Disney Dream - April 3, 2011 - 4 nights

[DontRushMe]

We are staying at Pop the night before the cruise and AKL after the cruise and I am torn on what transportation to and from port. My first choice was to take DCL bus but the more I read the more I wonder if I should take a private Limo. The price seems to be the same for a family of 4.

Should we take the limo and get to port early and start our cruise as soon as we can? Or should we stay safe and stick with Disney Transportation in case of any problems we would be covered?
After the crusie is it a long wait to get back to hotels after waiting for bus to fill and maybe other stops? Would a limo be easier?

Can I do one of each or does it have to be round trip transportation?

I am thinking it might be a neat surprise to be picked up in a limo. Thanks for any input!

 

[jetskigrl]

We are staying at Pop the night before the cruise and AKL after the cruise and I am torn on what transportation to and from port. My first choice was to take DCL bus but the more I read the more I wonder if I should take a private Limo. The price seems to be the same for a family of 4.

Should we take the limo and get to port early and start our cruise as soon as we can? Or should we stay safe and stick with Disney Transportation in case of any problems we would be covered?
After the crusie is it a long wait to get back to hotels after waiting for bus to fill and maybe other stops? Would a limo be easier?

Can I do one of each or does it have to be round trip transportation?

I am thinking it might be a neat surprise to be picked up in a limo. Thanks for any input!

I am booking private transport for the ride to the port (from MCO) since we are coming in the day before. But we are taking the DCL transportation back to MCO. So they can be booked separately I am hoping to get the Country Inn and Suites at the port on Priceline for the night before. Then we will either cab it or take their shuttle in the morning. We want to arrive a little earlier too.

The Hyatt at the airport is a good alternative too and then they can do the luggage transfers from there to the port (if you use the DCL bus). But I think my kids would rather stay close to the port instead of at the airport after a long flight from CA, LOL.

I am actually looking at a town car for the 4 of us. It is a bit cheaper than the DCL transportation. Hum, I guess if I have the extra money, springing for a limo would be a very cool surprise.

 

[DontRushMe]

You did good with your cabin...mid-ship and lower is best for motion prone people. My crew takes Dramamine one day prior to sailing all the way until 3 days after sailing. We are that affected by the motion...but the 24 hour, once a day Dramamine does the trick! And we are totally able to enjoy our cruise!

Crystal

It is good to know to start taking Draminie even before you get on the ship! Better safe than sorry!
THANKS!
My doctor actually suggested Benadryl for my youngest when she was too little to take Dramamine.

 

[Kanga+2Roos]

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the group Dawn (aka DontRushMe)--love the screen name by the way! Another Michigander looking to escape the Michigan winter blues I see!

Well, it looks to me that we may have to organize our own group shore excursion--The Mango Rum Run (try to say that 10 times fast!). Yup, we've got a partying group here--love it!

Crystal, does the Dramamine wipe you out or isn't it too bad? I want to make sure we have supplies on hand too! DH & I ran into some rough seas on our last cruise, wow, 11 years ago & didn't have any issues so I think we'll be okay. Just want to make sure we stay ahead of any problems the boys may have. I think we'll try the bands first & go from there. Yes, my in-laws sailed the North Sea as well & talked about how bad it was--must be the norm for there.

I already found something awesome for the boys in our FE--I had my boys test it out & got a so I went back for more. Mind you, I'm guessing on how many we'll actually need but they'll be put to use no matter what. It seems like we have a lot of girls amongst us which is cool because I love to have an excuse to go shopping for girly stuff!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Father's Day weekend! Anyone else going to Toy Story 3?

Kathryn

 

[WhoDat]

Hi Everyone!

Crystal, does the Dramamine wipe you out or isn't it too bad? I want to make sure we have supplies on hand too! DH & I ran into some rough seas on our last cruise, wow, 11 years ago & didn't have any issues so I think we'll be okay. Just want to make sure we stay ahead of any problems the boys may have. I think we'll try the bands first & go from there. Yes, my in-laws sailed the North Sea as well & talked about how bad it was--must be the norm for there.


Kathryn

Kathryn,

When we took our first cruise in February I didn't know how DH, DS and I would feel so I went to the pharmacy at my local Target store and asked where they keep the Bonine because I had heard that this was the same as Dramamine only it wouldn't make us sleepy. The pharmacist told me I was right but also offered me the generic form of Bonine, which was a fraction of the cost of the name brand. They keep it behind the counter so you just have to ask the clerk. By the way, although we had incredibly rough seas we never felt the need to use it.

Nancy

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

I want to go on the Mango Rum Run!


