Disney Dream April 19, 2012 - 3 Nights

[SFD998]

Booked our shore excursion and dinner at Palo this morning. Was surprised to not be able to book an observer slot at Blue Lagoon for the time we wanted, but was able to get it as a Dolphin encounter. Oh well, it will all work out. Has anyone else booked anything yet? I have been to Blue Lagoon in Nassau before if anyone has any questions.

P.S. As of this morning there were still two cabanas available at Serenity Bay on Castaway. I know when DW and I went alone we looked and hoped for one with no luck. Of course now it is available and we can't go because the kids aren't allowed there.

 

[pershing]

Booked our shore excursion and dinner at Palo this morning. Was surprised to not be able to book an observer slot at Blue Lagoon for the time we wanted, but was able to get it as a Dolphin encounter. Oh well, it will all work out. Has anyone else booked anything yet? I have been to Blue Lagoon in Nassau before if anyone has any questions.

P.S. As of this morning there were still two cabanas available at Serenity Bay on Castaway. I know when DW and I went alone we looked and hoped for one with no luck. Of course now it is available and we can't go because the kids aren't allowed there.

I have a confession..... we've never actually gotten off the ship at Nassau!!

Single mom, young kids was the reason the first couple of cruises but then we all admitted that we loved the ships so much that staying on was more fun. I guess where we live could be a factor. A regular ol' beach is not gonna be enough of a reason to tear us away from the ship!

I am surprised that you couldn't get an observer slot at Blue Lagoon this early. Can you expound on the whole Blue Lagoon excursion thing? I've read really mixed reviews in the past, so it was easy to bypass the excursion.

I plan on bonding with Serenity Bay (especially for lunch! It's so much better than the family beach!) in the afternoon on Castaway Cay and do the snorkeling with my sons in the morning. We have alot of aging snorkel equipment that we're gonna bring and toss at the end of the trip.
The kids were really into snorkeling when they were younger, but now the equipment just gathers dust in the basement during the summers. And you can't beat a free excursion!

I would like to book Palo, but haven't paid off my cruise yet. Tax refund comes next week.

I'm also paying off the balance I owe on our DVC rental then, and buying WDW tickets from undercover tourist just in case prices go up again.

...then, it's back to ramen noodles lol.

 

[1stdcl2012]

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!

I found some vinyl 8x11 pocket/envelopes in Target at the dollar area. I'll just connect them together with ribbons and get some Disney stickers for the boys to decorate their own pocket. Being 8yo and 7yo, they started to like the "Marvel" line of Disney and I was trying to convince them to pick traditional Disney characters for the FE.

 

[1stdcl2012]

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???

So nice to be able to have some extra days to visit the area! We're flying in/out just for the cruise.

Total newbie here , sorry I don't have any useful info. I actually booked everything via Disney (even trip insurance), so it's all Disney transpo for us. I was totally clueless wrt cruising and didn't have much time to look at alternatives. Now I'm learning some tips from pros, so hopefully, I'd do better next time arranging the trip by myself. We're flying in (probably from SFO since we're from Northern CA) the day before then staying at the Sheraton airport hotel. Still waiting for Disney to provide the flight details.

On the way home post-cruise, we're doing onboard checkin. Am so glad I don't have to deal with the luggage on the way back, I suspect I'll have a lot of carry-ons bec of DD17mos.

 

[1stdcl2012]

--x-snip--x>

I plan on bonding with Serenity Bay (especially for lunch! It's so much better than the family beach!) in the afternoon on Castaway Cay and do the snorkeling with my sons in the morning. We have alot of aging snorkel equipment that we're gonna bring and toss at the end of the trip.
The kids were really into snorkeling when they were younger, but now the equipment just gathers dust in the basement during the summers. And you can't beat a free excursion!

Is this true? I've heard about this in other posts - that the Serenity buffet (lobster?) is much better than the family version. Since there's 3 adults in our group, maybe 2 of us can grab food from Serenity and join the gang at the family beach

 

[pershing]

Is this true? I've heard about this in other posts - that the Serenity buffet (lobster?) is much better than the family version. Since there's 3 adults in our group, maybe 2 of us can grab food from Serenity and join the gang at the family beach

IMO, yes.

