Dec 5, 2009 -- now traveling to Tortola

[NHdisneylover]

It is nice to meet you Michelle--ask away

I grew up spending summers with my grandparents on Cedar Creek Lake (and in Marshall--two houses to bop between) and my aunts in North Dallas and Quinlan. My aunts live in Rockwall now--which is where they and my dad grew up (but it has REALLY changed).

All of the shows in the theatre each night are family friendly. They should certainly entertain your older child and even the little one may really enjoy all the colors and music (you can always sit near the back on the aisle to make a quick exit if needed). "Adult" things happen on Beat Street startign around 10:00ish. They have really changed the schedule around for that quite a lot so I cannot tell you what may happen when. There will be something every night though (usually some sort of themed game show OR adult version of the main stage performer and then later always a dance party of sorts usually with a loose theme and some "Games" etc happening--it is all pretty mild though being Disney). Everything wraps up and it is "just" a DJ after about midnight.

Sorry I know nothing about the Dolphin Encounter

You really do not need to book ANYTHING for Castaway Cay. If you want to prebook a flaotie or snorkle gear or bikes I can see that, but no "real" excursions. There is so much to do without paying extra, especially when it is all new to you, really just relax and enjoy. Disney provides, chairs, hammocks, towels, kids programming for teh 3 and up set, a small covered game area, a DJ and some little activites there, etc.
It is the easiest beach day you can have with kdis becuase you do not have to haul food, drinks, towels, umbrellas, etc.
Disney does not provide sand toys. You can but tehm (they are pretty pricey) or being your own if the kdis will want them (which I guess at that age they will).
Riding bikes around the island is a lot of fun (and really good if it turns out to be too cool to swim). They have small bikes with training wheels and also adult bikes with baby seats on them.

Formal night will run teh gammet from people in jeans and Ts to people in tuxedos and ball gowns (my family will be in the latter group)

 

[Tower]

We have been to St. Croix & St. Thomas, but never with our kids (5.5 and 1.5), so this should be interesting.

Michelle, you do realize that we're NOT going to St. Croix? (Unless some pirates commandeer the ship and take it there). The itinerary was changed a couple months ago to Tortola, BVI.

So, does anyone know if there are specific nights for adult entertainment that I should try to get the little one into babysitting for? It's good to hear that this cruise may not be super full if we want to add babysitting on board.

Any night can be adult entertainment night. There are still very few Palo (the adults only restaurant) reservations available. If you don't have one now, GRAB IT before they all go.

What else do I need to know?

It's going to be a great cruise!

 

[fluvannaj]

Monday: Just a Day at Sea (You make your own fun and take advantage of the child programs )
Tuesday: Tortola
Tuesday Evening: Pirate Dinner in all 3 restaurants (Apparently Disney provides an eye patch per person, if you have something don't go overboard but bring it along, more details on the DCL video or on the DCL website)
QUOTE]

Are they really providing pirate patches now?? When we cruised 4 years ago it was bandanas!!!

Make sure all of you newbies post to NHdisneylover to add your name to the roll call to get on the lanyard list (you can search for posts under that name).

I know there are alot out there who aren't on the list and we have supplies for 100 lanyards (and I have more than that number of badge inserts.

Fluvanna

 

[NHdisneylover]

Michelle, you do realize that we're NOT going to St. Croix? (Unless some pirates commandeer the ship and take it there). The itinerary was changed a couple months ago to Tortola, BVI.

Good catch Barry You can see how uninterested I am in the ports (otehr than Castaway) when I failed to even notice

There are still very few Palo (the adults only restaurant) reservations available. If you don't have one now, GRAB IT before they all go.

Excellent advice here. If you want to dine at Palos (the adults only restruraunt) book it now and then book the babysitting to go with it.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Monday: Just a Day at Sea (You make your own fun and take advantage of the child programs )
Tuesday: Tortola
Tuesday Evening: Pirate Dinner in all 3 restaurants (Apparently Disney provides an eye patch per person, if you have something don't go overboard but bring it along, more details on the DCL video or on the DCL website)
QUOTE]

Are they really providing pirate patches now?? When we cruised 4 years ago it was bandanas!!!

