Dec 5, 2009 -- now traveling to Tortola

[Hanover]

We're staying at Jambo House/AKL in a concierge studio in the villas. We stayed there one night before our August Wonder cruise and really enjoyed the experience. We're flying down late on Dec 3rd. Our boys are already going to miss 2 days of school when we go to WDW over Halloween weekend and then 6 days in December so we were trying to go after school on Thursday. We're having dinner at Whispering Canyon on Friday night. We're staying at Bay Lake Towers on 12/12 and eating at Ohana, then flying home on the 13th.

I've been looking at the kids sail free promotion and may go with a friend and her 13 y/o with my 12 y/o in late January/early February. Travelosity is advertising category 10's for $920 for a 3 day which is really good. Not as good as the $99 bounceback we got in August for sailing in February, but still a good deal. Southwest has flights for $59 each way during that time too.


My best tips for packing are to group my boy's clothes together by outfits complete with socks and underwear. I roll them and put them in large ziplocks and take out the air. They smoosh flat and I can pretty much fit both their clothes for a 7 day cruise in 1 duffle bag---but we usually put them in 2 bags so we can add souvenirs, etc. in them on the way home. We take rolling duffle bags which we slide under the bed after unpacking. We also take a garment bag for our dinner clothes and another small duffle bag for our ds8's pirate outfit, our snorkel masks and FE stuff.

I think we end up overpacking each trip no matter what we select to bring even though we try hard not to do so. We bring one casual outfit per day and one outfit for dinners per day. I'm sure we could cut down that amount by bringing half the pants and different shirts, but we always seem to have to do laundry if we do that.

We also make sure we bring a day bag with swim suits, sunscreen, etc. on embarkation day.

 

[carmie3377]

I'm really worried about overpacking. I've never been on a cruise before so I really don't know about space under the bed and stuff. Our luggage does nest well and we can fit it all under our queen bed at home (along several other things) so I'm hoping it will fit fine in our stateroom. We are also doing nine nights (split before & after the cruise) at WDW. If it were summer, all clothes for the cruise could work for WDW. However, with it being December, I know I'll need jeans, long sleeve shirts and sweatshirts for WDW. Maybe even a coat. I've been in Dec and early Jan and have had wide range of temperatures - low 30's with windchills in the 20s up to the low 80's. When we leave on Dec 1, we won't have a forecast for the latter part of our trip so I'll want to be prepared even if we are expecting warm temps at the beginning of our trip. I do plan on packing good layering pieces though.

 

[Hanover]

I'm really worried about overpacking. I've never been on a cruise before so I really don't know about space under the bed and stuff. Our luggage does nest well and we can fit it all under our queen bed at home (along several other things) so I'm hoping it will fit fine in our stateroom. We are also doing nine nights (split before & after the cruise) at WDW. If it were summer, all clothes for the cruise could work for WDW. However, with it being December, I know I'll need jeans, long sleeve shirts and sweatshirts for WDW. Maybe even a coat. I've been in Dec and early Jan and have had wide range of temperatures - low 30's with windchills in the 20s up to the low 80's. When we leave on Dec 1, we won't have a forecast for the latter part of our trip so I'll want to be prepared even if we are expecting warm temps at the beginning of our trip. I do plan on packing good layering pieces though.

I think if your suitcases fit under your bed they should fit under the stateroom bed. We just lift up the end and slide them under. You could probably also store them in the closet if the bed wouldn't work. I've read someone even stored theirs in the bathtub during the day but that would be a pain---and with our luck it would get wet and mildewed.

We have been to WDW and cruised the last few Decembers and the temperatures do vary widely. Three years ago we were so cold at MK we had to buy our boys hats and gloves. Two years ago we were in shorts and t-shirts the entire land portion. Even Castaway Cay can vary. Last year we were on a 4 day and couldn't dock the first day due to winds and currents so it became a sea day. It was overcast and raining. The next day (which would have been a sea day) was gorgeous with blue skies and very warm and we had a great day at CC. I think the best thing you can do is just bring layers. Most of the time at WDW in December, we'll wear jeans and tshirts with wind breakers and take the windbreakers off mid- day. Our boys have also worn the zip off pants and they have worked well. I'll wear capris some times too and they are great.

