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

[M4travels]

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?

The Rainforest is coed, so bathing suits are dereguire...a necescity... appropoo... needed. The sauna in the locker room is HOT so bring a towel in there so as not to burn.

With the dining, you actually are in the same dining room the 2nd and 3rd evening, the 3rd evening being the Pirate menu (served in all dining rooms that night). You will get answers all over the map on which one to skip if you were go to Palo but the one Marc and I would pass over is Animator's Palate. It just didn't wow us as we expected it too. Now, the last time we were there we were so busy chatting with the other couple at our table we probably missed most of the changing of the walls. Once again, that's just us. There are others who wouldn't miss it for nuthin!

Loved dinner at Palo; LOVED brunch at Palo. If your a shellfish (or even selfish) person, there seems to be a plethora of the stuff. It's a wonderful, relaxing place with fantastic service. I'd get to Diversions as soon as you get on board and make those ressies! Work with what they've got available and you'll be a happy camper! Alas, no high tea on the 3- and 4-day cruises.

Can't help you out on the breakfast question. We actually never made it down to the dining rooms the past 2 cruises... that's gonna change this time!

Whee! 10 more days!!!!

Michael

 

[keegandkenziesmama]

I was just in a moment of panic...does anyone know if things like strollers count as a piece of the luggage limit?

Jennifer

 

[scootersjunk]

Joy and Michael, thank you for your tips.

What is everyone doing in Nassau. I was going through the shore excursion options and none seem to stand out. Has anyone heard anything about the shore excursions? Are there any must-see sights or must-do activities. What is the best way to spend the day. I am inclined to just walk around on foot to explore the place myself. Is that feasible or should I join a historic city tour?

 

[OJoyfulOne]

Joy and Michael, thank you for your tips.

What is everyone doing in Nassau. I was going through the shore excursion options and none seem to stand out. Has anyone heard anything about the shore excursions? Are there any must-see sights or must-do activities. What is the best way to spend the day. I am inclined to just walk around on foot to explore the place myself. Is that feasible or should I join a historic city tour?

I know some here are planning to go on the city walk tour hosted by Mousfest. This is a Mousefest cruise and they are hosting some events as well while on board. The walk is free to anyone who wishes to go. I'm not sure of the time, but it seems kind of interesting.

There is a couple that I'm traveling with that are going to do the Ardastra Gardens and City Tour......didn't hear anything negative about it.

I'm heading to the spa to have a hand massage! Maybe go check the city out and try and find the rum cake place and sample some of the rum cakes! And I'm not much of a drinker either (I hardly ever drink).....hmmmmm. Or I may just hang out on the ship for the entire day???

Atlantis seems to be the place to see. I know there are some thinking about booking a room there (they are having pretty good rates going on right now) for use of the water park and the rest of the resort. The excursion that Disney offers is quite pricey and much, much cheaper if you book a room either at Atlantis or the Comfort Inn (I think that is the other hotel). The Comfort Inn is just next door to the Atlantis resort and use of the resort is allowed for those who book at the Comfort Inn as well.

I would love to go and check it out, but I'm not sure about transportation for me as I'm in a scooter.

I guess it's all a matter of what you want to do.

Joy

 

[scootersjunk]

I know some here are planning to go on the city walk tour hosted by Mousfest. This is a Mousefest cruise and they are hosting some events as well while on board. The walk is free to anyone who wishes to go. I'm not sure of the time, but it seems kind of interesting.

There is a couple that I'm traveling with that are going to do the Ardastra Gardens and City Tour......didn't hear anything negative about it.

I'm heading to the spa to have a hand massage! Maybe go check the city out and try and find the rum cake place and sample some of the rum cakes! And I'm not much of a drinker either (I hardly ever drink).....hmmmmm. Or I may just hang out on the ship for the entire day???

Atlantis seems to be the place to see. I know there are some thinking about booking a room there (they are having pretty good rates going on right now) for use of the water park and the rest of the resort. The excursion that Disney offers is quite pricey and much, much cheaper if you book a room either at Atlantis or the Comfort Inn (I think that is the other hotel). The Comfort Inn is just next door to the Atlantis resort and use of the resort is allowed for those who book at the Comfort Inn as well.

