Disney Dream April 19, 2012 - 3 Nights

[pershing]

teach819- Enjoy the Orange Bowl for us!

We had a beautiful trip to WDW in January once. It was the year the Cape got all that snow! We came home to walls of snow!

I updated the roll call.

Hope everyone's holiday shopping is going great! I have a few more things and then I just have to wrap, wrap, wrap 'til my hands can't wrap anymore!

April 19, 2012 3-Day Dream Roll Call

SFD998 [CT] Myself, DW, DS 9 and DS 6 Room 9176

pershing [MA] Sue, DS 17, DS 15 (autistic), DS 14, DSF (Disney Sons Friend also boy) 14 Room 8130

bahama*baby111 [MA] Heather, DH Bob, DS 15, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 months. (Five DS's, One DD)

vedlin71 [KY] 8 people in 2 rooms

bandera69 [FL] 4 cabins 9 people

mdurette[MA?] Me, DH and DD 6

teach819 [NC] 3cabins - DPs Disney Parents , DB and fiance, and me, DH, DS 3

mousefan1972 [MA] spouse?, DD8, DS6

flawlessdreams[MN] and DFiance-getting married on the cruise! Woohoo!

 

[flawlessdreams]

Sue,
thanks so much for the tips on the car rental stuff. I will make a list and see which comes up cheaper
I'm not sure if I explained the situation correctly earlier sorry. The wedding party along with other guest are all booked to sail with us for that weekend. So 18 total friends and family will be setting sail on the Dream along with us. I was just wondering if you had always stayed around Port the night before or have you ever stayed around the Orlando Airport area and made the commute the next morning?
Hope you have an amazing week!!!
-heather

 

[teach819]

Congratulations flawlessdreams on your upcoming wedding! How exciting to be getting married on the cruise! My parents will be celebrating 40 years in April which is why we are taking the cruise.

We're staying in Orlando because we'll be visiting WDW the two days prior to the cruise. I have absolutely no idea about car rental because to be honest I haven't even thought about that. Hmmm, must go ask dad what his plans are.

I'm also quite excited more people are visiting our meet thread!

 

[flawlessdreams]

CONGRATS to your parents!!!! 40 years is awesome!!!
We are really excited! I know I thought I didnt have alot to do until I really started to sit and think about what needs to be done before the trip to make sure its a flawless/stress free trip!
I'm SUPER excited people are starting to reply to this thread too!!! hopefully it startes getting really "chatty"

 

[pershing]

So 18 total friends and family will be setting sail on the Dream along with us.

Oh WOW! That's alot of people sailin'

.... have you ever stayed around the Orlando Airport area and made the commute the next morning?

No I haven't. Mostly because we go to WDW before cruisin'. Even if it's for a day or two before.

Then I drive down to the port the night before for a couple of reasons:

1- The port hotels are cheaper than Disney's so I save staying at the port. I can't see paying WDW prices to just put my head on a pillow.

2-I don't have to worry....about not waking up early enough to pack and leave...about traffic on the way to the port... about the car breaking down. Yes you name it! If we had to we could walk to the port in time. (Yes, I know the boat leaves late afternoon. We like being on the boat at 12 pm.) I only bring a light bag into the port hotel and everything else stays packed for the cruise.

Other cruisers stay at Orlando Airport the night before all the time. The hotels are nicer there and you can get lots of cheap rates by pricelining or hotwire-ing all the time.

I know there's a trick to get the Hyatt Orlando Airport on Hotwire. There's a thread that details the amenities to look for and customer satisfaction level. I used it last trip, the last night, before we flew home. The kids thought it was cool, even if we did have a view of the roof.

We've also stayed at the Marriot and the Sheraton Suites in the past, which are a shuttle ride away. Both were really nice also.

I think staying at MCO may be your best bet if you are getting a marriage license in town the day before the cruise. It would cut down on the running around that day, I would think.

Have you picked out your dress? Are you wearing a formal gown or modern? Photographer? Music? How traditional a wedding ceremony is it? I'm as curious as a !

Yes! I also hope for a more chatty thread.

Ok, back to wrapping...

It's very exciting.

 

[teach819]

I love all the wedding planning. Kind of missed all that organization I got to do! I still have my wedding binder upstairs in the closet with my dress. At least now when I see a bride on the cruise ship I will know who it is! (provided you guys are the only couple getting married that day).

Totally had brain issues yesterday about the car rental. We don't need one because we are driving down from NC to Orlando. duh I was probably confused with our trip to Miami in a few weeks. Got the hotel booked last night and I think DH was working on flights this morning. My parents are flying down as well so that my mom can watch my son while dad, DH, and I go to the football game. I can't wait to go, but I'm a little worried about keeping my son happy on the flight. At least it's a non-stop flight.

