Disney Dream - April 3, 2011 - 4 nights

[EcbLovesMickey]

I was online last night at midnight and Palo had 2 openings, dinner only on the day we sail and it was early, like 4 pm or something and the other was like 10... I didn't want either of those so I passed and this morning even they were gone!

We're doing the CC Sting Ray thing at 2-3pm. It is only going to be DH and DS, I am not into things touching me in the water. I watched Jaws way too may times as a child and I am offically scarred for life!

 

[jetskigrl]

I was online last night at midnight and Palo had 2 openings, dinner only on the day we sail and it was early, like 4 pm or something and the other was like 10... I didn't want either of those so I passed and this morning even they were gone!

We're doing the CC Sting Ray thing at 2-3pm. It is only going to be DH and DS, I am not into things touching me in the water. I watched Jaws way too may times as a child and I am offically scarred for life!

Well, good to know that I didn't miss anything by not booking right when it opened. The sad thing is, we will officially be repeat cruisers when we sail on the Dream but since that won't happen until after this weekend, it isn't in time to enjoy any of the early booking opportunities.

I went ahead and booked the 2-3pm slot for the Sting Ray thing also for me, DD and DS. Since (if I remember right) our DS's are the same age, they might already be buddies by that time and might enjoy doing it together.

 

[WDWCrazyfromGA]

WDWCrazyfromGA - Somehow you have got to find a way to do the FE...your little girl is so adorable.......and I can't imagine her not getting items in your FE or being able to distribute FE stuff. Is there anything that I can help with? I promise...I won't tell what you're doing! But I can always pick things up...make labels...organize stuff...just let me know. Even if you get all the stuff...I can help you organize it on-board. Maybe have labels or bags ready to go or stuff... Please...just let me know what I can do to help. I really don't mind...and kind of like doing things like this... PM me with your thoughts...I was getting ready to give you suggestions...but will keep that for later...and for a secret!!!


Again...just let me know...oh...and if you find the time to do this...it won't hurt my feelings!


Crystal

Crystal - you totally choked me up with your offer. I mainly don't have the brain power to come up with ideas (this is always hard for me - so it's double hard when I'm mentally exhausted.) I will send you a PM I love your magnets! I wish I had saved mine from previous cruises! I liked your idea about the cabin # - I will do that!

EcbLovesMickey - I am in the boat with you (no pun intended ) We have been moved to the 9pm show time - so we have dinner at 6 pm and show at 9 pm. I'm okay with it - but it does look like things are always changing. Pixiedust for you that you can get yours changed - I don't understand the change when they can see you have a 2 yo.

I hope everyone is doing well and are all having a happy hump day!

 

[DontRushMe]

Don't want to step on any toes, if I find a DisSign I like from the shared boards, can I customize for my FE or should I have one created just for my craft?
Thanks in advance for input!

 

[jetskigrl]

Crystal - you totally choked me up with your offer. I mainly don't have the brain power to come up with ideas (this is always hard for me - so it's double hard when I'm mentally exhausted.) I will send you a PM I love your magnets! I wish I had saved mine from previous cruises! I liked your idea about the cabin # - I will do that!

EcbLovesMickey - I am in the boat with you (no pun intended ) We have been moved to the 9pm show time - so we have dinner at 6 pm and show at 9 pm. I'm okay with it - but it does look like things are always changing. Pixiedust for you that you can get yours changed - I don't understand the change when they can see you have a 2 yo.

I hope everyone is doing well and are all having a happy hump day!

Wow, I can't believe they are moving people around like that. I checked mine a couple of days ago and it was still the same but now I had better check again I hope you can both get them changed back.

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Don't want to step on any toes, if I find a DisSign I like from the shared boards, can I customize for my FE or should I have one created just for my craft?
Thanks in advance for input!

Yes...you can customize any DISigns that you find. Some DISigners have blanks on their photobucket or myshared accounts...for the purpose of others being able to use them. Now...Jordak...here on the Cruise boards...he prefers to customize stuff for you...and he does not have many blanks on his accounts. He is great to work with...and very fast. So if you want something from him...just request it.


Have fun looking through all the DISigns! I have more stuff saved to my computer...imagine that!


Crystal

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Two more days for jetskigrl and CADisneymom to go on that cruise to nowhere!


I hope that you all have a "Wonder"ful time!


