knows?

We will spend a week at the Florida Keys and meeting another UK DISboards member (wilma-bride), then stay two nights at the Contemporary Concierge and another week at OKW before the cruise and another week at OKW after the cruise. Can you tell OKW is our favourite resort?
We loved BLT during our short stay in February and cannot wait to go back in February 2013. We had a lake view studio and it was amazing - we had ALL of WDW laid out right there in front of our eyes.

Sorry can't help with the 5k.

We had a lake view and loved it, weird but there was something really calming about it, being so close to the action but almost escaping from it. We were looking over toward Wilderness lodge over the boat rental, back then the kids were napping a fair bit and it was nice on the balcony with feet up watching the world go by out the back.

Also as owners you get to use the viewing platform (exclusively still?) which was amazing. I doubt there is a 'bad' DVC resort, we haven't tried any others in the World but we have been out to Vero Beach which was great but each time not long after a hurricane, which although hadn't damaged the resort had washed away the beach.

Only got car hire to pay now and then we are all set!!!

Katrina was the same although 5 years in and we haven't regretted it once buying in, not when looking at art of animation for $300 a night for a room which doesn't even come close.

We felt exactly the same way about BLT .. and loved the location! Wonderful! Plus we really enjoyed the viewing platform, which in February was still exclusively for DVC.
We have never been to Vero, but then we only joined DVC last September and we are SO glad we did!

And BTW, I am organizing the FE exchange again, and i would be happy if you would join us again.

Hi Everyone!!

We just booked the cruise last weekend!! We were supposed to be on a 4 night cruise but instead we switched to the 5 day, I cant wait for 2 days at Castaway Cay!


Our cast of characters are Me, DH, DS8, DD3 and DD, DM We may also have some other friends joining us but they are yet to book.

This cruise is going to be great!

I look forward to chatting with all of you!

It's good to see our cruise "family" growing!
Two Castaway Cay days sound like a perfect selling point to me! This will be the first leg of a back to back for us and I would not have minded having another back to back instead of a 4 nighter too!
Will this be your first cruise on the DREAM?

FE participants list!

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stewartm
socababy
michelle9343
dizneeat​

FE participants list with details ​

 

[templed]

Lol.... My MIL asked me if she could come..... I had to say "sorry i think its booked solid....". Please dont tell her that you all just booked. LOL




I mean.... This is a my vacation.... I need to get AWAY from her, not bring her along (she lives in our apartment). Lol

 

[krazy4crusing]

We have not been on the Dream yet.

When we sailed in 2009 they did the big Media release while we were approaching Castaway Cay. I looked at DH and said we MUST go on that cruise! He just laughed and said we'll see.... well here we are and my "dream" has come true. It is so funny how it all worked out this way.


We booked this cruise because of the many signs pointing us in this direciton.... Last week my parents were here for the weekend and my father was wearing his Grumpy shirt (which he never wears) and then the next day my parents gave us a Mickey/Minnie Anniversary card (which is also really random.. usually its some sentimental sappy card) and then I did my daily check on DCL's website for a sale price and voila there it was!!

I said it must be a sign so not only did we book but they booked too!!

 

[dizneeat]

We have not been on the Dream yet.

When we sailed in 2009 they did the big Media release while we were approaching Castaway Cay. I looked at DH and said we MUST go on that cruise! He just laughed and said we'll see.... well here we are and my "dream" has come true. It is so funny how it all worked out this way.


We booked this cruise because of the many signs pointing us in this direciton.... Last week my parents were here for the weekend and my father was wearing his Grumpy shirt (which he never wears) and then the next day my parents gave us a Mickey/Minnie Anniversary card (which is also really random.. usually its some sentimental sappy card) and then I did my daily check on DCL's website for a sale price and voila there it was!!

I said it must be a sign so not only did we book but they booked too!!