And Sue, wrapping presents already. That would require me to actually have purchased presents! Thankfully I'm done with work this Friday (I work at an elementary school) so I'm shopping next week! At least I have a list put together, but this is the closest I've come to Christmas without having bought any presents. My son's third birthday is this Friday so we have to buy birthday gifts first. Makes for a packed December.

Back to work!

 

[flawlessdreams]

**WARNING SUPER LONG POST** I enjoy talking to y’all though!!
So I have been thinking and I think I might just stay at a Value Resort the 18th and get up the next morning have a transportation company take us to the Port. I looked online today and to stay at All Star Sports Resort is $121for the night (not sure if this is to high still need to research more). It seems that it would be less stressful if we did it that way. I think I have 8 possibly 10 people flying into Orlando (that’s including us) and the others are driving from TN. If I just told everyone hey we are staying at All Star on Disney Resort the 18th when your flights get in take the free shuttle form MCO to the All Star and if you are driving drive to All Star and we can all meet at that one location. Our flight gets in around 11:00 and the others don’t get in until mid to late afternoon. This way, I’m not having to worry are the people getting a ride to the hotel, or do they want me to pick them up etc.
I did get info from a former Disney Cruise Bride who said that she did it this way and hired a transportation company to take everyone the next morning to Port and it was easy. I called the company and they told me a van with luggage trailer round trip would be $305.00 (is that bad?) I was going to talk to DF tonight and see what he thinks.
Everything is really covered with Disney when it comes to the Wedding. They have for sure 2 weddings this cruise. I wanted to have the ceremony at Castaway Cay but it was already booked so the Outlook it is. The wedding package through Disney you get ceremony, flowers for bride, boutonniere for the groom, cake, cake topper, pianist, a champagne reception, and other little stuff like cake server set, certificate of marriage. They offer photography as an extra among other things. We get a whole planning packet through Disney to pick the different stuff. They have 6 different flower options, three different cake design, and different cake flavors. its PRETTY EXCITING!! I love my dress I have chosen, its sweetheart neck has a bow on the front with a small train. It’s a Ball Gown skirt. (Pretty puffy) and it has POCKETS! I have a picture of me along with two of my three bridesmaids. Hopefully it will let me post it. I plan on wearing my dress all day!! If you see me say HELLO!!!
On another topic I haven’t even bought paper to wrap the presents that I have bought. I’m almost done with shopping though. I only have a few others to buy for!!! exciting I leave next week to go home for Christmas and I can’t wait!!!

Teach819- HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your son!!! I can’t wait to have kids one day!!! Enjoy your break! My dad is a teacher and I always enjoyed his long breaks with us I know he enjoys them too. You should see my wedding binder too. It’s PACKED FULL with different ideas

it doesnt look as poofy here but it really is. this dress was the sample in store when I was with my family.

 

[teach819]

Cute dress! And I love the color of the bridesmaids dresses! Blue is my favorite color, but somehow I went with black dresses with lilac sashes. Funny how that was not my original idea when planning my dream wedding before I even met my husband.

 

[1stdcl2012]

Hello - this will be my family's first cruise ever and we're happy it's with Disney! Looking forward to meeting you all. Please bear with me as I'm still earning my ears...forgot to mention who's travelling: me, spouse(DH), DS8, DS7, DD17months, MIL

 

[bandera69]

To flawless dreams: Congratulations

We are getting closer and closer to our sail date. This will be our 2nd Disney Cruise and First on the Dream. I will hopefully be posting more as the trip gets closer.

 

[1stdcl2012]

Well, I kept checking for updates but so far - no one has posted any Hope you all had a magical winter holiday. Today it felt like Spring here in CA, the news said there's very little snow in the ski resorts...

Going back to our cruise - should I make a FE? I'm lazy at crafts and not a very artsy person. So I need a lot of time to prepare beforehand, are we doing a gift exchange? Anybody up for it?

 

[pershing]

Well, I kept checking for updates but so far - no one has posted any Hope you all had a magical winter holiday. Today it felt like Spring here in CA, the news said there's very little snow in the ski resorts...

Going back to our cruise - should I make a FE? I'm lazy at crafts and not a very artsy person. So I need a lot of time to prepare beforehand, are we doing a gift exchange? Anybody up for it?

1stdcl2012 !!!

So sorry I haven't been here to welcome you sooner and add your sailing party to the list!

