December 7 2006 Wonder Sailing

BTW - For anyone going to CP (not MVMCP) 12/3-12/5, Disney has announced that the special guest narrator is Chita Rivera :thumbsup2 . I haven't told DH - he will just say "Who's that?"

Edited CP for MVMCP (just one of those days I guess!)
 
mylilnikita: I know how hard it is to keep it from them! I caught myself a few times from blabbing. It was especially hard to keep the paperwork, guide books to excursions and such away from their prying eyes.

I love looking at the pictures I took of them finding out about the cruise when we pulled up to and entering the terminal. The one of ds9 opening the tickets is really bright and blurry/shaky because I was so excited. I had planned to have my parents surprise them at the top of the security escalator, but the security guards said I had to put my camera away to go through security and no cameras were allowed in that area. I called my parents and told them to wait until I could get a picture (I'm a very avid scrapbooker and feel compelled to capture everything). We checked in and got in line for pictures with Mickey when my parents came up and tapped them on their shoulders. They had no idea my parents were even in Florida. My FIL came later on a DCL transfer (we thought if he didn't he'd surely miss the ship). I loved reminiscing! Our boys love talking about it too which is wonderful.


Diznyfan68: We will be at MVMCP on 12/5. We fly in from BWI early that morning and will spend the day at DTD or hanging out at either CSR or WL (if we get in by then!) On 12/6 we plan to hop around Epcot, MK and or AK to hit our favorites and see some of the Santas they will have around the World Showcase and the Christmas parades. We are eating dinner at 1900 Park Fare. 12/7 we plan to get up and get to the port as close to opening as we can. We are going to go to MGM on 12/10 before flying home at 8 PM that evening. It will go quick, but it will be great and we know we'll be back in August or even before. We tend to get sucked (suckered?) in to any and all of Disney's promotions no matter how small.
 
From Allearsnet.com:

Dry Dock Brings More Magic to the Disney Wonder
Something New For Every Member of the Family –
Toddler Splash Zone, Jumbo LED Screen, Spa Enhancements and Luxurious Upgrades to Adult Pool

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- One of the most magical ships afloat is getting an extra dose of pixie dust. Following two weeks in dry dock this October, the Disney Wonder will offer more options for adults, children and families, and further enhance the personalized vacation experience Disney Cruise Line is known for providing its guests.

The changes will be hard to miss, especially on the pool decks: whimsical additions are planned for the Mickey Pool, major entertainment offerings will be unveiled at the Goofy Pool, and a splash of upscale elegance is being added to the adult-only Quiet Cove pool. Other modifications will be made to the onboard conference rooms, the Vista Spa and Salon and youth activity spaces.

New For Kids of All Ages

After dry dock, there will be something new on the ship for children of all ages -- including the youngest set of cruisers -- toddlers. An extension to the Mickey Pool on deck 9 is designed specifically for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers. Reminiscent of Mickey's sorcerer hat, the 385-square-foot toddler water-play pool features star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains and splash zones.

At Oceaneer Lab (ages 8-12), a new computer simulator allows children to see what it's like to steer the Disney Wonder in and out of various ports of call. The simulator is built into a replica of the ship's bridge, complete with giant video screens that provide a panoramic view of the ports -- similar to the view from the actual ship's bridge.

Oceaneer Club (ages 3-7) will expand on its Neverland theme and revamp the Captain's Closet dress-up area, creating more space for hands-on, interactive activities for the children along with additional PlayStation and computer stations for individual play.

New Family Fun

Disney Wonder guests will enjoy poolside movies on a brand-new, state-of-the-art jumbo LED screen affixed to the forward funnel on deck 9. At the Goofy Pool (family pool area), families can gather and watch classic Disney animated or live-action movies on the giant 24-by-14-foot screen. Other programming will also be available -- such as popular TV shows and major sporting and broadcast events -- and the 336-square-foot screen will greatly enhance outdoor entertainment and deck parties in and around the Goofy Pool area.

New Adult Activities

At the Vista Spa and Salon, guests will find three specifically designed spa villas -- complete with an indoor spa treatment suite connected to a private outdoor verandah with personal hot tub, open-air shower and luxurious chaise lounge. With incredible ocean vistas and warm tropical breezes, the new treatment suites provide guests with a romantic getaway into a tranquil oasis without ever leaving the ship.

As part of the Vista Spa expansion, the fitness center will double in size, providing space for more exercise equipment, an area for spinning classes and private salons for Pilates instruction and one-on-one beauty and fitness consultations. The Vista Spa and Salon is an area reserved exclusively for adults aboard the Disney Wonder. The expansion adds an additional 1,700 square feet to the fitness center, bringing the total size of the Vista Spa to 10,700 square feet.

Adjacent to the Vista Spa, the Quiet Cove adult pool is undergoing a makeover with waterfalls cascading from the two hot tubs, and teak deck and lounge chairs with plush cushions lining the pool. Guests visiting the Quiet Cove pool will find a peaceful respite that looks and feels like an outdoor extension of the Vista Spa.

