DECEMBER 6, 2009 Winter WONDERland sailing!!!

[taswira]

lets see...here are some tips that have stuck that Ive received so far: . . . . .
How did I do???

Not bad! Some of the advice I personally wouldn't take because I have my own "system" and it doesn't apply to me. But most of those tips are well-proven and excellent! There are a zillion tips people can "absorb" here on the DIS, most being quite useful and some not.

My own #1 advice to everyone (take it or leave it, but don't say I didn't tell you - LOL) is this: If you are not CERTAIN you will need a particular item (other than medical, etc.) do NOT pack it!

Trust me, whether you are solo in a cabin or with family or friends, you WILL be happier not to have brought that little (or big) something that is one more thing taking up space. And don't forget to allow extra empty space in your luggage for those items you will acquire on your cruise!

 

[Long Gone]

You might check on #20. I think I read that this is no longer possible.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Not bad! Some of the advice I personally wouldn't take because I have my own "system" and it doesn't apply to me. But most of those tips are well-proven and excellent! There are a zillion tips people can "absorb" here on the DIS, most being quite useful and some not.

My own #1 advice to everyone (take it or leave it, but don't say I didn't tell you - LOL) is this: If you are not CERTAIN you will need a particular item (other than medical, etc.) do NOT pack it!

Trust me, whether you are solo in a cabin or with family or friends, you WILL be happier not to have brought that little (or big) something that is one more thing taking up space. And don't forget to allow extra empty space in your luggage for those items you will acquire on your cruise!

if I was only doing the cruise I would most certainly agree with you but seeing as we will be in wdw for 9 days prior to it I kind of have no choice but to bring things I may not need for just 4 days...

You might check on #20. I think I read that this is no longer possible.

I will recheck again before I get ready to do it but I remember when that was going on earlier on in the year and they did stop it and people were going crazy thinking they couldnt ship so one of the consistent posters went and called the guy that ships everything and he said one box but again I will recheck as Im sure alot of things will change again before we go

 

[taswira]

if I was only doing the cruise I would most certainly agree with you but seeing as we will be in wdw for 9 days prior to it I kind of have no choice but to bring things I may not need for just 4 days...

Of course you will need more than those only doing the cruise, but you could still consider what you actually need for your entire vacation. That's all I meant.

I'm quick to admit I am obsessive-compulsive with planning and organization. Embarassing Example: I have a list with exactly what I will wear (barring addition or subtraction for weather) for every meal and every activity each day of the cruise. And you know what? I don't end up with anything I didn't wear or use! And Holly can attest to the fact that even my Pal Mickey had his own packing list for his luggage (a Mickey roll-a-board daypack)! how Disney is THAT?

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Of course you will need more than those only doing the cruise, but you could still consider what you actually need for your entire vacation. That's all I meant.

I'm quick to admit I am obsessive-compulsive with planning and organization. Embarassing Example: I have a list with exactly what I will wear (barring addition or subtraction for weather) for every meal and every activity each day of the cruise. And you know what? I don't end up with anything I didn't wear or use! And Holly can attest to the fact that even my Pal Mickey had his own packing list for his luggage (a Mickey roll-a-board daypack)! how Disney is THAT?

haha thats funny...well for one thing, when it gets closer to the time we go I will ask you guys how the weather is along with looking at the forecast so I know how to pack...if its unusually warm I wont be bringing many pants but if its cool then no shorts you know??? but we will be staying at BWV so we will have a washer and dryer which we will definitely put to good use especially before we repack for the cruise...Im not even sure I will do any laundry on the cruise

 

[taswira]

...if its unusually warm I wont be bringing many pants but if its cool then no shorts you know???

No - You will definitely need BOTH - no doubt! That time of year and over that period of time, the weather will not stay the same. We are pretty much guaranteed to have very warm and very cool days, and cool evenings/early mornings for sure. Plus, you WILL get quite cool in some places on the ship . . especially in the dining rooms. So the wardrobe key is to (if possible) bring clothing that is lightweight and easily packable but can be layered, mixed and matched, instead of "outfits" that have to be worn as is.

Shorts and slacks - You can wear the same ones and change "tops" or to get dressy change accessories and that's a new "outfit" - LOL. And yes - If you do your laundry at the resort you certainly shouldn't need to do it on the cruise. I've never even had to on a 7-night sailing. I see people doing their laundry and I think "OMG - They paid a lot of money for this and look what's taking a chunk of their cruise time!" Especially with a 4-night . . That's not how you'll want to spend your time!

 

[disneegrl4eva]

and I think "OMG - They paid a lot of money for this and look what's taking a chunk of their cruise time!" Especially with a 4-night . . That's not how you'll want to spend your time!

uh huh I hear you gf

 

[taswira]

Just a heads-up for those who don't know - - -

The Disney Wonder will be in dry dock Sept. 27 – Oct. 15, 2009. That means she should still be relatively "fresh" when we sail. Nice!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

Oh wow - that is great news.

I know it's still 14 months til our cruise - but I am just SO excited!

Smiles,

Holly

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Just a heads-up for those who don't know - - -

The Disney Wonder will be in dry dock Sept. 27 – Oct. 15, 2009. That means she should still be relatively "fresh" when we sail. Nice!

Shari, what do they do when it's in dry dock?