April 19, 2012 3-Day Dream Roll Call

SFD998 [CT] Myself, DW, DS 9 and DS 6 Room 9176

pershing [MA] Sue, DS 17, DS 15 (autistic), DS 14, DSF (Disney Sons Friend also boy) 14 Room 8130

bahama*baby111 [MA] Heather, DH Bob, DS 15, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 months. (Five DS's, One DD)

vedlin71 [KY] 8 people in 2 rooms

bandera69 [FL] 4 cabins 9 people

mdurette[MA?] Me, DH and DD 6

teach819 [NC] 3cabins - DPs Disney Parents , DB and fiance, and me, DH, DS 3

mousefan1972 [MA] spouse?, DD8, DS6

flawlessdreams[MN] and DFiance-getting married on the cruise! Woohoo!

1stDCL2012[?] me, spouse(DH), DS8, DS7, DD17months, MIL

I'm game on putting together a FE list!

I'm sorry I haven't been around in awhile. I don't know about ya'll, but Christmas was a tailspin this year. Whew! Fun, but kinda glad it was over.

That being said:

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

flawlessdreams, that dress is beautiful! Not like the one I wore for my...um...brief 3 year marriage. 3 years -3 kids and then it was done. My dress resembled something like from 'Gone with The Wind' as it was the only thing sufficiently covering my 5 month old baby bump. Can you say doomed from the get-go!

Anyway, my middle DS has just started at Boston Higashi School for Autistic Children, which is residential and I'm feeling . I know it's what's best for him, but I want my baby home with me!

At least he'll be on the cruise with us in April, woohoo. So something to look forward to. (I'm trying to get out of my perpetual maudlin state! lol)

Anyway, I noticed on the Disney Cruise line website that my online check-in documents were ready to be filled out! Not sure if it's because I'm a Gold Castaway Club member or if it's opened for everyone yet.

I'd advise you guys to check it out. See if your check-in is ready by going to disneycruise.com and logging in. You'll need your Disney Cruise Reservation number to get in. Then see if your check-in area can be clicked on. It'll ask you if you have passports and their numbers or are using photos and birth certs. like us. It'll want emergency contact info. Where you are staying before and after the cruise, Who you want to get onboard charging privileges, and your onboard credit info. You'll need to print your Check-in Signature Form. Sign that and put it with your travel papers. Then, what I consider the important part-it'll let you pick a boarding or arrival time period! 11:00 AM is the earliest they let you pick now and that time period disappears soon.

I believe the Platinum Castaway Club members get to pre-board, but they tend to sail the 7 day or more cruises so they'll probably be very few of them.

For you newbies Disney Cruise Line has a beautiful terminal with tv screens in the waiting areas for the kids, a gorgeous ship replica, and a lookout area to check out the ship at the end of the terminal area. (Alot of people don't realize that!)

My tip for today is don't let your party sit down when you pass security and get into the terminal. Your first stop is a quick check in area to see if you need help with your paperwork and then join the checkin line to your left (the right is for Castaway Club members). Pictures need to be taken for your cards so your party can't sit down until that's done.

Your check in will finish with your party getting a boarding number. When they call your number, you can board. Keep your cards out, the first thing you have to do is hand them over so they can run them through the computer as you board. Then family picture time and finally the calling of your family name as the cast members greet you into the lobby of the Disney Dream!

You'll be directed to one of the restaurants for a buffet lunch, but remember you can always ask to go up deck and eat at Cabanas as to be near the pools. (Dress your kids in bathing suits as your luggage and room are not available until later.)

Ok, my spirits have been raised just typing this description. Bring on April!

 

[mdurette]

We would love to participate in a FE!

 

[teach819]

I'm game for FEs as well. Gotta get crafty!

I have on my calendar that Feb 4 is when I can book onboard activities. Anyone know what that entails? I tried registering my son for the club, got all the way to the pick up password and then it wouldn't let me finish. I'll try again soon. Work is pretty busy right now, trying to catch up and then get ahead.

Spent 4 days in Miami, it was wonderful! The weather was warm, the beaches were sunny, I forgot how much I missed Florida (my dad was stationed at MacDill AFB outside of Tampa for almost 2 years when I was in third grade). I cannot wait for this Disney Cruise. I was reading a few trip reports and am jealous of everyone who has been on multiple cruise trips!

 

[1stdcl2012]

Am so happy this thread is getting some activity

Been trolling the other threads for ideas and am so inspired by so many past experiences from many of you who did this before!

FE: am trying to create one without sewing and I've visited other posts with instructions on what to do, wow, everyone seems to know how to make good ones! I feel like I'd be too shy/intimidated to even hang ours outside the door Just curious: R u guys reusing existing FEs, do you bring the same for each cruise or create new ones each time?