Make sure all of you newbies post to NHdisneylover to add your name to the roll call to get on the lanyard list (you can search for posts under that name).

I know there are alot out there who aren't on the list and we have supplies for 100 lanyards (and I have more than that number of badge inserts.

Fluvanna

Thanks for that reminder!!! Yes, everybody not on THIS list:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33415383&postcount=598
PLEASE PM me your DISname, first names of people in cabin and ages of kids and early or late dining so I can add you to the rollcall

 

[carmie3377]

A little about us, we are from just north of Dallas.

Welcome Michelle!

Seems like quite a few of us are from Texas. We are living just south of Houston now but both DH and I are originally from north Texas! We grew up in Gainesville and lived in Fort Worth for a couple of years. Our parents (other than my dad who lives with us) and siblings still live up the DFW and surrounding areas.

We'll be taking our first ever cruise. It will be me, DH, DD10 and DS3. We are super excited and can't believe we are finally down to less than one month.

 

[fluvannaj]

sorry for flooding the main board with this stuff guys but since I can only email 5 people at a time it just takes to long at work.... THE two numbers on the bottom 32 .... 21.... they are the total number of adults .... children... hope this clears some things up for now.

Is there still a list going of who signed up for which days?? It would be nice to spread magic thru out the cruise. Here is the last one I could find:

Quote:
Originally Posted by mommyoftwinfants
Saturday - mommyoftwinfants
Sunday - deebits
Monday - carmie3377
Tuesday - fluvannaj
Wednesday - NHdisneylover
Thursday - hurley03
Friday - Available


Since we now have 16 cabins participating, days will be at least doubled up.

Thanks! Looking forward to it all (can't believe it is under a month now!)

This time next month, we'll be meeting for breakfast!!

Fluvanna

 

[Michatx]

Welcome Michelle!

Seems like quite a few of us are from Texas. We are living just south of Houston now but both DH and I are originally from north Texas! We grew up in Gainesville and lived in Fort Worth for a couple of years. Our parents (other than my dad who lives with us) and siblings still live up the DFW and surrounding areas.

We'll be taking our first ever cruise. It will be me, DH, DD10 and DS3. We are super excited and can't believe we are finally down to less than one month.

How cool, Carmen! We live in Anna - know where that is? My husband has lots of family in Gainesville (Know any of the Schumacher's?) and his mother grew up in Muenster. We go to the Muenster Germanfest every year. Can't wait to meet you! You will LOVE cruising! It's our favorite vacation.

Thanks for that reminder!!! Yes, everybody not on THIS list:

PLEASE PM me your DISname, first names of people in cabin and ages of kids and early or late dining so I can add you to the rollcall

Thank you; as soon as I get up to 10 posts, I will PM you.

Michelle, you do realize that we're NOT going to St. Croix? (Unless some pirates commandeer the ship and take it there). The itinerary was changed a couple months ago to Tortola, BVI.


Any night can be adult entertainment night. There are still very few Palo (the adults only restaurant) reservations available. If you don't have one now, GRAB IT before they all go.


It's going to be a great cruise!

Yep, I did know about the change...so, not sure why I still mentioned St. Croix! Trying to figure out what to do in Tortola...

When I go online to my Disney Planning Center, it shows that there are NO more Palo reservations. Maybe it's because I don't have priority, I dunno. Sounds like it's really good though, so maybe we can get a reservation when we get on board. Thanks for the info!

It is nice to meet you Michelle--ask away

I grew up spending summers with my grandparents on Cedar Creek Lake (and in Marshall--two houses to bop between) and my aunts in North Dallas and Quinlan. My aunts live in Rockwall now--which is where they and my dad grew up (but it has REALLY changed).