 

[hurley03]

Hey, you're from my area at home and you're staying at Wilderness before the cruise, too! When are you getting there? I'm starting to think there' s enough of us going to Wilderness (although we're at the Villas) before the cruise that we're likely to see each other there before hand.

We're actually getting there on the 2nd (Airtran flight in the morning). I have ADRs for dinner at 12/2 Jiko, 12/3 Artist Point, and 12/4 Flying Fish. We're doing Animal Kingdom during the day on Thurs and MVMCP at night, then Epcot on Friday. Since it is EMH at HS on Sat. we're stopping there first before heading to the port on Saturday.

I wonder if we're going to run into any of you with that schedule?

hi!
we are coming in on nov. 30th. we have a very different schedule, none of those restaurants. and I don't know what EMH at HS on saturday means!
we did the Very Merry Christmas Party before so not doing it this time.
it's fun though. but maybe we'll run into some of you around the hotel.

 

[Tower]

So, on the note that everyone is posting where they are before the cruise, we're staying at CBR from Dec 3-5. Going to MK on Friday for the day and eating at Crystal Palace at 3:40PM.

Anybody else at CBR?

 

[hurley03]

As far as packing tips.
Can't forget the nose strips for the snorer in the family.

and I have read that rolling the clothes saves room in the suitcase and keeps
the clothes from wrinkling also.
I am thinking of renting a tux for my husband to save room in the suitcase,
but then maybe not because of the extra cost.
keep the packing tips coming,...I need them. I always bring too much stuff.
I recently read that if you stay at disney for a bit before the cruise, it is
smart to just do your laundry at your hotel the night before the cruise. so you wouldn't have to pack 14 days worth of clothes...
so I guess I might see some of you in the Wilderness Lodge laundry room
on friday night!

 

[Tower]

so I guess I might see some of you in the Wilderness Lodge laundry room on friday night!

Either that or in the ship's laundramat. I think one of us will be in there sometime.

 

[texdisneygal]

So, on the note that everyone is posting where they are before the cruise, we're staying at CBR from Dec 3-5. Going to MK on Friday for the day and eating at Crystal Palace at 3:40PM.

Anybody else at CBR?

We'll be at Animal Kingdom Jambo House Friday night & are considering doing the Candlelight Processional at Epcot Friday night.

 

[Hanover]

If you are going to do laundry onboard, remember to bring quarters and bounce.

In speaking about tuxes, my dh usually brings one for formal night and I have gotten them off ebay (new) for my son's. Even with shipping, both of their tuxes usually cost about the same as the one sports coat I bought my now DS12 at Kohls. I haven't even thought far enough if they'll be wearing tuxes on this cruise.

Rolling the clothes really does help save room/help prevent wrinkles. Also, leave your dry cleaning formal wear in the plastic, that helps a lot with wrinkles too.

 

[hurley03]

Hi all,
I've been re-reading the posts,...it's slow here at work, and I've
noticed a couple of Bears fans??? um.. we are Green Bay Packer fans.

any others out there???
I'm sure we'll be catching at least some of the monday night game in
the club. too bad the Bears aren't playing the Packers that night!

are any of you getting all decked out for the Pirate party?
some people really go all out for it. on a prior disney cruise, someone
dressed up exactly like Jack Sparrow and he pretended to be the
disney Jack Sparrow on the beach at Castaway Cay! he got booted
out once the real Jack Sparrow came! people actually had their picture taken with the fake one! funny.

 

[carmie3377]

Hi all,
I've been re-reading the posts,...it's slow here at work, and I've
noticed a couple of Bears fans??? um.. we are Green Bay Packer fans.

any others out there???
I'm sure we'll be catching at least some of the monday night game in
the club. too bad the Bears aren't playing the Packers that night!