Lobster? I didn't see that there, but I did see thin steaks besides the hamburgers served at the family beach, a 'fixings' bar for your meat with stuff like sauteed mushrooms and such, better dessert and fresh fruit which was papaya, mango and cassavas. YUM!

I'm sure there was more, but I don't remember it.

I'm sure Disney Travel Company did a great job organizing your trip. AND the plus side of going with Disney is that for any reason your flight is held up, they will hold the ship for you.

Did I mention its snowing today? We don't really get much snow, unless it comes from the Northeast.

It's pretty but I hope it melts tomorrow. I'm not a fan.

 

[teach819]

My parents were able to start booking today, I think they were going to book Palo for all of us. Now I know that's an adult only restaurant, and I think I've read elsewhere on the board that I'll be able to drop my 3-year-old off at the club before us adults go to dinner. Has anyone done this before?

As for excursions, I haven't decided (though I'm still trying to figure out how to find out what excursions are being offered, I cannot seem to access that online, anyone know where I can find this info?). I'm leaning towards staying on the ship, I've been to Nassau twice before, DH has been once, and I don't see paying alot of money if DS isn't going to get to do much. We may check out the beach, I've been to Serenity Bay before and liked it so maybe we'll sign up to go there. Decisions, decisions!

 

[teach819]

double post

 

[pershing]

and I think I've read elsewhere on the board that I'll be able to drop my 3-year-old off at the club before us adults go to dinner. Has anyone done this before?

Yes, most if not all of us drop our kids off at the kids clubs before Palo. Word of warning- watch your navigator to see when and if the kids are on the move! They do not accept kids while the kids are moving from one area to the other. (ie. movie theater back to club) Obviously, the counselors don't want their focus disturbed at that time. So, drop the kids off earlier I would say. My kids loved to eat dinner with the club anyway.

As for excursions, I haven't decided (though I'm still trying to figure out how to find out what excursions are being offered, I cannot seem to access that online, anyone know where I can find this info?). I'm leaning towards staying on the ship, I've been to Nassau twice before, DH has been once, and I don't see paying alot of money if DS isn't going to get to do much. We may check out the beach, I've been to Serenity Bay before and liked it so maybe we'll sign up to go there. Decisions, decisions!

Yeah, that's why the disboards exist! 'Cause sometimes the Disney websites are skimpy with the info!

Here's the link from wdwinfo.com for the Castaway Excursions http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-port-castawaycay.cfm

and the Nassau http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-port-nassau.cfm

There's a whole newbie section on wdwinfo.com! Just go there and click on 'Disney Cruise' then 'itineraries/ports' to find this info and more.

 

[teach819]

Thanks so much Sue!

 

[pershing]

Thanks so much Sue!

No problem!

I learned so much on these boards! My first WDW trip was in 2003. I booked my trip with a travel agent and then found these boards. I ended up having her re-book our trip 3 more times saving so much from the WDW trip that we took the savings and booked a 3 day on the Wonder with it!

That was the last time I used a travel agent. I realized she booked me on Delta instead of a less expensive flight to line her own pocket.

By the time we left on our vacation, I definitely knew more about Disney than she did!

Sunday night, sitting here doing . Trying to make up for goofing off all day. What is it about a snowy weekend that makes you feel like curling up with a blanket and a book!

 

[tostygirl]

Hey there,

Love finding this forum. Great info. I thought I was set for this cruise but now after reading all the posts feel very unprepared. This will be our first Disney Cruise (Me, DH, DD6, DS8). Rm 10156. Couple of newbie questions (I am sure there will be many more)
1. everything I have read has said that our kids can go on this cruise with only an original of their birth certificate. Is this true? Many have been posting about getting passports for kids and was wondering why unless they plan on doing other travel outside the US.
2. We are using FL Tours to take us to and from MCO and the Port. Has anyone done this before? Comments?
3. lastly, what are FE's? I have figured out that they are fish extenders but what are those?