 

[taswira]

I'm hooked! Today I added more pages to our cruise site. The "Itinerary" page shows our itinerary, has links to Disney Cruise Line's pages for Nassau and Castaway Cay, and has the weather for Cape Canaveral/Port Canaveral. The "Newsletter" page is for news related to our cruise and cruisers. The "Resources" page has links to "official" sites for DCL (including a direct link to their FAQ page), Port Canaveral, WDW, MouseFest, etc. I will be adding to it, but am not putting Disboard links there since a link to this thead is on the "Menu" on each page. To get to the site, just click the Disney Wonder graphic in my signature.

I will soon be adding photos. Meeting up with Holly at Epcot tomorrow though, so the pics will have to wait awhile.

Just saw the question about dry dock. That is when they take the ship out of water for a couple of weeks and "refurbish" it as needed - removing rust and repainting the hull, repairing and replacing major things, and sometimes making upgrades or modifications in the passenger areas. General inspection and maintenance is all the Wonder should need this time though, but it will still be "fresh" for us!

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I'm hooked! Today I added more pages to our cruise site. The "Itinerary" page shows our itinerary, has links to Disney Cruise Line's pages for Nassau and Castaway Cay, and has the weather for Cape Canaveral/Port Canaveral. The "Newsletter" page is for news related to our cruise and cruisers. The "Resources" page has links to "official" sites for DCL (including a direct link to their FAQ page), Port Canaveral, WDW, MouseFest, etc. I will be adding to it, but am not putting Disboard links there since a link to this thead is on the "Menu" on each page. To get to the site, just click the Disney Wonder graphic in my signature.

I will soon be adding photos. Meeting up with Holly at Epcot tomorrow though, so the pics will have to wait awhile.

Just saw the question about dry dock. That is when they take the ship out of water for a couple of weeks and "refurbish" it as needed - removing rust and repainting the hull, repairing and replacing major things, and sometimes making upgrades or modifications in the passenger areas. General inspection and maintenance is all the Wonder should need this time though, but it will still be "fresh" for us!

ah ok thanks....Shari the site is awesome and its gonna be great as the time goes on...your a gem to do this...Im sure you are enjoying doing it but I appreciate the effort you are putting into it...

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I'm hooked! Today I added more pages to our cruise site.

GREAT job Shari! I still also love the background - kind of adds to the whole level of excitement.

I happen to have on my DCL cruise t-shirt right now!

Smiles,

Holly

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I get so frustrated some times I ask a question on the board about something and no one answers me...I try searching for answers before I ask, I try looking at wdwinfo.com for answers before I even go to the wdw side of the boards and for some reason they dont want to answer me..I just dont get it...I asked if there was any special package or charges where you can have preferred viewing for fireworks...do any of you know?

 

[taswira]

I get so frustrated some times I ask a question on the board about something and no one answers me...I try searching for answers before I ask, I try looking at wdwinfo.com for answers before I even go to the wdw side of the boards and for some reason they dont want to answer me..I just dont get it...I asked if there was any special package or charges where you can have preferred viewing for fireworks...do any of you know?

Are you asking about fireworks at WDW or on DCL? At WDW there are "fireworks cruises" with some different boat options, although I prefer the view from land. During special events at Epcot there are sometimes "dessert parties" you can purchase where you also have a "preferred" viewing area (on land) for the fireworks. Aside from that, you pretty much have to be either a VIP or handicapped to get preferred viewing.

On DCL, IF they are still doing the fireworks from the ship, it's a matter of just finding the perfect spot and being the first to get to it!

Not sure if my answer has helped because I'm unsure of the question.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Are you asking about fireworks at WDW or on DCL? At WDW there are "fireworks cruises" with some different boat options, although I prefer the view from land. During special events at Epcot there are sometimes "dessert parties" you can purchase where you also have a "preferred" viewing area (on land) for the fireworks. Aside from that, you pretty much have to be either a VIP or handicapped to get preferred viewing.

On DCL, IF they are still doing the fireworks from the ship, it's a matter of just finding the perfect spot and being the first to get to it!

Not sure if my answer has helped because I'm unsure of the question.

sorry...I guess Im asking about the land preferred viewing area...this dessert party you are talking about....when do they offer it and how can I get info on it???

 

[taswira]

sorry...I guess Im asking about the land preferred viewing area...this dessert party you are talking about....when do they offer it and how can I get info on it???

You can call (321) 939-4643 to reach a Disney Park Events specialist and inquire what, if anything, will be available when you are here. If you are thinking about your visit just before our cruise late next year, they may not be able to give you a good answer right now as a lot can change by then.

 

[taswira]

Keep in mind that unless you have a decent-sized "group," you would need to be able to add your party to others because they don't do these things for just a few people (except celebrities of course!).

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Keep in mind that unless you have a decent-sized "group," you would need to be able to add your party to others because they don't do these things for just a few people (except celebrities of course!).

hello I am a celebrity and they better recognize

 

[disneegrl4eva]

You can call (321) 939-4643 to reach a Disney Park Events specialist and inquire what, if anything, will be available when you are here. If you are thinking about your visit just before our cruise late next year, they may not be able to give you a good answer right now as a lot can change by then.

ok I will...I just read something on a dining review where they made reservations for preferred viewing and I asked what they were referring to so hopefully they can answer me...I dont understand...Ive been on here for years but always on the DL side and people over there are way nice and answer quick but almost every time I post over on the wdw side if they even bother to answer at all they arent very nice and they are a little snippy...I just dont comprehend why