Can i have some opinions?

[NickandLivvysmom]

Ok- I've been on the boards every P.M and every A.m trying to get some ideas for our April trip. This is our first cruise, though we have been to Disney World twice. I am usually a BIG planner- but I understand if things don't always go as planned. I just like to have a gameplan- (the MOST important things we want to do so we don't miss whats important to us) . Here is our itentery so far- Please give me your suggestions!!!

DH-41
Me 33
Ds 9
dd 2.8 (at cruise time) is Potty trained

April 11, 2005- Plane arrives in Orlando at 3PM. Rent car- We have reservations at the Holiday INN. My husband loves this Steakhouse on International Drive so we will eat dinner there.

April 12- Do 2 parks (We have done this before and we know we are not able to see alot, but like i said we have our list of what is important and make sure we do whats important to us) . DS9 is so easygoing and DD2.8 loves everything DISNEy so I think that will be fine. We will prob. do the parks all day- till close- Daughter can sleep in stroller if she needs too and my son is a trooper. We are not going to make dinner plans- Prob. just eat a healthy bfast and than eat snacks and yummy park food!

April 13- SAME AS ABOVE

April 14- Drive to Port for 3 Night WONDER. Leave rental car there. ( I did do alot of recearch and we got such an awesome rate I think that will be the best way to go even though we have to pay $10.00 a day to park.
We want to dine at Palos one night but not the Pirate nite. I ll have to stand in line for a Spa appointment. I know some people with Potty trained 2 year olds have been able to put their kids in the club instead of Flounders- How will I find that out ? Do i go ahead and make Flounder reservations anyway? We have the walkie talkies so should we split up ? Also - how early should you be in line for reservations? What time should we arrive? Is it the earlier the better?

Sun. April 17- Visit Grandmpa in Sarasota
Monday April 18- Back to Disney and park hop
Tues. - Leave for home

Does anyone have any better ideas? Also- we are in a Category 9- room 2526. Should we try to limit luggage (keep what we dont need in the rental car) or should i be organized and only take the essentials?

All your help is appreciated!!!!!

 

[DisCrazzy]

I would get to the port as soon as it opens, which is 10:30. First thing to do is have DS stand in line to board with any carry-ons you may be taking. After you & DH have checked in, have DH switch places with DS. Take both kids over to sign up for the kids clubs. They do that right insie the terminal now. They give you the beeper & everything. You can ask any questions there. After your done join hubby in line. They usually start boarding @ 12:00. Once on board, go to sign up for your spa treatments right away. If you get on board early, this should take less than 5 minutes. Then go have lunch at Parrot Cay and enjoy the rest of your trip.

Jennifer

 

[mommasita]

Hi, these sound like fine plans to me.

In September by cousin had her then newly turned (fully potty trained) two year old, and when we registered my kids in the clubs, we asked about her daughter. THey were very honest, and told us that they would do this on a trial basis. It worked out not too too bad. Since her first language is french, this was a tad tricky, and also the fact that she was just beginning to speak, she kept saying mama mama, and they had to page her each time. But, they did try, and it gave a single mom a little break.... We were honest with the clubs, they do appreciate that.

The answer previously is right on about getting to the port early,and what to do after that.

I would most definitely leave anything you do not need in your rental car. I understand security is very good at the port. Trust me, you will have more than enough.

Also let them know the night of Palo's, they will go above and beyond with your child to let you have a great meal...

 

[NickandLivvysmom]

Thanks for the help! I never would have thought about sticking DS in line for a few minutes by himself. I really think my daughter will be fine in the club..... She goes to the daycare when i work out at the gym and thrives on comotion! I think Flounders might not be fast pace enough for her- shes used to my 9 year old and her older cousins. Just as a precaution so we can make sure we have a kid free dinner just one night (Palos) - could we make reservations at Flounders and if shes ok in the club, cancel Flounders?

 

[CM_Mom]

The "back up" reservations in Flounders sounds like a good idea but be sure to ask about the cancellation policy. Don't know the Flounder's policy if your DD is registered in the Club. When your DD is in the club, you might want to stop by every hour or so to accompany her to the potty since by potty trained they mean complete independence - knowing when to go AND handling wiping and clothes by themselves. That might help her to avoid any accidents and give you a higher comfort level. The good part is that the bathrooms are child sized and child height. I also believe that the CMs take the smaller ones to the bathroom more frequently - just makes sense.