Dallas Cowboys fan here! I grew up in the DFW area so it's hard not to be a fan. I just enjoy watching football (actually most sports)!

are any of you getting all decked out for the Pirate party?
some people really go all out for it. on a prior disney cruise, someone
dressed up exactly like Jack Sparrow and he pretended to be the
disney Jack Sparrow on the beach at Castaway Cay! he got booted
out once the real Jack Sparrow came! people actually had their picture taken with the fake one! funny.

We were going to go all out and DH wanted to dress like Cpt Jack (and I think could have pulled it off pretty good), but due to luggage space, we're going simple. He and DS have WDW Captain Jack Jerseys that they are wearing and DD and I are wearing matching pirate tees. I'll make some bandannas for us to wear. I've heard rumors that the bandannas are now too small for most people just we'll just bring our own.

 

[hawaiian mickey]

Hi all,
I've been re-reading the posts,...it's slow here at work, and I've
noticed a couple of Bears fans??? um.. we are Green Bay Packer fans.

any others out there???
I'm sure we'll be catching at least some of the monday night game in
the club. too bad the Bears aren't playing the Packers that night!

are any of you getting all decked out for the Pirate party?
some people really go all out for it. on a prior disney cruise, someone
dressed up exactly like Jack Sparrow and he pretended to be the
disney Jack Sparrow on the beach at Castaway Cay! he got booted
out once the real Jack Sparrow came! people actually had their picture taken with the fake one! funny.

aloha,
Raider Nation representing here!
I'll be going to the D23 Expo tomorrow. Anybody from the cruise group going? We'll find out the 2011 intineries on Fri. Hoping it's Alaskan Cruise!!!!

aloha,
hawaiian mickey

 

[Tower]

I've noticed a couple of Bears fans??? um.. we are Green Bay Packer fans.

Well, gotta say that I'm naturally a Bears fan (I'm big like a bear and with a first name like Barry, it's 'bear' and add a 'y'. Easy for people to remember.)

are any of you getting all decked out for the Pirate Party?

Prior to finding out that everyone will be getting a bandana (and patch?), I bought a pirate costume on ebay. It's not much, and nobody else has anything in my family, but it will add a bit to the evening. I just hope it's not the night we have Palo (if we get in at all)

 

[Hanover]

aloha,
Raider Nation representing here!
I'll be going to the D23 Expo tomorrow. Anybody from the cruise group going? We'll find out the 2011 intineries on Fri. Hoping it's Alaskan Cruise!!!!

aloha,
hawaiian mickey

We are split half Ravens, half Steelers fans in this family.

Let us know hwo the Expo goes. We are hoping for Alaska too. We can't wait for the announcments!

DS12 and I just booked a 3 night cruise in February with a friend and her 13 y/o with the kids sail free promotion. We got a really really great deal. I sure hope DCL continues to offer nice deals. It would be extra nice if they did the $99 bounceback again.

 

[Inkmahm]

hi!
we are coming in on nov. 30th. we have a very different schedule, none of those restaurants. and I don't know what EMH at HS on saturday means!
we did the Very Merry Christmas Party before so not doing it this time.
it's fun though. but maybe we'll run into some of you around the hotel.

EMH is early magic hours at Hollywood Studios. Guests staying on property can get in at 8 am rather than 9 am, making it easier to do some of the headliner attractions.
We've done MVMCP every year since 2004! Last year we added the Halloween party, too, so now we do both each year.

As for the Packers, I would be a Packers fan based on where I live if I cared for football at all.

 

[Inkmahm]

are any of you getting all decked out for the Pirate party?
some people really go all out for it. on a prior disney cruise, someone
dressed up exactly like Jack Sparrow and he pretended to be the
disney Jack Sparrow on the beach at Castaway Cay! he got booted
out once the real Jack Sparrow came! people actually had their picture taken with the fake one! funny.

