Disney Dream - April 3, 2011 - 4 nights

[DontRushMe]

Hi Everyone, just checking in!
We received our passports yesterday, 3 weeks to the day we submitted paperwork. Not to bad!
Finished Pirate costumes this weekend! 2 more items to check off the list!

For anyone who is a big reader I just read this book this weekend also.
Cruise Confidential: A Hit Below the Waterline: Where the Crew Lives, Eats, Wars, and Parties. One Crazy Year Working on Cruise Ships (Travelers' Tales) by Brian David Bruns

I figured I would get a behind the scenes of a cruise ship, BEWARE it is VERY graphic. But I loved the author and it sure opens your eyes to the things behind the scenes. I will surely be very conscience of all the great service I receive!

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

Hi Everyone, just checking in!
We received our passports yesterday, 3 weeks to the day we submitted paperwork. Not to bad!
Finished Pirate costumes this weekend! 2 more items to check off the list!

For anyone who is a big reader I just read this book this weekend also.
Cruise Confidential: A Hit Below the Waterline: Where the Crew Lives, Eats, Wars, and Parties. One Crazy Year Working on Cruise Ships (Travelers' Tales) by Brian David Bruns

I figured I would get a behind the scenes of a cruise ship, BEWARE it is VERY graphic. But I loved the author and it sure opens your eyes to the things behind the scenes. I will surely be very conscience of all the great service I receive!

I have had a few friends who worked on cruise ships (including some of the actors on DCL) and I do kow there is a LOT of partying going on below deck

 

[jetskigrl]

Ok, just for you all, my FE odyssey.

I started with 4 bags and some patches

I removed the bag straps and sewed the bags together

Then I added the patches

Next I painted our names on it and added some more touches.

I am not completely done yet, but pretty close, and all for about $15

That is so cute!!!! Great job!

Hi Everyone, just checking in!
We received our passports yesterday, 3 weeks to the day we submitted paperwork. Not to bad!
Finished Pirate costumes this weekend! 2 more items to check off the list!

For anyone who is a big reader I just read this book this weekend also.
Cruise Confidential: A Hit Below the Waterline: Where the Crew Lives, Eats, Wars, and Parties. One Crazy Year Working on Cruise Ships (Travelers' Tales) by Brian David Bruns

I figured I would get a behind the scenes of a cruise ship, BEWARE it is VERY graphic. But I loved the author and it sure opens your eyes to the things behind the scenes. I will surely be very conscience of all the great service I receive!

Ohh, thanks. I just checked and they have the Kindle version so I ordered it. I might have to save that to read on the plane on the way to FL

Congrats on getting the costumes done! The kids have costumes ready (although neither is sure they want to wear them, LOL) but I may still look for pirate shirts for me and my Mom, LOL. We did pick up our pirate Mickey ears at Disneyland for all 4 of us.

 

[Kanga+2Roos]

We're still under a Blizzard Warning here--I've declared it pajama day at our house! I've only seen 1 snowmobile make it down our road & I'll be surprised if a snowplow makes it before tonight--we should have 14" of snow by the time we're done & all of it is drifting! Looks like a good time to catch up on the DIS! Who else is snowbound today?

EcbLovesMickey--I love your FE! Great job thinking outside the box & putting it together, very impressed!

Crystal--sounds like a good gameplan mapping out everyone's rooms ahead of time, that is one huge ship to navigate! I agree on your comments about the initial cruisers on the Dream. I can't believe that they don't put a limit on the amount of merchandise someone can buy--at least limit it so everyone has a chance to get something & then if there's some left at then end they can go back for more. Give ones that truly want souvenirs for themselves a chance!

Dawn--glad you got your passports; can't wait to see your dh in his pirate outfit although I think you still need to talk him into the dreadlocks & eyeliner. I know your snowbound today too! Thanks for the book recommendation--sounds like something I'd like!

One think I know for sure--with all the crazy weather everyone is having this year we are all going to appreciate this cruise even more!

Kathryn

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

While baby is napping I decided to hop on the Dis boards and what do I see
the thread about the teens destroying the Wonder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl3k57H9AHY (in case you missed it)

Which brings me to a question. Do you all bring in your FE's at night to avoid this type of vandalism? i no this is not the norm, but let's be honest some kids are goig to see this and be appalled and others will be excited to mimic it!