New for Business Travelers

The Peter Pan, Fantasia and Steamboat Willie conference rooms on deck 2 are being transformed to rival any meeting space on land. A combination of warm wood tones mixed with Disney nostalgia, each conference room will contain state-of-the-art business presentation tools, complete with LED flat-screen TVs. The meeting space will also host a business center, individual computer stations and a refreshment bar. In addition, business travelers will find more Wi-Fi Internet stations inside the popular adult coffee bar, Cove Café, located on deck 9.

A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at Walt Disney World Resort are also available. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.
 
I saw the announcement earlier today - I can hardly wait to get on the ship and see all of this stuff first hand!

Only 31 hours more until I can make ressies for spa and excursions! I'll be looking like this :surfweb: at 3 am on Saturday!
 

Diznyfan68 said:
I saw the announcement earlier today - I can hardly wait to get on the ship and see all of this stuff first hand!

Only 31 hours more until I can make ressies for spa and excursions! I'll be looking like this :surfweb: at 3 am on Saturday!


How did you see an announcement? We have not received one yet. However, I have it on my calendar? :cool1:
 
There was no mention on it about Goofy's Galley replacing Scoops. I sure hope it's going to happen. The ham panini sandwiches and huge fruit plates were my favorite lunch time meal.

It will be really neat to see the toddler splash zone since that isn't on the Magic. I'm wondering if they are going to put it in Mickey's ear that is currently a splash pool or if it will be over near Scoops. It won't be too big since they stated it's only 385 square feet.

The adult pool chairs will be a nice change from the plastic ones.

Hard to believe the cruise will be here before we know it.
 
You don't think they would get rid of the Mickey slide do you? That's all my son keeps talking about. He can't wait to go down it again.
 
TYTY said:
You don't think they would get rid of the Mickey slide do you? That's all my son keeps talking about. He can't wait to go down it again.

Never, not a chance. It's way too popular. Not to mention a wonderful photo opportunity.
 
Got our ressie's this morning! Stingray Excursion at CC for 11 am for DS and me, and a Cabana Masage for me at 1 pm :cool1: .
 
That Cabana massage sure sounds nice! Did they still have a lot of openings at Palo? I'd still like to just do dessert there, but don't want to miss our regular assigned dinner seating.
 
Yes, they had quite a few openings left - I was actually surprised by how many!
 
I wonder if a lot of people skip Palo on a 3 night to just experience the 3 restaurants? The Palo reservation times literally diappeared before my eyes on the first day CC members could book on our 7 day. I would do a brunch but it's not offered and I don't want to do the actual dinner this time because it took us 3 hours (yep 3 but we had 5 people and I think ate about everything our waiter suggested...I did see some couples come and go and we were still eating) and I really want to go to the main restaurants. I don't want to miss pirate night in the restaurant either because that's always tons of fun. However, I just can't stop thinking about getting that chocolate souffle. I did read on another thread last night that other people definitely have just gone in and sat at the bar and ate them and also others have called ahead and had them made "to go." If the latter is true I think that may be my dessert each night!! If for some reason we did decide on Palo, we'd take the kids to the assigned seating to have them eat and then just go have an entree and dessert and skip the other stuff we had last time. It was all so very good, I just felt blah after eating from 7 to 10 PM. My mom was so tired after we were out in the sun all morning on a beach/snorkel excursion in St. John and at the ship's pool all afternoon she was literally talking to me and seemed to be falling alseep against our rounded booth backing. It is definitely 100% worthwhile going though.
 
Just found this at http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-overview.htm ...seems to answer where the toddler's splash area will go:


For those Disney Cruise Line fans that love stuff like this….

I recently traveled on the Disney Wonder and while on board got a chance to sit and share a private talk with a member of the ship’s upper management.

I wanted to relay some of the compliments that we hear about his beautiful ship and get some inside information.

As you all know, the Disney Wonder goes into dry dock in October. I wanted to know what changes we could expect to see.

I was told that the biggest changes would be done backstage.

There will be modifications made to the three galleys that serve the three dining rooms.
New equipment and new layouts will help the kitchen staff and the wait staff be more efficient. This will benefit guests, but will not be immediately noticeable to them.

Along the same line, the steam tables that hold the food in the Beach Blanket Buffet will be replaced with a ceramic product that I’m told will keep the food hotter and fresher. There will also be modifications made to the physical space in Beach Blanket Buffet. Barriers will be removed and things rearranged in order to make better use of the space and allow more seating and better flow.

Moving along to the more immediately noticeable changes…..

As with any dry dock, the ship will be spruced up from port to starboard and from fore to aft. Every inch of carpeting is being replaced throughout the ship.

Just as on the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder will be getting the Dumbotron screen next to the Goofy Pool. This has proven to be such a big hit with kids and adults.

