December 15, 2012 A Yo-HO-HO-HO Holiday Fantasy!

[AmandaRG]

I am glad to hear we will have perfect weather for our cruise next December. Like all of you, we are soooooooo looking forward to this cruise. Even though we just got off the Dream just 2 weeks ago - I think DW and I could live year round on one of the Disney ships. Don't matter which one.

I think an even rotation would be only fair and responsible!

 

[jilljill]

But, jilljill that is the exception not the norm. Yes last year it was cold. (Me thinks someone up north went to bed with a fan on, blowing all of that cold down here!) Seriously, that was just plain ol' cold, and for us Floridians we thought we were going to die!!! Sorry it put a damper on your vacation down here.

I do know that is the exception.
AT least the day before it wasn't as cold when DH was in and out of the house cutting the new floor he was laying down. But when we back that Monday afternoon so he could lay more flooring it sure did make it cold with him going in and out so much. Good thing it got a bit warmer by the end of the week when he had a few things to do outside before we made the trek back north.

For us, when we go down, we really do go home and don't count it as a vacation any more. In fact, we are looking forward to being down T'giving week and DH doesn't have any major projects to do so we'll be able to play in the parks more. Love the Tables in Wonderland card when going to the Rose & Crown Pub.

 

[Happy Goofy]

Last year we went to the Mickey Very Merry Christmas Party and it was COLD. We are from CT but have a winter place near Port Canaveral. It is a good thing we had our winter jackets with us. We had hats, gloves, scarves etc. CC may be cold but you can never tell.

 

[ibouncetoo]

I'm anticipating such a good time on this cruise that I think I'll have my dummy moved to a 2013 Fantasa CHRISTMAS cruise, and am hoping for a special itinerary/longer cruise like they have done in the past. A ten day souther Caribbean would be nice, wouldn't it?

Also plotting on how I can hang out on the east cost over Christmas for this cruise (maybe visit family in NC), but work vacation time might be an issue. Also I don't want to take Christmas week for this cruise and shut myself out of the vacation day opportunity for 2013. Generally we alternate holiday vacation time at work. Guess I'll have a chat with my team-mate and see what she's thinking about. It's great to have a co-worker who is a multiple time share owner and also thinks about vacations two years in advance! Our boss just shakes his head when we turn in vacation request forms eighteen months in advance!

.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I'm hoping that in 2013 or 2014 that they have a longer cruise going somewhere different - although I'd want one from PC. A 10 or 11 day would be perfect!

 

[davidls]

I'm anticipating such a good time on this cruise that I think I'll have my dummy moved to a 2013 Fantasa CHRISTMAS cruise, and am hoping for a special itinerary/longer cruise like they have done in the past. A ten day souther Caribbean would be nice, wouldn't it?

I'm hoping that in 2013 or 2014 that they have a longer cruise going somewhere different - although I'd want one from PC. A 10 or 11 day would be perfect!

DW and I are with you guys one this issue. We too would love a Disney Cruise from Port Canaveral of 10 or 11 days. Anytime, holidays, or no holiday. It would be great to be on board for 10 or 11 days. (Anticipating a longer cruise by Disney - I can see a dummy cruise date in our future!!!)

 

[davidls]

And a HAPPY October to everyone!!! Man oh man is this year going by fast!!! Before you know it we will be in 2012 and then our cruise will be coming up!!! It seems the older I get the faster time flies by!!! I hope everyone has a GREAT day today. Talk to ya'll later!!!

 

[eacdabney]

So with all of the weather discussion it got me curious...do you think it'll be warm enough to even use the pools? Do they heat them? I've only been on one cruise my entire life and that was during the summer time. I'm just wondering if it's even worth bringing the suits. And along those lines what kind of clothes to bring? Is it warm during the day typically on the ship and then chilly at night?

 

[AmandaRG]

So with all of the weather discussion it got me curious...do you think it'll be warm enough to even use the pools? Do they heat them? I've only been on one cruise my entire life and that was during the summer time. I'm just wondering if it's even worth bringing the suits. And along those lines what kind of clothes to bring? Is it warm during the day typically on the ship and then chilly at night?

We will be bringing our suits. I don't know if we will utilize the pools onboard so much, unless they are less crowded than on the Dream. The pools are heated, and the water in the Virgin Islands is about 79 in the winter according to a website. The air temps seem to be quite mild as well. I'm looking forward to a bit of tropical fun in mid-December!

 

[jilljill]

People used the pools on the Wonder this past sailing season, even on the cooler days. Yes, the pools are heated.
We've sailed in June and July to the Bahamas and needed jackets in the afternoon on sea days since it was so windy and cool. This past August on the Wonder in AK there were days we didn't need jackets. It's really hard to say if they will be needed or not, be we always pack one just in case no matter what time of year we sail.

 

[taswira]

Honestly, at this time there is no way to predict the temps. I have sailed that time of year when it was quite warm, but also when it was VERY cold, very windy, and occasionally rainy. I never use the pools and I don't care for hot weather, which is one of the reasons I never sail during summer. But even on the coldest days, I have seen some people in the pools. Best policy is to check the forecast just before the cruise, come prepared for warm or cold weather (layers), and bring your swimsuits because even if there are cooler days, there are likely to be warm days also.