Family shirts: thought this was a good idea too, but then more work for me, boohoo. I need to recruit DH to do this one. I read that "lime green" seems to be the official DIS color so I plan to find shirts in that color (if at all possible). Now what to print on it?

Did you checkin online yet? I was waiting for the passports of my 2 younger kids, we had them done on Dec so should be in the mail soon, then I will complete my checkin. I did signup for Port Adventures (Aquaventures, Cabana on CC).

 

[teach819]

Since this is our first Disney cruise, I'll have to make FE's for each cabin. I like to sew, it's just finding the time to do so.

I haven't checked in yet, our check-on date online is Feb 4th. I have it marked on my calendar. It won't even let me register our son yet.

Passport - must send that off this weekend. I never had my passport changed after getting married and am now finally getting around to it. DH and DS received theirs in less than 3 weeks so I'm hoping for a quick turn-around on ours as well. Shoot, I don't think my brother and his fiance have even applied for one yet. Slow pokes.

Family shirts - I like the Lime Green color. You can always write something about a Dream Vacation

Now back to work, seriously getting nothing accomplished this morning. And I've been here for almost 2 hours

 

[mdurette]

Am so happy this thread is getting some activity


FE: am trying to create one without sewing and I've visited other posts with instructions on what to do, wow, everyone seems to know how to make good ones! I feel like I'd be too shy/intimidated to even hang ours outside the door Just curious: R u guys reusing existing FEs, do you bring the same for each cruise or create new ones each time?

Well....I am certainly not a crafty person, so sewing a FE is not going to be it for me. What I used last time was a simple white bag that I purchased at a craft store. I put some stickers on it and attached it to the Fish - done. Worked just fine!

 

[mdurette]

Ok - what are you guys doing for transporation?

We are staying off site for a few days and returning back to MCO after the cruise. Right now I have a one way booked with Budget from MCO to their port terminal and then I was just going to take Disney transport back to the airport.

Also thinking that I might just keep the car and park in the port and drive myself back.

Any suggestions???

 

[pershing]

FE List for April 19, 2012 Cruise
1stdcl2012
mdurette
teach819
pershing

Above is my first attempt at a FE List. As we get closer, I will pm people for their cabin numbers.

Luckily, my mom is a quilter and copied the Fish Extenders that are for sale on ebay. So great to have a crafty mom...cause I'm so not!

Ok - what are you guys doing for transporation?

We are staying off site for a few days and returning back to MCO after the cruise. Right now I have a one way booked with Budget from MCO to their port terminal and then I was just going to take Disney transport back to the airport.

Also thinking that I might just keep the car and park in the port and drive myself back.

Any suggestions???

Soon I'm gonna be pricelining and hotwiring for a better car rental deal. Yes, my Tax Refund is on the way! Right now I have $429 total with taxes for 4/13 to 4/22 Dodge Avenger on Budget. I have 5 people going so economy car is out.

I'm debating about just doing the Country Inn and Suites shuttle and saving parking money.

But I'm definately renting a car for the entire round trip from the airport.

 

[SFD998]

Ok - what are you guys doing for transporation?

We are staying off site for a few days and returning back to MCO after the cruise. Right now I have a one way booked with Budget from MCO to their port terminal and then I was just going to take Disney transport back to the airport.

Also thinking that I might just keep the car and park in the port and drive myself back.

Any suggestions???

This will be our third DCL cruise and what I have done in the past is similar to what you are planning. The first trip we spent a few days in the parks and used Disney's transportation to the port. This was primarily because we had never been to the port and didn't want to get lost. However, on the way back we rented a car from budget and returned it to MCO without any problems.

Our second cruise we rented from budget at MCO drove to Vero Beach to spend the night and dropped it off at the port location. No reason to pay for the car and parking when we wouldn't be using it. When we returned we rented from Avis at the port and returned it to MCO. I have no loyalty to any company other than the one who will charge me less for the same service. I will say that Budget is closer to the port than Avis, but not by much.

For this trip we will be arriving on 4/14. We are renting from Avis at MCO and dropping the car off at their port location. We are flying out when we return, but it was cheaper to rent a car than it was to use Disney's transportation. In addition our flight isn't until that evening and I have no desire to sit in an airport all day with two boys. Instead we will drive back and go to one of the parks. Since, we are annual passholders it won't cost me anymore for tickets.

As far as keeping the car and parking it I wouldn't. You are only spending money for no reason. Dump the car at the port location and rent another one for the return trip. Hope this helps.