Who wants to plan it! I know nothing about it, but it sounds like it could turn into a party! Now all we would be missing is Captain Jack Sparrow! We probably could find him the next day at Castaway Cay. Anyhow...what time of that day would most have available? I know that we may end up on the ship because the price for the Comfort Suites is crazy right now! So I am available most anytime...


Kathryn - as far as the Dramamine. My husband and I and son (from age 11-13) only take 1 pill...I believe that you can take 2 at a time. So we are not maxing out on the dosage...the effects definitely help with the inner ear...therefore making us feel better. We have never felt the sleepiness affect...however...we do take them at dinner time...so going to bed soon after does help. My youngest son (8-9)(who gets the most sick) only takes 1/2 of a tablet. These tablets are not scored...however...we cut them anyhow and it has worked. When he was younger we would give him 1/3 of a tablet with his soup at dinner...this worked well also. I am going to check behind the counter at Target for the generic Bonine like Nancy suggested. The 24 hour release Dramamine is the exact same stuff as Bonine...so getting a generic for less would be great! Also...on Disney ships...you can get Bonine for free right outside of the med center.


I, too, have been seeing things for the FE exchange. I haven't purchased anything yet...but might have to very soon! I also need to buy my magnetic paper for the door magnets. I have purchased some before online, but sometimes the quality is not as good...they still worked though... If I find anything good...I'll post it!


I hope that everyone is having a great weekend! Happy Father's Day to all!


Crystal

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

Count me in on the rum run! Although, it may turn into a rum stumble from the sounds of it!

 

[mjvans]

I want to go on the Mango Rum Run!


Who wants to plan it! I know nothing about it, but it sounds like it could turn into a party! Now all we would be missing is Captain Jack Sparrow! We probably could find him the next day at Castaway Cay. Anyhow...what time of that day would most have available? I know that we may end up on the ship because the price for the Comfort Suites is crazy right now! So I am available most anytime...


Kathryn - as far as the Dramamine. My husband and I and son (from age 11-13) only take 1 pill...I believe that you can take 2 at a time. So we are not maxing out on the dosage...the effects definitely help with the inner ear...therefore making us feel better. We have never felt the sleepiness affect...however...we do take them at dinner time...so going to bed soon after does help. My youngest son (8-9)(who gets the most sick) only takes 1/2 of a tablet. These tablets are not scored...however...we cut them anyhow and it has worked. When he was younger we would give him 1/3 of a tablet with his soup at dinner...this worked well also. I am going to check behind the counter at Target for the generic Bonine like Nancy suggested. The 24 hour release Dramamine is the exact same stuff as Bonine...so getting a generic for less would be great! Also...on Disney ships...you can get Bonine for free right outside of the med center.


I, too, have been seeing things for the FE exchange. I haven't purchased anything yet...but might have to very soon! I also need to buy my magnetic paper for the door magnets. I have purchased some before online, but sometimes the quality is not as good...they still worked though... If I find anything good...I'll post it!


I hope that everyone is having a great weekend! Happy Father's Day to all!


Crystal

I'm am so all about that mango rum run! WOW! That is a tongue twister!! I will ask my brother where he got his and we can make a mad dash for it! It is soooooooooooooo good!
So, any other plans for excursions on Nassau Day??
My three younger kids finally got out of school Thursday at noon,but the weather has been awful! Where the heck is summer!? I need summer!!
I did go ahead and order the FE from amazon, and it came a day or so ago. I thought it would be bigger but I guess it will work. It has 3 slots to it, so is it one slot per child or one FE per child! Kind of confused! I have been looking around for FE's too!! FUN! Saw some cool things at Target!
I am super prone to seasickness so will get the patch. I think I will have some things on hand for the kids too just in case.
So looking foward to our cruise. Was tempted by the Mexican rivera cruises with kids cruise free but I can't pass up this group or Castaway Cay!!
Hope all the Dads here have an amazing Father's day!!

Michelle

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Hi Michelle!


I thought that I would pixie-dust some hot weather your way......here in Virginia, it has been in the 90s everyday with high humidity! Where did Spring go??? Anyhow...hoping that all of you up north will get some of this hot weather!


No worries with only three pockets on the FE. It is usually very easy to see which gifts are for which person (adult or kid)...and some even label the gifts...which makes it very easy!


Three cheers again for the Mango Rum Run! I really could use one right now! Cheers to everyone...have a great start to this new week!


Crystal

 

[kikids]

1) Count me in for the Mango Rum Run. woohoo! Look what I found:

Liquid Skittles recipe

6 oz mango rum
12 oz cherry limeade
6 oz Gatorade® Lemon-Lime​

Mix Gatorade Lemon-Lime and cherry limeade together in a cocktail glass. Stir continuously as you add the mango rum, and serve.

2) Regarding magnetic paper, after much internet research I decided to try Staples brand as people said it was better than Avery. I thought it was so-so. Worked great at first but then curled in my luggage and then straightened back out again. Maybe all brands do that?

