Dec. 2, 2007-4 night Wonder and MouseFest Cruise

[SideshowBob]

WB Michael! Has become a pretty active thread, for certain. Lots of new persons, and a great list we have!

Umm... feeling bad that SSB will not be packing for long while, but did get pirate-prepared, a tad.

 

[M4travels]

WB Michael! Has become a pretty active thread, for certain. Lots of new persons, and a great list we have!

Umm... feeling bad that SSB will not be packing for long while, but did get pirate-prepared, a tad.

Thanks for the WB! Looking forward to seeing all the pirate gear! ARGH!!!!

Michael

 

[SideshowBob]

ARGH!!! (back at you, Michael)

SSB hopes that everyone has a fantastico Thanksgiving tomorrow...and I look forward to meeting you all a week later!

 

[granmaz]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from the UK.

Have a lovely day everyone.

 

[OJoyfulOne]

ARGH!!! (back at you, Michael)

SSB hopes that everyone has a fantastico Thanksgiving tomorrow...and I look forward to meeting you all a week later!

Hey Thanks SSB!!!! You too!

 

[OJoyfulOne]

Do you know much about camcorders at all?

I was thinking possibly about an early Christmas present before I left for Disney next week, but am clueless as to what I should look for. I have been reading the Photography board and there have been a few posts there that have kind of questioned me buying a hard drive camcorder. Someone mentioned that tape is the way to go for best quality of picture, but I know I'm going to be transferring all my data mostly from the camcorder right onto computer, so I don't know if that is harder to do from tape or not. I then was looking at a Sanyo Xacti high definition which uses SD cards. I'm just clueless.

If you can't help me out, do you know someone over on the photography board I might be able to PM and ask?

Thanks!

Joy

P.S. I'm also getting a little nervous about taking pictures for the first time with my new DSLR.........mostly the night shots, fireworks, etc. I'm not very experianced, so knowing what options I have in any given situation are slim. But, I guess this can be a learning experience as well, eh?

 

[scootersjunk]

Welcome to the cruise meet, scootersjunk! Gotta love craigslist! Glad that worked out for you!

Michael

Thank you! Please look out for me. I am 36 5 11" 190# , gym-built (you will probably see me working out in the gym early morning and joining the pilates and yoga classes) and clean shaven. I managed to find another single male traveller from Ohio too. So if you guys see either one of us, please say "hi". By the way, I tried placing a reservation at Palo's but the website said that there were no current reservations available. Is it all booked up or must we board the ship to book?

Has anyone been in the Rainforest room at the Vista spa? Is it worth the $?

 

[m4travel]

P.S. I'm also getting a little nervous about taking pictures for the first time with my new DSLR....

Another reason to repeat the cruise, Joy!

 

[scootersjunk]

Thanks. Yeah you can post for anything lon craigslist. It is a public forum.

 

[OJoyfulOne]

Another reason to repeat the cruise, Joy!

Yeah, that would be a good reason!!!

 

[SideshowBob]

They hold back many reservations for Palo that can only booked the day of departure on the ship. Best to do this FIRST thing though, when on board, as they do go fast.

Rainforest is one of SSB's fave part of the ship, and very low cost for multi day. The Eucalyptus steam room the best of all!

 

[scootersjunk]

They hold back many reservations for Palo that can only booked the day of departure on the ship. Best to do this FIRST thing though, when on board, as they do go fast.

Rainforest is one of SSB's fave part of the ship, and very low cost for multi day. The Eucalyptus steam room the best of all!

Thanks SSB! What is the Rainforest like? Can you please describe it? How long does one typically spend there? How much does it cost?

 

[M4travels]

Thanks SSB! What is the Rainforest like? Can you please describe it? How long does one typically spend there? How much does it cost?

I agree with SSB, it is a great place to relax. They have 3 (maybe 4?) different steamrooms with various aromatherapy-type thingies (like that technical jargon??), heated lounges, various types of shower heads for the showers, soothing lighting, and usually quite empty!

They offer a package deal for the course of the cruise, but unless you're going to definitely use it everyday I'm not convinced that's the way to go. I think the single-use day pass (you can use the room as many times in a day as you'd like) is $15 and on Day One they offer a package for the complete cruise but the room really isn't available to use (lots of tours of the Spa during the embarkation process until sailaway) until that evening. The then continue to give multi-day passes (at a bit of break in price) for 3 days, and, finally 2 days. I'm not saying one shouldn't do it (it really doesn't break the bank) but I'm just not convinced that the multi-day works if you're out on an excursion in Nassau or spent the whole day at Castaway Cay and then rush back to get ready for pirate night. Of course, that's only MY opinion.