All of the shows in the theatre each night are family friendly. They should certainly entertain your older child and even the little one may really enjoy all the colors and music (you can always sit near the back on the aisle to make a quick exit if needed). "Adult" things happen on Beat Street startign around 10:00ish. They have really changed the schedule around for that quite a lot so I cannot tell you what may happen when. There will be something every night though (usually some sort of themed game show OR adult version of the main stage performer and then later always a dance party of sorts usually with a loose theme and some "Games" etc happening--it is all pretty mild though being Disney). Everything wraps up and it is "just" a DJ after about midnight.

Sorry I know nothing about the Dolphin Encounter

You really do not need to book ANYTHING for Castaway Cay. If you want to prebook a flaotie or snorkle gear or bikes I can see that, but no "real" excursions. There is so much to do without paying extra, especially when it is all new to you, really just relax and enjoy. Disney provides, chairs, hammocks, towels, kids programming for teh 3 and up set, a small covered game area, a DJ and some little activites there, etc.
It is the easiest beach day you can have with kdis becuase you do not have to haul food, drinks, towels, umbrellas, etc.
Disney does not provide sand toys. You can but tehm (they are pretty pricey) or being your own if the kdis will want them (which I guess at that age they will).
Riding bikes around the island is a lot of fun (and really good if it turns out to be too cool to swim). They have small bikes with training wheels and also adult bikes with baby seats on them.

Formal night will run teh gammet from people in jeans and Ts to people in tuxedos and ball gowns (my family will be in the latter group)

Awesome!! Thank you so much for all the great info! I have lots to do before Dec. 5 gets here!! You guys are great!

 

[Michatx]

OK, I need to get up to 10 posts so I can send PM's and post images, so I may have to start asking my questions in individual posts.

How far is the drive from MCO to the port? I'm planning to bring the baby's carseat, but kinda dreading it.

 

[NHdisneylover]

OK, I need to get up to 10 posts so I can send PM's and post images, so I may have to start asking my questions in individual posts.

How far is the drive from MCO to the port? I'm planning to bring the baby's carseat, but kinda dreading it.

I am thinking about an hour to an hour and a half (but it has been a long while). I do not think the carseats will work on the DCL busses (I could be wrong we have not been on DCL transport since 2000). If you are hiring a town car (cheaper than DCL transfers if you have four or more people and IMO much more conveineint) you can request that the bring a seat for you (Tiffany always got them for us when asked--there is a thread on the main board where a lot of people have had Happy Limo forget their seats) and if you are doing a one way car rental (usually the cheapest option) you can generally rent one for about $6 along with the car (but you msut reserve it when you reserve the car otherwise they may run out before you get there).

 

[Tower]

Are they really providing pirate patches now?? When we cruised 4 years ago it was bandanas!!!

You're right Fluvanna. Sorry

I knew we got something to take part in the festivities with, but I couldn't remember exactly what.

My husband has lots of family in Gainesville (Know any of the Schumacher's?)

I know a Dale Schumacher in Austin, TX. Does that come close?

 

[Tower]

When I go online to my Disney Planning Center, it shows that there are NO more Palo reservations. Maybe it's because I don't have priority, I dunno.

You're right Michelle, there are no dinners for 2 remaining, however there are dinners for 3-4 people still available. Make some close friends fast and make a reservation for all 4 of you

I've also PM'd you my email address. I have an idea....

 

[NHdisneylover]

You're right Michelle, there are no dinners for 2 remaining, however there are dinners for 3-4 people still available. Make some close friends fast and make a reservation for all 4 of you

I've also PM'd you my email address. I have an idea....

I have an idea too! Michelle I will PM you my email as well. Barry, if you do not have more than 2 adults in your reservation the system will not let you book for 3-4; this can make it difficult to coordinate with friends if you are not sitting together at dinner otherwise

 

[Tower]

I have an idea too! Michelle I will PM you my email as well. Barry, if you do not have more than 2 adults in your reservation the system will not let you book for 3-4; this can make it difficult to coordinate with friends if you are not sitting together at dinner otherwise

I know, but my mom's not booked for any Palo dinner. She can be booked to join them for dinner, and simply not show up. My mom doesn't even have to know. (She's in Iowa now anyway visiting a sister who had a hip replacement and a niece who had a knee replacement, she's too busy to think about dinner)

 

[Michatx]

Ooh, I like sneaky idea's! Thanks for your help! Dinner for two sounds great!