You are really going to love the DREAM. She is such a beautiful ship but be warned ..... she is HUGE compared to the classic ships.
Isn't it funny how all things pointed towards the cruise .... glad you booked!
We sailed for the first time in 2009 and we were sure it would be a once in a lifetime cruise .... well, here we are and these will be cruises no 8 and 9 for us (going back to back)!

FE participants list!

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stewartm
socababy
michelle9343
dizneeat​

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[mcd2745]

Inside 2 months now!!!

 

[dizneeat]

Inside 2 months now!!!

We are leaving in less than 7 weeks (spending a week on the Keys and a week at WDW prior to the DREAM) and I cannot wait to go back!

 

[krazy4crusing]

Can we join Dis Tag?

We were going to pass this time but the kids won't let us We have 2 lil bugaboos aged 3 and 8.

Thanks!!

 

[krazy4crusing]

Dizneeat! Great TRs!! I enjoyed your review of Remy. There are so many extra little treats that make it special.

 

[dizneeat]

Can we join Dis Tag?

We were going to pass this time but the kids won't let us We have 2 lil bugaboos aged 3 and 8.

Thanks!!

Dis Tag?
Do you mean the Fish Extenders? If so, give me shout and I will add you to the list (and please PM or post your family's first names, kids ages and stateroom number).

Dizneeat! Great TRs!! I enjoyed your review of Remy. There are so many extra little treats that make it special.

Thank you so much for checking them out! I really enjoy writing them and reliving our adventures.
I think it is all the little things and the attention to details that make cruising with Disney so very special!

FE participants list!
krazy4crusing
dismiss
stewartm
socababy
michelle9343
dizneeat​

FE participants list with details ​

 

[princess81499]

Lol.... My MIL asked me if she could come..... I had to say "sorry i think its booked solid....". Please dont tell her that you all just booked. LOL




I mean.... This is a my vacation.... I need to get AWAY from her, not bring her along (she lives in our apartment). Lol

Too funny! I said the same thing to friends of ours that always seem to invite themselves on our vacations.

 

[templed]

Too funny! I said the same thing to friends of ours that always seem to invite themselves on our vacations.

I actually sent out a blanket invite to everyone ... WAY back when we booked this. We've got a lot of people coming...

But the MIL said... "No... why would I want to go on a cruise we you and your friends.... you go and have fun..." (Rational response... right?). At the time...


Anyway... I kindly explained the economics of the trip at this point... and changed her mind. She'd have been paying a lot of money for very little return.... and as selfish as it might sound... I really don't think it's fair to us for her to go as we would end up being responsible for her.

 

[dizneeat]

Can we join Dis Tag?

We were going to pass this time but the kids won't let us We have 2 lil bugaboos aged 3 and 8.

Thanks!!

I got your PM and updated the list!

FE participants list!
krazy4crusing
dismiss
stewartm
socababy
michelle9343
dizneeat​

FE participants list with details ​

 

[threekidsandadog]

Just wanted to say hi!

I booked this cruise waaaaay back in Feb 2011 and can't believe we less than 2 months to go. So excited!

Has anyone else noticed that there seems to still be a lot of availablility on this cruise - rooms, Palo times, excursions, etc? Do you think this means that we will be cruising on a less than full ship? Or will Disney offer huge discounts to get those rooms full? I see that all the IGT, OGT and VGT prices that were available a couple of weeks ago are now gone. Kinda hoping that the ship is not packed!

It is my, and my family's first Disney cruise, so not sure what to expect. Been reading these boards obsessively and feel like I have lots of good ideas and tips, but you never know. We are also doing a couple of days before the cruise at the Royal Plaza hotel across from Downtown Disney to spend a day at Blizzard Beach and do some shopping. Anyone have experience with Royal Plaza - I got a great room rate that covers the 5 of us, so hard to get a hotel room with five!

 

[stewartm]

54 DAYS!!!

We booked this back in Sept. of 2010.

Can't wait!!!