We don't do much for costumes, just a couple pirate tshirts and hats. Don't do much for formal night, either. Nicer clothes than normal cruise clothes but definitely not a tux and formal dress. That's just not vacation to me, that's more like a work or charity function. Some people will go all out and others will do nothing at all with most people somewhere inbetween.

 

[Inkmahm]

aloha,
Raider Nation representing here!
I'll be going to the D23 Expo tomorrow. Anybody from the cruise group going? We'll find out the 2011 intineries on Fri. Hoping it's Alaskan Cruise!!!!

aloha,
hawaiian mickey

Disney withdrew last year from the permit race for Glacier Bay so I think Alaska won't be on the list. Most cruise lines are reducing their number of ships in Alaska as fewer people are cruising there so I'd be surprised if Disney added Alaska at this point.

If you want to do an Alaskan cruise, I highly recommend Princess. We've done Alaska with Princess twice and will do it again in a few years.

 

[fluvannaj]

Add us to the list!!

*FluvannaJ
contact would be me, Fluvanna
Jerry
Jessica (9)

late dining

Is that all the info needed??

 

[NHdisneylover]

We'll be at Animal Kingdom Jambo House Friday night & are considering doing the Candlelight Processional at Epcot Friday night.

Is that one of the newer DVC villas? Sorry I am not up on DVC names--but I know we are staying at one of the newer villas with my best friend the week before the cruise. We are seeing Fantasmic Friday night (6:30 show) and hten going to head back for an early evenign to do laundry and pack up before the cruise. Maybe we will bump into you.

Hi all,
I've been re-reading the posts,...it's slow here at work, and I've
noticed a couple of Bears fans??? um.. we are Green Bay Packer fans.

any others out there???
I'm sure we'll be catching at least some of the monday night game in
the club. too bad the Bears aren't playing the Packers that night!

are any of you getting all decked out for the Pirate party?
some people really go all out for it. on a prior disney cruise, someone
dressed up exactly like Jack Sparrow and he pretended to be the
disney Jack Sparrow on the beach at Castaway Cay! he got booted
out once the real Jack Sparrow came! people actually had their picture taken with the fake one! funny.

Bears? Is that football (actually I do know that is Football--Chicago I think, but I am notoriously bad about actually not knowing who a team is or when a game is). Not a single member of my household follows any pro sports so we tend to be kind of oblivious

We have loved to dress up for Pirate night in the past. Not as all out as some (homemade costumes by me) and NOT with a Disney theme. However, I did not have space to bring any costumes (other than Rio's shirt) when we moved. Fabric here is outrageously expensive (basic broadcloth seems to run about 9 Euros a meter) so I am not sure if I will manage to pull somehting together or not. I think we are sailing with your "Captain Jack" on the TA. Honestly it bothers me that DCL let him off the ship in costume at Castaway Cay. At WDW adults can only wear costumes for MNNSHP. I can see allowing it for the pirate party, but even then (becuase it is soooo much like the "real" one) and certainly at other times I think it is kind of dangerous to allow someone whose costumes is so "good" it fools even adults and who stays "in character" rather than telling everyone he is just a guest to wander freely on the island/ship. I am sure he is a nice guy who just really like that character and dressing up, but it could so easily turn into a bad situation where a child or parent trusts this "employee" and something goes wrong.
Sorry--off my soap box now

Add us to the list!!

*FluvannaJ
contact would be me, Fluvanna
Jerry
Jessica (9)

late dining

Is that all the info needed??

Heading over to page 40 to add you now

 

[texdisneygal]

Is that one of the newer DVC villas? Sorry I am not up on DVC names--but I know we are staying at one of the newer villas with my best friend the week before the cruise. We are seeing Fantasmic Friday night (6:30 show) and hten going to head back for an early evenign to do laundry and pack up before the cruise. Maybe we will bump into you.

It is one of the newer ones - but not the newest (Bay Lake Towers at the Contemporary and the Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs are both newer) - AKV has two sections: Jambo House is in the original Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel where they have converted some rooms to DVC units while Kidani Village is a new all-DVC building close to the original AKL.