Quick Tips:
-Arrive early...board as soon as you can...pick up a Cruise Navigator at Guest Services (This tells what is happening for the day)...eat at Parrot Cay or up at the buffet...wear your swimsuits or bring them with so that you can swim...if weather permits. This is the best time to utilize the pool area...and watch a movie outside...and have a drink...
-Tour the ship
-Take in the shows...I love them!
-Enjoy your dinners...they are awesome!
-Order milk and cookies from room service...the cookies are the best! It's free!
-Take time at night to figure out what you would like to do the next day. Highlight items on the Cruise Navigator...For some reason the days go by too quickly...and having a plan really helps.
-Shutters...the photo gallery...is always busiest around dinner time...try to go sometime during the day to view your photos.
-Bring your pins and Vinylmations to trade...there will also be times listed in the Cruise Navigator for pin trading or special pin releases...
-Have fun! You're on vacation...with Disney...at sea!


Enjoy!
Crystal

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Crystal - you totally choked me up with your offer. I mainly don't have the brain power to come up with ideas (this is always hard for me - so it's double hard when I'm mentally exhausted.) I will send you a PM I love your magnets! I wish I had saved mine from previous cruises! I liked your idea about the cabin # - I will do that!

EcbLovesMickey - I am in the boat with you (no pun intended ) We have been moved to the 9pm show time - so we have dinner at 6 pm and show at 9 pm. I'm okay with it - but it does look like things are always changing. Pixiedust for you that you can get yours changed - I don't understand the change when they can see you have a 2 yo.

I hope everyone is doing well and are all having a happy hump day!

I am sending you a PM...Shhhhhhhhhh...it's secret/confidential info...no one can know! More FE mysteries!


Crystal

 

[jetskigrl]

Two more days for jetskigrl and CADisneymom to go on that cruise to nowhere!


I hope that you all have a "Wonder"ful time!


Quick Tips:
-Arrive early...board as soon as you can...pick up a Cruise Navigator at Guest Services (This tells what is happening for the day)...eat at Parrot Cay or up at the buffet...wear your swimsuits or bring them with so that you can swim...if weather permits. This is the best time to utilize the pool area...and watch a movie outside...and have a drink...
-Tour the ship
-Take in the shows...I love them!
-Enjoy your dinners...they are awesome!
-Order milk and cookies from room service...the cookies are the best! It's free!
-Take time at night to figure out what you would like to do the next day. Highlight items on the Cruise Navigator...For some reason the days go by too quickly...and having a plan really helps.
-Shutters...the photo gallery...is always busiest around dinner time...try to go sometime during the day to view your photos.
-Bring your pins and Vinylmations to trade...there will also be times listed in the Cruise Navigator for pin trading or special pin releases...
-Have fun! You're on vacation...with Disney...at sea!


Enjoy!
Crystal

Thanks so much Crystal!! But you forgot one....
- Dont' bother with sleep, you can do that when you get home

With only 1 1/2 days on the ship, it is going to fly by. I am kind of worried about the minimal services (no dining rotation, no pirate night, etc) but we are going to enjoy just being on the ship. Knowing we have the Dream trip to look forward to helps

So far DD's schedule is looking good (no tests on Friday) so we are going to pull the kids out of school by 10:15. I'm hoping to be at the port no later than 11:30, but we may even make it by 11 since the port is only 20 minutes away (I have no idea when they will start the process here so hopefully that will be a good enough time and we won't be sitting outside the terminal waiting for hours, LOL.).

CADisneyMom - if you see this, I hope we get a chance to meet up sometime this weekend!!

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Hey - jetskigrl and EcbLovesMickey - We just booked the stingray excursion, too...from 2-3! We have never really done anything on CC...have been there 3 times...but mainly swam and snorkeled. Anyhow...I had just talked to my DH about the stingray thing...and then you guys came up with times...so we're coming too!


Also...jetskigrl...you spoke of no sleeping...well my crew really enjoys the late night karaoke...we ended up there several nights on our cruises. Just be prepared for a bunch of Hannah Montana songs! (Not from my crew...but they are loooonnnggg) Your timing to the port should be just fine. Disney is very good with getting people on the ship, however; being at a new port may create some challenges... The no rotational dining will be okay...that will just give you something to look forward to in April. Just enjoy! The shows should be great!