I would love to go and check it out, but I'm not sure about transportation for me as I'm in a scooter.

I guess it's all a matter of what you want to do.

Joy

Thank you Joy. What in the world is a Mousefest cruise?

Are there additional activities onboard organized by Mousefest? If so, where can I find a list of activities? Can I join these actitivities? Are they free? I am intrigued by the walking tour.

For those who have been on board before, is there a way to catch repeat performances of the Broadway style shows like the Golden Mickeys without missing your dinner?

 

[DragonSlyr]

Welcome scootersjunk, glad to have you aboard. You can go over to the mousefest website to learn about all the activities going on during the cruise.http://www.mousefest.org/default.asp

Michael & Marc, can't wait to see your new pirate costumes. I am not going all out this time. Trying to save luggage space.

Joy, Not really up on camcorders. Yes digital tape is higher resolution but takes longer to capture onto computer than to shoot in the first place. HDD or flash card downloads directly to computer like your digital camera would. I had a dvd camcorder but did not provide enough capacity. Bought a HDD camcorder last year but always concerned about the hard drive crashing. I just keep frequent backups.

SSB, I am with you, wait till the last minute to pack then I don't have to worry about taking to much, I run out of time first. LOL

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone,
Tom

 

[OJoyfulOne]

Thank you Joy. What in the world is a Mousefest cruise?

Are there additional activities onboard organized by Mousefest? If so, where can I find a list of activities? Can I join these actitivities? Are they free? I am intrigued by the walking tour.

For those who have been on board before, is there a way to catch repeat performances of the Broadway style shows like the Golden Mickeys without missing your dinner?

Hey, you're welcome!

This is what it says on their site:

"What is MouseFest?

For many years, Disney fans from around the world have gathered at Walt Disney World in December. These like-minded folks connect through Disney-related web sites and message boards to share their love of the Most Magical Place on Earth. This year, like last year, our event encompasses a great many of these fan groups... a gathering that unites the enormous family of Disney enthusiasts from all walks of life, from all backgrounds, from all over the country, from all over the globe! MouseFest is an unofficial event; it is not organized by nor endorsed by Walt Disney World."

Yes....there are additional activities onboard hosted by Mousefest. Try this link to find out more:

http://http://www.mousefest.org/cruiseevents2007.asp

If it doesn't work, let me know.......or maybe someone else could try and post the link as the last link I posted didn't work......

Most of the activities are free and open to everyone on board. I think there are a couple that you have to pay for......not sure?? I know there is a martini tasting that costs a little bit of money and the parasailing on Castaway Cay which is sold out anyway.

I think it's too late to sign up to recieve their own navigator, but not sure. You'll recieve a Disney Navator at the end of each day about activities that will happening onboard the ship. But since this is a MouseFest cruise as well, they have their own special navigator for their own events that they will be delivering to the cabins signed up.

So, I take it this was pretty much a spare-of-the moment cruise, huh?

 

[OJoyfulOne]

Welcome scootersjunk, glad to have you aboard. You can go over to the mousefest website to learn about all the activities going on during the cruise.http://www.mousefest.org/default.asp

Michael & Marc, can't wait to see your new pirate costumes. I am not going all out this time. Trying to save luggage space.

Joy, Not really up on camcorders. Yes digital tape is higher resolution but takes longer to capture onto computer than to shoot in the first place. HDD or flash card downloads directly to computer like your digital camera would. I had a dvd camcorder but did not provide enough capacity. Bought a HDD camcorder last year but always concerned about the hard drive crashing. I just keep frequent backups.

SSB, I am with you, wait till the last minute to pack then I don't have to worry about taking to much, I run out of time first. LOL

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone,
Tom

Thanks Tom!

I haven't settled on anything yet.......I keep going back and forth! I just got off the phone with Dell and almost bought a Sony miniDV, but I couldn't pay it off within six months (0% interest for six months), so I passed. The hard drive crashing makes me a bit nervous as well.