The men's locker room does have a sauna which I've found to be very nice but VERY hot. I grew up with saunas and I really don't remember them being that hot back home! There are lounges to stretch out on in the locker area as well. You just need to give the spa attendant your room card and they give you a locker. No cost to use the locker room area. Granted, no steam, but a decent place, though definitely not the Rainforest.

All the times I've gone to use the workout stuff (usually just cardio) the room has been very empty. I haven't gone for the 6:00 workout as we're usually doing a deck walk at that point (at least day 2 and 3!!) but go later in the day. You can do private training as well, I believe. Last October we watched one guy and his trainer running and doing various sets of exercises at the far end of Serenity Bay on CC. I just wanted to rest in my lounge chair for the gods (anyone taking drink orders!) to drift by.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure there's going to be a meet up on Deck 10 before the sail-away party. You may need to go back into the thread a bit (or perhaps Karen will refresh my memory!) to check the time.

Michael

 

[keegandkenziesmama]

I agree with SSB, it is a great place to relax. They have 3 (maybe 4?) different steamrooms with various aromatherapy-type thingies (like that technical jargon??), heated lounges, various types of shower heads for the showers, soothing lighting, and usually quite empty!

They offer a package deal for the course of the cruise, but unless you're going to definitely use it everyday I'm not convinced that's the way to go. I think the single-use day pass (you can use the room as many times in a day as you'd like) is $15 and on Day One they offer a package for the complete cruise but the room really isn't available to use (lots of tours of the Spa during the embarkation process until sailaway) until that evening. The then continue to give multi-day passes (at a bit of break in price) for 3 days, and, finally 2 days. I'm not saying one shouldn't do it (it really doesn't break the bank) but I'm just not convinced that the multi-day works if you're out on an excursion in Nassau or spent the whole day at Castaway Cay and then rush back to get ready for pirate night. Of course, that's only MY opinion.

The men's locker room does have a sauna which I've found to be very nice but VERY hot. I grew up with saunas and I really don't remember them being that hot back home! There are lounges to stretch out on in the locker area as well. You just need to give the spa attendant your room card and they give you a locker. No cost to use the locker room area. Granted, no steam, but a decent place, though definitely not the Rainforest.

All the times I've gone to use the workout stuff (usually just cardio) the room has been very empty. I haven't gone for the 6:00 workout as we're usually doing a deck walk at that point (at least day 2 and 3!!) but go later in the day. You can do private training as well, I believe. Last October we watched one guy and his trainer running and doing various sets of exercises at the far end of Serenity Bay on CC. I just wanted to rest in my lounge chair for the gods (anyone taking drink orders!) to drift by.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure there's going to be a meet up on Deck 10 before the sail-away party. You may need to go back into the thread a bit (or perhaps Karen will refresh my memory!) to check the time.

Michael

Why does your trip sound better than mine already?! That all sounds SO nice! What I wouldn't give to have a few minutes to myself on this trip to do something--ANYTHING--like you described! Alas, it is not meant to be......

I am SO excited for all of you that can do all those fun things!!!!

Jennifer

 

[M4travels]

Why does your trip sound better than mine already?! That all sounds SO nice! What I wouldn't give to have a few minutes to myself on this trip to do something--ANYTHING--like you described! Alas, it is not meant to be......

I am SO excited for all of you that can do all those fun things!!!!

Jennifer

Jennifer, you're going to have a GREAT time!!!! Are the kids going to be in one of the clubs? If so, take some of that time and, if you can't make it to the spa, spend some time at the adult pool. It always seems so quiet over there!

Michael

Michael

 

[SideshowBob]

Fantastic description o' the rainforest spa, Michael!!! SSB must agree that if not for certain to hit all days, might be best to just do individual charges. For me, as a fave part of cruise, I know that I'll end up going each day, so take the small break for the cruise-long pass.

The setting there is really great as feels as if under the sea, in a way.. as overhead lighting is in blues, and the music very calming. I like to hit the eucalyptus smaller steam room a couple of times as the most intense, and then the larger steam room which is also nice. Too funny, Michael, as in all of my times I have not tried the sauna in the locker part, so must try this time... but shall be wary o' the heat!

 

[keegandkenziesmama]

Jennifer, you're going to have a GREAT time!!!! Are the kids going to be in one of the clubs? If so, take some of that time and, if you can't make it to the spa, spend some time at the adult pool. It always seems so quiet over there!

Michael

Michael

Quiet sounds nice! The kids SAY they're going to the club but you know how that is! My baby nurses every 1 1/2 hours, so that doesn't give me very much time but I may try to force myself to allow DH to watch him for at least one short break. Problem is, I NEVER even take time for myself here, so it will be hard for me and what would I do with the time?! It's funny that this is my second time and I didn't even know there was an adult pool! haha

Jennifer

 

[M4travels]

Wow, the double-post thingie got me! Sorry about that!