 

[Michatx]

All this talk of food and beaches is making me think I need to double up on my ab workouts.

Now I'm a little concerned about our transfer. We bought the Disney transfers because our TA looked into taxi's/cars and said it was more expensive. I didn't even know you could rent a car one way; nor did I know it was that long of a drive! Ack, we may be the last one's on board!

 

[Tower]

Now I'm a little concerned about our transfer. We bought the Disney transfers because our TA looked into taxi's/cars and said it was more expensive. I didn't even know you could rent a car one way; nor did I know it was that long of a drive! Ack, we may be the last one's on board!

Depends what time your flight arrives in Orlando I guess. Many of us are actually staying at a Disney resort a few nights ahead of time in order to get to the port as early as possible.

 

[carmie3377]

How cool, Carmen! We live in Anna - know where that is? My husband has lots of family in Gainesville (Know any of the Schumacher's?) and his mother grew up in Muenster. We go to the Muenster Germanfest every year. Can't wait to meet you! You will LOVE cruising! It's our favorite vacation.

I had heard of Anna but to be honest, had to look it up on the map to see exactly where it is. Now I know why I wasn't for sure. We never really used 75 much as we usually went to Dallas via 35. DH used to work for UPS in Sherman so I'm sure he knows where Anna is.

I don't know any Schumacher's personally but did hear the name. DH and I were both born in Muenster. Neither of us lived there but for some reason both of our mothers used the hospital there. My sister even works at the Muenster Hospital. She lives in Lindsay and her and her husband go to the Germanfest every year. I've been a time or 2. What a small world it truly is! Looking forward to meeting you too!

 

[carmie3377]

All this talk of food and beaches is making me think I need to double up on my ab workouts.

Ugh, I hate, hate, hate ab workouts! I don't mind working out any other part but can't stand doing those stupid ab workouts. I have been working on loosing some weight and have lost about 13 pounds but those last 7 are not wanting to come off. I'm going to have to buckle down these last few weeks. I know I'm going to gain a few pounds on the cruise/WDW so I really want to get those pounds off!

Now I'm a little concerned about our transfer. We bought the Disney transfers because our TA looked into taxi's/cars and said it was more expensive. I didn't even know you could rent a car one way; nor did I know it was that long of a drive! Ack, we may be the last one's on board!

We're renting a car for just over $50 to the port and about $60 from the port. So what would have cost us almost $300 through Disney is costing us $110. Plus, we'll have the freedom to make any grocery stops, ect. Is it too late to cancel and book one way rentals? I would guess it would be since we're past the cancellation period???

 

[Michatx]

Depends what time your flight arrives in Orlando I guess. Many of us are actually staying at a Disney resort a few nights ahead of time in order to get to the port as early as possible.

Barry, we land at 11:30. I'm not too worried. We've always flown in the day of the cruise. I'll try not to sweat it!

Ugh, I hate, hate, hate ab workouts! I don't mind working out any other part but can't stand doing those stupid ab workouts. I have been working on loosing some weight and have lost about 13 pounds but those last 7 are not wanting to come off. I'm going to have to buckle down these last few weeks. I know I'm going to gain a few pounds on the cruise/WDW so I really want to get those pounds off!


We're renting a car for just over $50 to the port and about $60 from the port. So what would have cost us almost $300 through Disney is costing us $110. Plus, we'll have the freedom to make any grocery stops, ect. Is it too late to cancel and book one way rentals? I would guess it would be since we're past the cancellation period???

Girl, I hate, hate, hate them too (which is why I don't do them often enough). However, just did the P90X Ab Ripper and it kicked my booty! Yeah, I'm about 12 lbs. from my goal, but not sure if I will get there before the trip. These last 15 have been so hard!

I'm going to ask my TA about canceling and checking on the car rental. If it's too late, it's too late, but it's worth checking on. Thanks for the tip.