3) Not to worry about FE pocket size. By the looks of the floorplans, the rooms on the Dream are pretty squashed together, who knows how much wall space there will be between rooms to hang something. Smaller might be better.

4) Shoot, can't remember what four was. Perhaps I'm hitting the Mango Rum early! Oh yes, back a few posts someone mentioned transportation. We use Happy Limo and have been happy with them (as the name implies). Though we've never had a limo, only a towncar and an Expedition. I hear the excitement on the bus is a lot of fun but we appreciated leaving on our own schedule and not arriving at the same time as lots of other people. Also it was a bit cheaper for us. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

My two girls are going off to sleepaway camp on Tuesday. Bittersweet.

Cindy

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Love the Liquid Skittles recipe! It must be good for you too...contains some Gatorade!


Also...here's a hug for getting ready to send those girls to camp! They are going to have a blast!


As far as magnetic paper...I have been very pleased with the Avery brand...kind of expensive though...sometimes you can find it on-sale on-line. I have also used papilo.com...and their magnetic paper is very nice...and slightly less expensive than the Avery brand. Last year I purchased some cheaper magnetic paper off of ebay...very economical...however...much thinner than the first two brands and not as magnetic...still...they worked just fine. Not sure which to choose this time around... Also...never had the problem with the magnets curling...I do transport them in a folder...so maybe that helped to keep them straight???


Happy Monday to All!


Crystal

 

[jetskigrl]

1) Count me in for the Mango Rum Run. woohoo! Look what I found:

Liquid Skittles recipe

6 oz mango rum
12 oz cherry limeade
6 oz Gatorade® Lemon-Lime​

Mix Gatorade Lemon-Lime and cherry limeade together in a cocktail glass. Stir continuously as you add the mango rum, and serve.

2) Regarding magnetic paper, after much internet research I decided to try Staples brand as people said it was better than Avery. I thought it was so-so. Worked great at first but then curled in my luggage and then straightened back out again. Maybe all brands do that?

3) Not to worry about FE pocket size. By the looks of the floorplans, the rooms on the Dream are pretty squashed together, who knows how much wall space there will be between rooms to hang something. Smaller might be better.

4) Shoot, can't remember what four was. Perhaps I'm hitting the Mango Rum early! Oh yes, back a few posts someone mentioned transportation. We use Happy Limo and have been happy with them (as the name implies). Though we've never had a limo, only a towncar and an Expedition. I hear the excitement on the bus is a lot of fun but we appreciated leaving on our own schedule and not arriving at the same time as lots of other people. Also it was a bit cheaper for us. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

My two girls are going off to sleepaway camp on Tuesday. Bittersweet.

Cindy

OMG, that Liquid Skittles sounds awesome, LOL. We were planning on staying on the ship for the first stop at Nassau and then maybe doing Atlantis or the Dolphin Encounter on the second time there. So I am totally up for a Mango Rum Run, LOL.

 

[jk8]

We have taken a towncar to the port 2 times, but this last time we too the DCL bus. I hope to not do that again. We were picked up at CBR and then it went to POP with only 5 seats left. Only one fam in the long POP line got on and had to sit apart. They had to send for another bus for POP. I was in between crying kids and fighting kids.

We are a family of 3, but I hope to go back to the towncar next time. I do not mind so much taking the bus to the airport after, though.

 

[DontRushMe]

Love the liquid skittles recipe! Can't wait to try it.

I have been reading all over about the FE. About how many have you needed in the past? It is hard to come up with an idea without knowing what weight and size we will have to fit in our suitcases. With the luggage restrictions and all. Thanks!

Hope everyone is enjoying the start to summer, we have had some bad storms here, expecting another one today. Try being backstage with 88 tiny ballerinas when the power goes out and the sirens go off. Luckily we are all ok.

 

[jetskigrl]

Love the liquid skittles recipe! Can't wait to try it.

I have been reading all over about the FE. About how many have you needed in the past? It is hard to come up with an idea without knowing what weight and size we will have to fit in our suitcases. With the luggage restrictions and all. Thanks!

Hope everyone is enjoying the start to summer, we have had some bad storms here, expecting another one today. Try being backstage with 88 tiny ballerinas when the power goes out and the sirens go off. Luckily we are all ok.

I have been looking for things for the FE also but I am holding off buying too much until I see how many people are participating also (we are flying too).

We still have not started summer here yet. My kid's last day is tomorrow (whew...I didn't think it would ever get here, LOL). But at least this week has been mostly class parties, etc.

Stay safe in those storms!!!! Scary stuff.