To everyone...for our Mango Rum Run...who has something booked for the morning...like at 10AM? We dock at 9:30...hopefully the gangway can be opened at that time... At the Bahamas' pier...you basically just get off the ship...walk the dock...go through some shops and guest services...and then you are on the street. Anyhow...we could meet at 10AM...right off of the gangway. Walk into Nassau...we will get a map the night before that has the directions to the Hard Rock Cafe...the old map that I have does not have any liquor stores...but I am sure that we will see some along the way...and there we can buy our Mango Rum...Unless someone comes up with a really great place to go and get the rum...I am open for all ideas. Nassau is not that big...so most places are very easy to walk too. This excursion should not take a long time...if someone has another excursion booked...this plan might work...or we could tailor the walk to get in the mango rum first...and then the Hard Rock...whatever is preferred. Give me your thoughts...please... We could always do this later in the day, however; I thought that some had an excursion booked for later??? Also...if some wanted to go to Atlantis or the Sheraton...they still could...with very little time missed.


Sorry for the rambling...I am getting pretty good at that...not a very good skill to have, though...


Crystal

 

[kikids]

Crystal I think 10 am for the Rum Run is a great plan.

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

Early is fine with me for the Rum Run. Hard Rock doesn't open until 11 though (checked their website), so maybe we can hit it post-shopping. I also need to find the Senor Frogs if it's on our route

 

[WDWCrazyfromGA]

10am Rum run sounds good to me. We went to Senor Frogs, Hard rock and some other stores that I don't remember (thanks to Senor Frogs ) when I went on the last minute cruise with the girls last September. We will pass a Starbucks on the way to Hardrock and Senor Frogs if any of you are coffee drinkers.....

I will go through my pictures and see if there were any rum stores in the background......

BTW - Senor Frogs opens at 11am as well (at least that is what is posted on their website)

 

[DontRushMe]

Hey I like the 10 am Rum Run Idea, I will be able to go and still do my snorkel excursion. Provided there is something open and we can actually buy the rum. Hopefully someone on one of the earlier cruises will let us know.

 

[Kanga+2Roos]

10 is good for me!

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Hi Everyone!


I just posted a new thread over on Cruise Critic on their Bahamas' discussion board about Mango Rum Stores in Nassau. I asked about the shop opening times and about the liquor stores. I will let you know what I find out.


Also, I have been trying to educate myself about Bahamas' rum. Here is what I have found...


Native Bahamas' Rums:
Ron Ricardo - Comes in all flavors including Mango
Ole Nassau Rum - Comes in all flavors including Mango, Neat bottle label with a pirate ship
Fire in the Hole Rum - No flavors...gold in color...good conversation piece???


Also there is the Bacardi Rum Factory in Nassau...I don't believe that this is native to the Bahamas...but I think that we will find a bunch of their stuff in the stores...


Anyone else with information? Let us know...


...Senor Frogs...hhhmmmmmm...that could get real interesting! We cruised with some friends back in 2008...they went to Senor Frogs in Cozumel...then they came to pirate night at dinner...they were toast! Apparently they had some song guessing contest...they won a lot! It's a fun place...would be good for those of us around for lunch...or drinks...or whatever...


Crystal

 

[mjvans]

we booked comfort suites at atlantis so may go there directly after mango rum run.....i am guessing it will take an hour or so? I dont think there is any rush for us to get there, but I have no idea when we have to be back on board?? Does anyone know? Gosh, I have been so anxious for this cruise and now that it is almost here....feel like I am so behind in my planning.....ugh
Um... I remember a few months back a post about other hotels that have day passes...anyone opting for that? if so, let me know which ones? Thanks!
Michelle

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

we booked comfort suites at atlantis so may go there directly after mango rum run.....i am guessing it will take an hour or so? I dont think there is any rush for us to get there, but I have no idea when we have to be back on board?? Does anyone know? Gosh, I have been so anxious for this cruise and now that it is almost here....feel like I am so behind in my planning.....ugh
Um... I remember a few months back a post about other hotels that have day passes...anyone opting for that? if so, let me know which ones? Thanks!
Michelle

Hi Michelle!


My crew would love to do Atlantis again...it's a great place...awesome lazy/not-so-lazy river! But the price is crazy high...even at the Comfort Suites. We are still thinking about it though... I am not sure about any other hotels that have day passes to Atlantis...there are some that have their own day passes -


Here is some info. that I found over on another board...
Both Sheraton and Wydham are located on Cable Beach and are sister properties. The Wyndham's day pass is $40 pp and includes a buffet lunch at the Seaside Cafe near the Casino. It does not include alcohol.
The Sheraton has a day pass for $25pp, or a day room for $99 for 2 ppl.