So looking forward to this great adventure.

Happy Sunday afternoon all,
Amy

 

[pershing]

Hey there,

Love finding this forum. Great info. I thought I was set for this cruise but now after reading all the posts feel very unprepared. This will be our first Disney Cruise (Me, DH, DD6, DS8). Rm 10156. Couple of newbie questions (I am sure there will be many more)
1. everything I have read has said that our kids can go on this cruise with only an original of their birth certificate. Is this true? Many have been posting about getting passports for kids and was wondering why unless they plan on doing other travel outside the US.
2. We are using FL Tours to take us to and from MCO and the Port. Has anyone done this before? Comments?
3. lastly, what are FE's? I have figured out that they are fish extenders but what are those?

So looking forward to this great adventure.

Happy Sunday afternoon all,
Amy

tostygirl!

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

tostygirl [WI] Me, DH, DD6, DS8

Yes, the disboards can kinda make you feel like you're unprepared with information overload. Just remember that most of us dis'ers are obsessive vacation planners and need to get some help! There's something to be said for just going along with the flow on a vacation. However, Walt Disney World and/or a Disney Cruise are really too expensive a vacation to just wing it.

Balance would be the key, I guess. I've learned to indulge my excessive overplanning and then chill-out if things don't go by my schedule.

I'd love to take a crack at your newbie questions.

1-As far as passports versus birth certificates, here's the government wording-look under 'Closed looped Cruises' http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_sa.html

We've never gotten off the ship in the Bahamas, but I don't believe you need your passport to exit the ship there. However, if you decide not to get passports and one of your party has to med-o-vac back to the US due to illness or injury, not having your passports would be an issue.

That said, we don't have our passports. I've had heart issues, my youngest is a diabetic. I spend the money on travel insurance instead! Somehow, I can't see them not letting us back into the US.

The online check-in was asking us to bring photo id with the birth certificates. I'm not sure if that's new, but they all have school id's I can bring.

2-FL tours is great! I used them on my first trip and they were very professional and timely. Now that I'm more familiar with the area and using priceline and stuff, I like to have my own rental car. It can be cheaper than hiring a car company like FL tours....well, maybe not this year! Grrrr Prices are still very high!

3-This thread has a picture of a FE.What is a FE?

Alot of basic Disney Cruise info is on the FAQ's thread-here http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2068966

But I can answer most questions on the top of my head. This is our sixth Disney Cruise. We did a 3 day on the Wonder in 2003, a 7 day Western Caribbean on the Magic in 2005, a 7 day Eastern Caribbean on the Magic in 2007, a 4 day Wonder in 2009, a 3 day Dream in 2011.

Oh, how the time has flown. Seems like yesterday my kids were running around the Oceaneer Club on the Wonder. Now my oldest will age out of the teen club next year!

 

[teach819]

Welcome Amy!!


Soooo, we had our first experience with pixie dust this weekend! Since my parents have been on previous Disney cruises, they were able to sign up for activities and make reservations to Palo; however, my brother and I are not allowed access until this Saturday. Palo wasn't letting Dad make a reservation for 6, even though our names appeared on his ticket. So Dad sent a little email requesting for a reservation of 6 because they were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary on the cruise. Leslie from Disney called (!) and said she could sprinkle a little pixie dust to make it happen! So we have reservations for Palo Friday night! I'm so excited!!

(Is it April yet?)

 

[1stdcl2012]

Hey there,

Love finding this forum. Great info. I thought I was set for this cruise but now after reading all the posts feel very unprepared. This will be our first Disney Cruise (Me, DH, DD6, DS8). Rm 10156. Couple of newbie questions (I am sure there will be many more)
1. everything I have read has said that our kids can go on this cruise with only an original of their birth certificate. Is this true? Many have been posting about getting passports for kids and was wondering why unless they plan on doing other travel outside the US.
2. We are using FL Tours to take us to and from MCO and the Port. Has anyone done this before? Comments?
3. lastly, what are FE's? I have figured out that they are fish extenders but what are those?