The Wonder has recently gotten all new mattresses. The mattresses are made by the Sealy Company. It will only take a second for returning cruisers to notice the difference. The bed was amazingly comfortable.

I have also been told that there will be all new bed linens as well. Categories 1, 2 and 3 are already able to access a pillow menu, meaning that guests are offered a choice of firmness and pillow filling. I was told that if space could be allocated for storage, that there is a possibility of this “extra” being offered to all guests.

During our discussion, I was also told about some possible future plans that are currently on a “wish list”.

One of the items mentioned was that they hope to return the entire Mickey Pool back to the children that are out of diapers. Currently, one of Mickey’s ears is reserved for the diaper set. With the pool becoming very crowded at peak times, this extra space would be useful. There is talk of building a space under the Mickey slide for younger children. This will give the kids a bit more room.

Another item on the “wish list” is to give the adult pool more of a “spa” feeling. I was told that the hope is to make what is currently Signals Bar, a food location serving the over 18 pool area. The hope is to have wait staff delivering salads, wraps and healthier choices. There is also the idea of offering lighter wines by the glass. Just recently, they have been testing bringing refreshingly chilled, scented towels to guests around the adult pool. This is currently only a test. I don’t know about you….but this could make an already appealing area even better.

I feel confident sharing this news as my source is highly reliable.

I hope this information has intrigued you enough that if you have sailed with DCL previously that you feel the need to go back and see the Disney Wonder again and if you have yet to take a Disney cruise......what are you waiting for?



I still have not seen anything official on Goofy's Galley or a definite on Twice Charmed.

Has anyone seen anything on any Disney chatroom/site?
 
Hello all,

My DH and I will be traveling on the 3 night December 7 sailing with you all. It will be my second DCL cruise and his 3rd.

We actually met sailing on the Magic 7-night eastern cruise that sailed May 29, 2004. We were married June 9th of this year, and this will be a belated honeymoon / early anniversary gift to ourselves.

See ya real soon!
 
itgirl1002: Welcome to our group and congrats on your wedding!

Looks like we have a lot of boys around the same age group going on the 12/7 cruise.
 
Congratulations and welcome to the group!
 
Hello fellow cruisers! This will be the second girl's getaway December cruise on the Wonder for my mother and I. Our DH's don't like the idea of a cruise :confused3 so we leave them at home. :teeth:


Hanover said:
I wonder if a lot of people skip Palo on a 3 night to just experience the 3 restaurants?

That's exactly what we did last year because we wanted to experience all three. This year we'll be going to Palo for the first time. My advice is to skip Parrot Cay and dine at Palo if you really want to. You can always pop into Parrot Cay for a breakfast buffet or lunch one day just to get a feel of the place and experience the atmosphere.

Can't wait to set foot on the refurbed Wonder!!! pirate:
 
plgrn said:
Hello fellow cruisers! This will be the second girl's getaway December cruise on the Wonder for my mother and I. Our DH's don't like the idea of a cruise :confused3 so we leave them at home. :teeth:




That's exactly what we did last year because we wanted to experience all three. This year we'll be going to Palo for the first time. My advice is to skip Parrot Cay and dine at Palo if you really want to. You can always pop into Parrot Cay for a breakfast buffet or lunch one day just to get a feel of the place and experience the atmosphere.

Can't wait to set foot on the refurbed Wonder!!! pirate:


Welcome to our group Plgrn. You will not be disappointed with Palo.

My DH absolutely does not want to miss any of the restaurants this upcoming cruise. The only restaurant I wouldn't want to miss would be Animator's and whatever we are in on Pirate night. I'd rather go on semi formal night since we'd be dressed anyway, but he doesn't want to go with having to pack up and get our suitcases outside of the stateroom and go see the Till We Meet Again show. That's my favorite time to get autographs and pictures of the boys with characters instead of waiting in long lines on board. We do that in the parks as it is. I'm still hoping to either get to the bar in Palo for the souffle or pre- order the dessert. I'm looking forward to seeing Parrot Cay after it's refurb. I don't know the condition it is in on the Wonder, but when we were on the Magic this past May, we noticed entire pieces of the wood above our dining area to be missing in certain spots. On that cruise we went to a seminar on board with a Disney animator who actually designed the restaurant and many other areas on board and attractions in Disneyland Tokyo. He's very talented.
 
Diznyfan68 - Glad you got your cabana massage reservation :cheer2:

Hanover - The cabana massage is soooo relaxing. It's my favorite part of the cruise.

itgirl1002 & plgrn - Welcome to our thread!!

December 7th will be here before ya know it. My son and I are counting down the days.
 
Hanover said:
I'm looking forward to seeing Parrot Cay after it's refurb.

Oooo....how exciting! I'll be sure to sneak in there for lunch on day to take it all in.

So does everyone wear a lime green Mickey head from Home Depot on the cruise? This is my first "meet" so I was just wondering.
 

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