It will probably be chilly on deck in the evening, plus the ship is air conditioned (with all those bodies, it has to be!), so a warm jacket or sweater is always a good idea in case needed.

 

[davidls]

So with all of the weather discussion it got me curious...do you think it'll be warm enough to even use the pools? Do they heat them? I've only been on one cruise my entire life and that was during the summer time. I'm just wondering if it's even worth bringing the suits. And along those lines what kind of clothes to bring? Is it warm during the day typically on the ship and then chilly at night?

I contacted Disney and they told me, they will heat the pools and they will heat the water in the AquaDuck when the water temp reaches 75 degrees. I remember back on one of our earlier cruises on the Magic, Disney had the water temp in the pools listed on one of their channels on the TV in your stateroom. They were keeping the water temp around 85 degrees.

Hope all has a GREAT day today!!!

 

[NWDAD]

I am so looking forward to this cruise. They are already lowing the snow level here in the PNW to 5000'. I guess our 3 week summer is over this year.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

It is still warm here, although much better than the high nineties it was ALL summer.

I went to Epcot yesterday for a little WDW "fix". Got the Cheddar Cheese soup I love so much at the Food & Wine Festival. Sadly, no wine for me as I have my ASL (American Sign Language) class on Mondays. However, since it's only a few miles from WDW, it made sense to drop by the park.

It was fun, but made me more excited to have our cruise date(s) come quickly!

 

[taswira]

I went to Epcot yesterday for a little WDW "fix". Got the Cheddar Cheese soup I love so much at the Food & Wine Festival.

I love the cheddar cheese soup, but if I'm going to eat on my cruises (and I plan on it!), I can't touch it until after next December - lol. From what I've read, the 16.9g (85%) saturated fat and 1115mg (46%) sodium make it a no-no for me, because I don't want to have to count fat and calories on those 3 cruises! I'm hoping to lose about 10 pounds prior to sailing, in preparation for my food intake!

 

[davidls]

I love the cheddar cheese soup, but if I'm going to eat on my cruises (and I plan on it!), I can't touch it until after next December - lol. From what I've read, the 16.9g (85%) saturated fat and 1115mg (46%) sodium make it a no-no for me, because I don't want to have to count fat and calories on those 3 cruises! I'm hoping to lose about 10 pounds prior to sailing, in preparation for my food intake!

Ooooooohhhhhhhh the cheddar cheese soup........ooooooooohhhhhhhh my mouth is watering for a big ol' bowl!!! One of DW's and my favorites!!! We have to get ourselves over there and get us a big ol' bowl - or two!!!

Shari, good luck losing some weight before the cruise. Got my fingers crossed for you. DW and got back from our back2back on the Dream a couple of weeks ago. We both gained 4 pounds Don't know how!!! At least we have managed to get back down to where we were before the cruise. DW said we are going to lose some before this cruise also. (I don't eat enough to keep a small bird alive now as it is!!!! Guess I have to eat even less!!!) And excercise, excercise and excercise some more!!!!

 

[jilljill]

I love the cheddar cheese soup, but if I'm going to eat on my cruises (and I plan on it!), I can't touch it until after next December - lol. From what I've read, the 16.9g (85%) saturated fat and 1115mg (46%) sodium make it a no-no for me, because I don't want to have to count fat and calories on those 3 cruises! I'm hoping to lose about 10 pounds prior to sailing, in preparation for my food intake!

But the serving at F&W is smaller than what is served in the restaurant....

 

[taswira]

But the serving at F&W is smaller than what is served in the restaurant....

I know, but even so, the saturated fat and sodium percentage of even the smallest portion is not in my plan right now. A little of this, a little of that ... Every little bit adds up!

On my past 14 cruises, only once did I gain any weight (a few pounds), and that was because I was with someone who couldn't do the stairs and wanted me riding the elevator with her. My fear on the Dream and the Fantasy is that since there are so many decks, I won't be doing the stairs much (usually I try to NEVER use the elevators), and that is why I fear any weight gain.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I probably shouldn't tell you then - that in the oven right now - and smelling absoLUTELY heavenly - are the Garden Grill potatoes! Those are to die for!!!

Actually, at the F&W Festival, the servings they give you are so darned small. (okay, so I know the potatoes I'm making for tonight are beyond caloric and bad for one...but they are so darned good....)

 

[taswira]

Actually, at the F&W Festival, the servings they give you are so darned small. (okay, so I know the potatoes I'm making for tonight are beyond caloric and bad for one...but they are so darned good....)

LOL - I have learned to remind myself that "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels!" As you know, I am of average build, not "fashionably skinny" and probably never will be again, but I don't mind that as long as I never need a larger clothing size than what I've worn for the last twenty years or so. I like my clothes to fit tight enough (in the waist) that I can FEEL when I'm overdoing it. I LOVE cheese. I also love those vanilla creme donuts on DCL, and I love chocolate, and certain breads. But I'm not going to let myself gain any weight because then I'd feel too guilty and depressed to enjoy all the goodies on the cruises. What is that saying? - "A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips." ?? I want to feel good about myself on these cruises. So I don't mind being "deprived." I'll more than make up for it all when I'm CRUISIN'!