What make/model of camcorder did you buy and do you like it, if you don't mind me asking?

I could get something really, really cheap like the Pure Digital Flip video ultra just in case I don't use the camcorder that much. LOL It's under $200. But I bet I'd spend a fortune in batteries!!!!

Thanks!!!

Joy

 

[scootersjunk]

Hey, you're welcome!


So, I take it this was pretty much a spare-of-the moment cruise, huh?

Thanks Joy. Yes, this is kind of a last minute cruise. My job is pretty stressful and I have only taken one vacation day this year. Pretty much decided at the last minute to join this cruise because I have so many vacation days to clear and wanted to give myself a well-deserved (?) break My first choice though was the 7 night cruise to the Western Caribbean but because I had trouble finding a travelling companion to share my room with, by the time I was ready, it was all sold out so I had to settle for this shorter cruise. I am however determined to make the best of this situation.

I am sharing my room with a "stranger" I met on Craigslist. So if there are other single travellers out there who would like to meet up, that would be great.

Here's another question (I seem to have so many of them). I have booked myself on the Disney coach out of Orlando Airport to transport me to Port Canaveral. What time does the first coach leave? What time is the earliest we can board the ship? Do most people proceed to have lunch immediately? If so, where do they serve lunch? Is it a buffet? Just out of curiousity, are there any "ethnic" choices in terms of food? Is there Chinese, Japanese, Mediterranean etc food available on board?

Benjamin

 

[scootersjunk]

Thank you Tom.

Has anyone signed up for a Mousefest navigator? I would certainly like to take a peek at it/

Benjamin

 

[OJoyfulOne]

Thank you Tom.

Has anyone signed up for a Mousefest navigator? I would certainly like to take a peek at it/

Benjamin

You won't be able to take a peek until you're on board! That's when everyone will get their mousefest navigator. You have to sign up though to get one.

They do have a list of events on the link that I posted above, but the link isn't working.

 

[M4travels]

Here's another question (I seem to have so many of them). I have booked myself on the Disney coach out of Orlando Airport to transport me to Port Canaveral. What time does the first coach leave? What time is the earliest we can board the ship? Do most people proceed to have lunch immediately? If so, where do they serve lunch? Is it a buffet? Just out of curiousity, are there any "ethnic" choices in terms of food? Is there Chinese, Japanese, Mediterranean etc food available on board?

Benjamin

Benjamin:
The first coach will leave MCO about 9:30 - 9:45. Marc and I are staying at the MCO Hyatt the night before so you'll probably see us in the waiting area. When you go to the check-in area (I think it's on Side B of the airport) for DCL transfers you'll be given a card, either a W, O, N, D, E, or R. You then get to patiently (HA!) wait for them to call the groups to board. Once on board it's about a 45 - 50 minute ride to the port. You can check in right away (there'll be folks there to assist in filling out any paperwork that you may have questions on) and then it's a waiting period for entry to the ship. They board at approximately 12 noon in an order based on a card you received upon going up the escalator. It moves VERY quickly.

My suggestion to you is not to go to the dining room (Parrot Cay) or buffet (Topsiders) right away but check in to where you can make your Palo reservation, if you've decided you'd like to do that. Once that is handled (and it might take a few moments) then head to lunch. Both areas are buffet-style lunches. If you go to Topsiders you have a choice of inside or outside dining. If you stay with Parrot Cay it's a very relaxed time in the restaurant.

I believe rooms are ready at 1:30. Your luggage may or may not already be at your room.

Looking forward to meeting you! Glad you're able to get this vacation in. Stress at work is not a good thing! Think relaxation!

Michael

 

[M4travels]

Benjamin:
Here is a link to sign up for the navigator as well as other info.

http://www.mousefest.org/cruisenewssignup.asp

 

[OJoyfulOne]

Thanks Joy. Yes, this is kind of a last minute cruise. My job is pretty stressful and I have only taken one vacation day this year. Pretty much decided at the last minute to join this cruise because I have so many vacation days to clear and wanted to give myself a well-deserved (?) break My first choice though was the 7 night cruise to the Western Caribbean but because I had trouble finding a travelling companion to share my room with, by the time I was ready, it was all sold out so I had to settle for this shorter cruise. I am however determined to make the best of this situation.