So looking forward to this great adventure.

Happy Sunday afternoon all,
Amy

Hi tostygirl and welcome to our group! We're also first-time cruisers - our kids are close in age so they may bump into each other in the kids' clubs As for passports, we just got pp for all the kids to be sure. However, the DCL online checkin did include US birth certificates as a form of official doc for travel.

 

[1stdcl2012]

Welcome Amy!!


Soooo, we had our first experience with pixie dust this weekend! Since my parents have been on previous Disney cruises, they were able to sign up for activities and make reservations to Palo; however, my brother and I are not allowed access until this Saturday. Palo wasn't letting Dad make a reservation for 6, even though our names appeared on his ticket. So Dad sent a little email requesting for a reservation of 6 because they were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary on the cruise. Leslie from Disney called (!) and said she could sprinkle a little pixie dust to make it happen! So we have reservations for Palo Friday night! I'm so excited!!

(Is it April yet?)

Wow - congrats on your parents 40th anniversary and the Palo reservation! And so lovely for your family to be able to celebrate together on a cruise. As for our family, we are celebrating our "unbirthdays" We're also counting the days and started to obsess on what to pack. I'm trying to be a light packer, but I don't want to regret not bringing something I might actually miss...

 

[tostygirl]

Thanks all for the advice. Soooo excited!! Got to do the on-line check in today. Very slick!!! Now it seems that all that is left is packing.

Anyone have comments on Nassau? We oppted not to do any of the offered excursions and instead are going to venture out on our own. The straw market looks great, the pirate museum will be fun and who dosen't like Hard Rock and Senor Frogs. My only concern is that lots of people will be doing the same thing and these places will be jam packed. Comments? Plus, a friend of my husbands that has done a few of these cruises suggested that on the Naussau day you make it a date day and check the kids into the kids club. I feel terrible doing this after all the hype we have talked with the kids. Is it possible to do some family time and then go back on board, check the kids in and then my husband and I have "date" time? Not sure how far the ship will be from the downtown activities.

Soo ready to get outta dodge so to say...73 days till we head to FL!!!

 

[StaciMay]

My 7 year old son and I will be on this cruise. I just booked last week. I booked an 11B GTY. When will I find out my stateroom number? What are the chances I will get something better than cat 11?

We are super excited!! This will be our 2nd DCL cruise. We did the dream last April (4 night). It is my son's spring break. I wish we could have done the 4 night this time, but I couldn't get off work.

 

[StaciMay]

Thanks all for the advice. Soooo excited!! Got to do the on-line check in today. Very slick!!! Now it seems that all that is left is packing.

Anyone have comments on Nassau? We oppted not to do any of the offered excursions and instead are going to venture out on our own. The straw market looks great, the pirate museum will be fun and who dosen't like Hard Rock and Senor Frogs. My only concern is that lots of people will be doing the same thing and these places will be jam packed. Comments? Plus, a friend of my husbands that has done a few of these cruises suggested that on the Naussau day you make it a date day and check the kids into the kids club. I feel terrible doing this after all the hype we have talked with the kids. Is it possible to do some family time and then go back on board, check the kids in and then my husband and I have "date" time? Not sure how far the ship will be from the downtown activities.

Soo ready to get outta dodge so to say...73 days till we head to FL!!!

We are not getting off the ship Nassau day. Been there, done that. It is just not worth it for us. We would rather take advantage of all that is offered on the ship. My son LOVES the kids club. If you feel too guilty about the whole day, you could just check them in for a few hours and enjoy a couple of adult activities. That is what I plan to do.

 

[dmmdd]

Hi All!

We just booked this cruise as last minute get away! So excited...we have never done a Disney cruise- so we are beyond excited! Would love to join the FE group!

We have my husband, daughter- 5, son-6months, and myself, along with my parents and brother!

Has anyone done the swim with the dolphins experience? My 5 year old is interested in doing this!

Thanks! Missy