Booked our First cruise

[Cinderellamommy]

We are a family of 4 and just booked a 4 nite cruise on Disney Wonder. We have 2 small kids and this is a first for all of us. We booked a "secret porthole" catagory 10. Hope we did the right thing by doing 4 Nites on the ship and 3 Nights at a WDW Resort. I understand we will have an 'obstructed view' but for the price we'll take it. We are just anxious to do a Cruise this time.

 

[Wishing on a star]

We too booked a 4-Nite on the Wonder, Secret Porthole room, for our first cruise!

Did you manage to get room 5020 or 5520, the non-connecting rooms with the least obstruction? And, when will you be cruising!

I just couldn't go for less than the 4-Nite! If you have the time then you can add a day or two to WDW. Not so with the cruise. You probably did the right thing!

 

[inkkognito]

I think you will enjoy the secret porthole room, particularly if it's 5520 or 5020. We book those often and even did one on our three-peat. I love the verandahs, but the SPRs are a great way to save some money and still get daylight. They are in a very convenient location too.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Cinderellamommy]

Believe it or not, we booked it for Nov. 2004! We got Lucky and got 5020. There were only 2 Secret Porthole rooms left for the dates we are traveling (can you believe this? It's 2 years away!) and 5020 was one that was open so we took it. We think the room was booked and maybe they cancelled.....When are you going?

 

[imgoingtodisney]

We're leaving for spr 5520 in 16 days!! Booked 11months ago when the DVC booking window first opened up. Wasnt able to get a SPR at first but a few months later I called back and got us changed.

 

[Wishing on a star]

We will be in 5520 next Fall. Can't wait!

And, yes, in think in most cases the EARLY booking savings are real!! Just looking around a bit last night... (always looking for a good rate that may allow us cruise sooner!!!!) and, for example.. the 4-Nites in Feb. 2003 can cost almost twice the rates for the same cruise in Feb. 2004 this early!!!

And, as a virgin-cruiser - I have to say this board is GREAT to prepare! Thanks everyone...

 

[thebecka]

What is so "special" about the secret porthole rooms?! I haven't figured this one out in all the time I've been on the boards. I normally try to be mid-ship so I feel the least and am as close to everything as possile... Are there any pictures of these rooms on-line so I can see what all the excitement is all about. Thanks!!

 

[SC Minnie]

Barb has pictureson her site. Check it out.

We have one booked for March 2004- I don't remember if it is 5520 or 5020 but it is one of the two. The nice thing about the SPR's are you get a cat 8 room for a cat 10 price. The portholes are slightly obstructed but the one we got is only obstructed by barrels the first 2 days of the cruise.

 

[wovenwonder]

I have pics of two of the Secret Porthole rooms on my website [linked below].

What's the big deal in these rooms?
You get a partially obstructed view for the price of the inside category #10 rooms! We loved the location of the rooms also. It would be very convenient for adults with little ones in flounders or the kids clubs too.

 

[Cinderellamommy]

Barb and Jody- Very nice sites you both have. Makes me even happier we're going. Anytime I can save money is a big deal to me.

 

[thebecka]

Jody, Thanks for the info! I'm such a huge varandah fan that as cool as the SPR's are - I would still like to sit on my own private balcony in the morning and cuddle with my DD.
I love your site!!! Looking at your photo's reminded me of my trip and the pics I have in my album.
I wanna cruise with MICKEY!!!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Not everyone can spring for a veranda ( like me ... )
And, Yes, the location if you have small kids is a biggie!!

I was thinking, hey if I am Deck 7, aft.... then here is example evening, Dinner at Palo... First, back from wherever to our cabin, Then walk half the ship and down two floors to drop off DS at kids club, Then back UP to PALO, top deck, aft... Then Back down to Deck 5 to pick up DS at end of evening..... Haul a sleepy kid back up and across ship to our cabin, Deck 7 aft... Whoa!!!

Since we will be on deck 5, then drop-off and pick-up become seamless!! PLUS, just walk out our door and around the corner for a birds eye view of the Atrium at any time...

PS: I had always wondered about this... I had been concerned about possible traffic to and from the kids clubs... and was glad to finally read here somewhere that the entrance to both the kids club and the lab are located centrally, halfway down that hallway, and NOT at the forward elevators close to these rooms. I think that should really cut down on the traffic flow at those forward elevators on deck 5.