I am sharing my room with a "stranger" I met on Craigslist. So if there are other single travellers out there who would like to meet up, that would be great.

Here's another question (I seem to have so many of them). I have booked myself on the Disney coach out of Orlando Airport to transport me to Port Canaveral. What time does the first coach leave? What time is the earliest we can board the ship? Do most people proceed to have lunch immediately? If so, where do they serve lunch? Is it a buffet? Just out of curiousity, are there any "ethnic" choices in terms of food? Is there Chinese, Japanese, Mediterranean etc food available on board?

Benjamin

Benjamin!

From what I've read, the CMs usher you in for lunch once you board. Someone else might be able to help you with more detailed info, but there is a sit down buffet where you are served and there is another place which is also a buffet, but you go and get everything. You also have the option of eating at the two places by the goofy pool which are kind of like snack places that serve chicken fingers, pizza, etc.

I have read though that the CMs usually direct people up to the non-serve buffet. But, if you would like to eat at the other one, just tell them that and they will tell you where to go.

Don't know about food types......but I hope there is a Chinese buffet!!! There may be themes for the lunch buffets each day, but I'm not sure. I know Castaway Cay day they have a bar-b-que theme.

If I didn't get the info correct, someone correct me, please!

Can't wait everyone.........almost one week for me!!!!

Joy

 

[OJoyfulOne]

Benjamin:
Here is a link to sign up for the navigator as well as other info.

http://www.mousefest.org/cruisenewssignup.asp

Your link worked.....

Wonder what I'm doing wrong??

Michael/Marc, I think we all decided to try and pack everything instead of shipping it there. I don't know if that is the wisest thing to do, but it won't be the first time I've made a bad decision. I guess I just get a little panicky about not getting my package because of something I packed that didn't make it through customs. I'm strange that way.....

Look foward to seeing you guys in your pirates costumes though!

Joy

 

[Naturalmama]

I was just in a moment of panic...does anyone know if things like strollers count as a piece of the luggage limit?

Jennifer

No, your stroller won't count as a piece of luggage. They also have a limited number of strollers available at the customer service counter.

Rachel

 

[Naturalmama]

. I managed to find another single male traveller from Ohio too. So if you guys see either one of us, please say "hi".

Welcome Benjamin,

We seem to be accumulating some more Ohioans on this cruise. Where are you from? There are several of us from the Cleveland area.

Rachel

 

[granmaz]

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 $?

Erm.......why would I see you in the gym or in the pilates and yoga classes????? Do come along to our meet on Deck 10 at Sailaway. We are supposed to be wearing lime green but we will forgive you not doing so!!! Just look for a small group of lime green folk.

Joy and Michael, thank you for your tips.

What is everyone doing in Nassau. I was going through the shore excursion options and none seem to stand out. Has anyone heard anything about the shore excursions? Are there any must-see sights or must-do activities. What is the best way to spend the day. I am inclined to just walk around on foot to explore the place myself. Is that feasible or should I join a historic city tour?

We're planning on going on the guided walk. Need some exercise and were thinking of just getting off the ship for a stroll anyway.

 

[keegandkenziesmama]

No, your stroller won't count as a piece of luggage. They also have a limited number of strollers available at the customer service counter.

Rachel

Thanks! I'm trying to keep everyone to one suitcase a piece since we'll have carseats and the stroller, but you know how that is!

Jennifer

 

[scootersjunk]

Welcome Benjamin,

We seem to be accumulating some more Ohioans on this cruise. Where are you from? There are several of us from the Cleveland area.

Rachel

I am from Long Island, New York by way of Singapore. I found another single traveller and he's from Ohio (or actually he found me on craigslist). He is a professional dancer. I am looking forward to getting to know a lot of people on the cruise.

Benjamin