Michael

 

[scootersjunk]

I agree with SSB, it is a great place to relax. They have 3 (maybe 4?) different steamrooms with various aromatherapy-type thingies (like that technical jargon??), heated lounges, various types of shower heads for the showers, soothing lighting, and usually quite empty!

They offer a package deal for the course of the cruise, but unless you're going to definitely use it everyday I'm not convinced that's the way to go. I think the single-use day pass (you can use the room as many times in a day as you'd like) is $15 and on Day One they offer a package for the complete cruise but the room really isn't available to use (lots of tours of the Spa during the embarkation process until sailaway) until that evening. The then continue to give multi-day passes (at a bit of break in price) for 3 days, and, finally 2 days. I'm not saying one shouldn't do it (it really doesn't break the bank) but I'm just not convinced that the multi-day works if you're out on an excursion in Nassau or spent the whole day at Castaway Cay and then rush back to get ready for pirate night. Of course, that's only MY opinion.

The men's locker room does have a sauna which I've found to be very nice but VERY hot. I grew up with saunas and I really don't remember them being that hot back home! There are lounges to stretch out on in the locker area as well. You just need to give the spa attendant your room card and they give you a locker. No cost to use the locker room area. Granted, no steam, but a decent place, though definitely not the Rainforest.

All the times I've gone to use the workout stuff (usually just cardio) the room has been very empty. I haven't gone for the 6:00 workout as we're usually doing a deck walk at that point (at least day 2 and 3!!) but go later in the day. You can do private training as well, I believe. Last October we watched one guy and his trainer running and doing various sets of exercises at the far end of Serenity Bay on CC. I just wanted to rest in my lounge chair for the gods (anyone taking drink orders!) to drift by.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure there's going to be a meet up on Deck 10 before the sail-away party. You may need to go back into the thread a bit (or perhaps Karen will refresh my memory!) to check the time.

Michael

WOW MICHAEL. WHAT A MISSIVE. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE INVALUABLE INFORMATION.

You make perfect sense about the Rainforest. I might just sign up for it the one day that we are all out at sea. While we are on that topic, what is the appropriate wear for use in the saunas?

Here's another question (please forgive me as this is my first Disney cruise). We will be out at sea for 4 nights and there are 3 restaurants that we will be rotated around (excluding Palo's). That means that we will return to repeat one restaurant. The logical plan is to eat at Palo's on the last night when you return to the repeat restaurant. However, being as Palo's is so popular, if I had to give up one restaurant, which one would you suggest?

To add to the dilemma, I saw a Pirates Party menu online. Is that for the Pirates party itself or for the night of the party when ALL the restaurants will serve food from that menu?

While we are on the topic of food, is the menu for breakfast and lunch the same everyday and where do we partake of the food? Do you recommend doing brunch at Palo's or is it over-rated compared to dinner? Will High Tea be served at Palo's?

Finally, where can I view a menu of all the restaurants on board?

 

[OJoyfulOne]

WOW MICHAEL. WHAT A MISSIVE. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE INVALUABLE INFORMATION.

You make perfect sense about the Rainforest. I might just sign up for it the one day that we are all out at sea. While we are on that topic, what is the appropriate wear for use in the saunas?

Here's another question (please forgive me as this is my first Disney cruise). We will be out at sea for 4 nights and there are 3 restaurants that we will be rotated around (excluding Palo's). That means that we will return to repeat one restaurant. The logical plan is to eat at Palo's on the last night when you return to the repeat restaurant. However, being as Palo's is so popular, if I had to give up one restaurant, which one would you suggest?

To add to the dilemma, I saw a Pirates Party menu online. Is that for the Pirates party itself or for the night of the party when ALL the restaurants will serve food from that menu?

While we are on the topic of food, is the menu for breakfast and lunch the same everyday and where do we partake of the food? Do you recommend doing brunch at Palo's or is it over-rated compared to dinner? Will High Tea be served at Palo's?

Finally, where can I view a menu of all the restaurants on board?

Well, I'll answer what I'm absolutely sure about:

We are not at sea all four days. Day two we are at Nassau and day three we visit Castaway Cay (Disney's own private island). Day four we are at sea.

From what I have understood so far is that the restaurant that is repeated is usally on day 2 and 3 of the cruise......that is what I've read on the boards. So, you're best bet would be to try and do Palo's one of those two days. I have my ressie for day 2. I'm hoping that the restaurant will be repeated day 3.

I believe that on Pirates night, all the restaurants serve the same menu. They have a dessert buffet later in the evening after the Pirate's Party.

There is no high tea on a 4-day cruise, which I was bummed about as I would have loved to do this. It's only offered on the 7-day cruises the days you are at sea.

If I'm wrong about anything, please someone correct me........

Joy