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Hello Everyone! Happy Last Day of School to jetskigrl! Cindy...I hope that your girls got off to sleep away camp okay! How are you holding up? About the total numbers and FE exchange...this is a big ??? For one cruise we had 6 cabins and the other about 17 cabins...a huge difference in what to buy and such. I do know that we have set a cut-off date for sign-ups for March 3, 2011...however...I am not sure most of us would want to wait that long for purchasing stuff. So it is going to be a guessing game. Maybe Cindy, the FE Organizer, could email those participating once a month so that we could keep up to date with how many cabins/people have signed up? That would at least give us an idea of how many...What do you all think???


It's almost Friday! Anyone have any good vacation plans coming up for this summer? We are heading out to TN - Pigeon Forge area - with my MIL's entire family... I might need that Mango Rum early!


Crystal

 

[mjvans]

Hi Michelle!


I thought that I would pixie-dust some hot weather your way......here in Virginia, it has been in the 90s everyday with high humidity! Where did Spring go??? Anyhow...hoping that all of you up north will get some of this hot weather!


No worries with only three pockets on the FE. It is usually very easy to see which gifts are for which person (adult or kid)...and some even label the gifts...which makes it very easy!


Three cheers again for the Mango Rum Run! I really could use one right now! Cheers to everyone...have a great start to this new week!


Crystal

Crystal, thanks so much for the pixie dust! Summer has arrived and it is hot here! YA!!!
Kids have been out of school a week now so just trying to get in the groove and get a routine going of some sort! I just want to be lazy but they are involved in so many activities I seem more crazed than ever! One of these days we will slow down! Looking forward to our trip to WDW this August and getting more excited everyday about our cruise. We just received our packet last week!! This "dream" is now a reality and we could not be more thrilled to be sailing, especially with such a great group! Hope you have a great week!
Michelle

 

[Woosh]

After much debate and pondering I made the leap to book this cruise! Couldn't resist after our WONDERful cruise this past spring. Now we're DREAMing of the next one! Funny but add us to the DECK 7 crowd. our second cruise and we booked a room with a verandah, at this point we didn't have much choice as 6b is the lowest cat available,but we're excited about it.
This is my DD (14) 2nd cruise and my DS (11) first. We will probably just enjoy the ship in Nassau. We are looking forward to Castaway Cay by far my favorite part of the cruise. The ship looks to be amazing and can't wait to see pictures and cruise reports once it starts sailing in January. We are also on booked for 2nd seating dinner but waitlisted for 1st. I agree I felt rushed for 1st seating we had on last cruise but can't imagine eating so late. I did like going to the shows on a full tummy. But if 2nd seating is what we get we will go smiling and may find it works better. Here's to 9 more months of DREAMing!

 

[jetskigrl]

Crystal, thanks so much for the pixie dust! Summer has arrived and it is hot here! YA!!!
Kids have been out of school a week now so just trying to get in the groove and get a routine going of some sort! I just want to be lazy but they are involved in so many activities I seem more crazed than ever! One of these days we will slow down! Looking forward to our trip to WDW this August and getting more excited everyday about our cruise. We just received our packet last week!! This "dream" is now a reality and we could not be more thrilled to be sailing, especially with such a great group! Hope you have a great week!
Michelle

Woo Hoo - August is almost here!! I received our luggage tags from ME yesterday now I am getting really excited about that trip. But I am trying to not wish July away too fast. I love having the kids out of school. The evenings are so much more relaxed without the homework hassle, LOL.

Michelle - we are going to have to figure out a way to recognize one another at the Dessert Party

After August, I will be in full-blown cruise planning mode ;-) I am still reading the cruise theads but trying to stay focused on our WDW trip for now. So much Disney, so little time

 

[jetskigrl]

After much debate and pondering I made the leap to book this cruise! Couldn't resist after our WONDERful cruise this past spring. Now we're DREAMing of the next one! Funny but add us to the DECK 7 crowd. our second cruise and we booked a room with a verandah, at this point we didn't have much choice as 6b is the lowest cat available,but we're excited about it.
This is my DD (14) 2nd cruise and my DS (11) first. We will probably just enjoy the ship in Nassau. We are looking forward to Castaway Cay by far my favorite part of the cruise. The ship looks to be amazing and can't wait to see pictures and cruise reports once it starts sailing in January. We are also on booked for 2nd seating dinner but waitlisted for 1st. I agree I felt rushed for 1st seating we had on last cruise but can't imagine eating so late. I did like going to the shows on a full tummy. But if 2nd seating is what we get we will go smiling and may find it works better. Here's to 9 more months of DREAMing!

Welcome to the group Woosh, and to the Deck 7 club, LOL!!!!!

We have second seating too but I think I will keep it that way. If it doesn't work out, I may see if they can move us for our second cruise (we are doing B2B).