Day passes can only be purchased same day, at the check in desk at each of the hotels. I'm told day rooms can be booked in advance thru the hotel, when they are available (mainly off season). I have not seen any of this information posted on thier websites. It's word of mouth only.


We will probably hang out in Nassau some...and then head back to the ship...to the top decks...get some drinks (Or make some) and do some swimming.


I believe that we are in Nassau until 6PM...so enough time to do Atlantis.


You still have 2+ months to get ready for this! Hakuna Matata!


Crystal

 

[kikids]

We are leaning towards a day pass on the beach as well but after extensive research, it looks like the Hilton British Colonial is the thing for us. It's walkable from the ship, has a pool & beach with chairs/towels including free stuff like kayaks. It's on a bay but still -it's the ocean. The cost is $25/kid and $50/ adult but you get an $80 food & drink credit. We will go after the rum run. Very interesting research Crystal, how much are we allowed to bring back?

Cindy

 

[ty_n_cy]

Wow... time is flying. Just over 10 weeks left! Mentally... I need this vacation more than I can describe, and I'm sure the same can be said for my wife. We're both going nuts up here in New Jersey. Anyway... we're all set with our excursions (for now)... but I'm feeling a little guilty.

The main purpose of this cruise is to celebrate our 7th anniversary. We're obviously looking forward to spending some 'us' time together during this trip... but I want the kids to get as much out of it as we will. So... I've got a question for anybody who's cruised with Disney before. If the kids are in the Oceaneers Club for a good portion of the day... will they get bored?

Our plan looks like this (at the moment):

Day 1 - We're going to tour the boat as a family, try and find some time for the pool, if possible... and then we've got the 5:00 show time (do they run the shows on the first night?)... and the 9:00 dining time. In between... we'll just kind of wing it with no real plans.

Day 2 - This is the day I'm worried about. It's our actual anniversary date and we plan to spend it as 'alone' as possible. We're going to Atlantis for the Deep Water Dolphin Interaction and then whatever else comes of that time... we'll be back on board for the 5:00 show time... and then we've booked a 7:00 couples massage. We'll then go to dinner... and then we'd like to possibly hit some of the bars before going to bed.

Day 3 - I'm not too worried here. We'll probably spend the entire morning with the kids at the beach, etc. Then, after lunch, we've got parasailing booked from 1:30 - 2:30 (what can the kids do while we're parasailing?). We'll spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and generally touching on whatever we want to do... and then the same evening routine. Is this the night of the Pirate Party?

Day 4 - I'm assuming the kids will be in the kids club again for a portion of the day and we'll spend some time relaxing. No real plans for this day... just kind of an 'unwind' day before we head back to Disney World to finish out the vacation.

So... I'll list my questions here again to see if anybody can help me out.

1. Will my girls (5 and 4) be bored in the kids club? I'm not so worried about my son... he'll find something to do on the ship. My girls don't TYPICALLY bore easily... but I want to make sure they've got activities, etc.

2. Can the kids stay in the kids clubs if we leave the ship to visit Atlantis... ? I actually didn't think about that until now. Crap! That wouldn't be good...

3. Do they run shows on the first night... ?

4. What do kids do at Castaway Cay when parents are on other excursions... ?

5. Is the third night the night of the Pirate Party... ?

6. This is kind of a random question... but I'll ask anyway. I doubt there are hard 'rules' around this... but who knows. Our son will be 11 at the time of the cruise. He's a good babysitter for short periods of time (45 minutes to an hour). If we decided that we wanted to visit the hot tub or a bar for a quick drink during the evening... would it be okay to leave the kids in the room (sleeping) while we went out or... does Disney have a rule or rules against that? I know some places do.

I'm just really concerned because we don't have family that will sit for us... so it's rare we get to go out together. This whole cruise, as much as it's for the kids, is really about us celebrating OUR time together... so I want to try and make the most of it.

Now, that said... who knows if my wife would agree with that, but... going into it... that's how I'm viewing it.

Anyway... thanks for your help. I'm getting really excited (as you can tell by my babble above).

Stay warm!

CY