 

[jetskigrl]

I was reading that too. OMG, what is wrong with those kids, not just to do that but to put it on youtube.
I only looked at the first couple of minutes of the first one and that was enough for me, LOL. But I know this isn't the norm. I'm just hoping that DCL does something about it.

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

Haha, he took it down, what an idiot! He even posted his name in the video feed, he is so busted!

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!

The On-Line check in has changed and you will not select an arrival time at teh port. Times for our cruise start at 10:30 and go to 3:00. If you have a specific time you want to get to the port go now in case they fill up!

I know a lot of us have shuttles from local hotels booked so we will need to be sure our times match the shuttle times!!!

 

[mjvans]

THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!

The On-Line check in has changed and you will not select an arrival time at teh port. Times for our cruise start at 10:30 and go to 3:00. If you have a specific time you want to get to the port go now in case they fill up!

I know a lot of us have shuttles from local hotels booked so we will need to be sure our times match the shuttle times!!!

So...kind of confused, if we sign-up for the 10:30-11:00am slot, do we then board the ship right after ?

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

I am assuming (and you know what they say about assuming) that you are not allowed to check in with the CM's and get your KTTW card and take pictures with Mickey etc. until that time.

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

Each arrival time slot has a limited number of spaces. Therefore, Guest should complete their online check-in as soon as possible in order to have access to the largest selection of available arrival times.

•This is not applicable to Concierge and Platinum Guests, who can arrive at any time.
•Guest who purchase Disney Cruise Line Air or Ground Transportation will not need to select a time.
•For Guest with independently purchased air, only times appropriate for their flight arrival time will appear.

If you have already fully completed the online check-in process for an upcoming cruise (prior to these enhancements), any submitted information will be transferred over. However, Guests are encouraged to login and select a Port Arrival time.

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

2 Months Until We Sail!!!



Thanks EcbLovesMickey for the heads-up on the arrival time thing. I signed up for the 10:30-11:00 one. I really don't know why they instated this? Maybe to help with the huge influx of new passengers as compared to the amount they were used to with the Wonder and Magic... It would be reasonable to think, though, that these times are just suggested and that if one showed up ahead and behind the time...that that would be okay. I think that they have had a huge problem with getting guests checked-in...maybe this will help to disperse the people. Keep in mind that boarding still does not start until around 11:45 or after. And that will all depend on customs and if the ship is cleared. Lot's of contingencies! Just bring your Ipods and your patience! It could go very smoothly or it could be a nightmare!


I hope that all of you who received snow are digging your way out!


Happy Thursday!
Crystal

 

[jk8]

Interesting. I went back to look and see what times were still there and I cannot go back into my On-line check in any more.

We have a towncar scheduled to pick us up at Bay Lake Tower at 10:30. They said they may be able to be a bit early, but no guarantee. So, I was wavering whether to sign up for 11:00 - 11:30 and perhaps be late or sign up for 11:30 to 12:00. I ended up picking the latter.

Anyway, it will be interesting to see if we have to wait to check in if we get there early and how this system will really work. I am sure there will be some that just show up whenever regardless.

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

After reading on the boards about the chaos of check in around the maiden voyage I think they are hoping to spread out the crowds a bit. Of course the biggest issue I see is, like so many things, the new cruisers will get the crummy times since the earlier the check in the better selection of available times.

 

[WDWCrazyfromGA]

Hi All -

So happy we are 2 months away from !! Thanks EcbLovesMickey for the heads up on the online check in. I got half way through it weeks ago and hadn't gone back to finish it - I signed up for the 10:30-11:00 time. I can appreciate DCL's efforts to try to deal with the amount of folks this ship holds.

Kanga+2Roos (and any others) - I hope you guys are fairing well in the snow/ice. The videos looked back that they were showing on the news.

I saw a snip it of the videos from the teens - couldn't stomach watching much of it. I just hoped they are delt with. I try to keep our FE cleaned out because I did see a child taking stuff one time. On that subject - Do you think we should do a schedule for deliveries to keep our FE from overloading? On our last trip - our FE had no more room because everyone delivered at one time. I considered hanging a 'catch' bag behind our FE to carry any overflow that does not fit in the FE. I made my FE using the no-sew instructions and it really isn't that big. I'm just rambling......you guys can ignore

I ordered the 1 Day Pass for the Rain Forest - I read somewhere that the day passes were limited; however, when I ordered, they didn't ask me for a specific day - so that makes me doubt that statement Atleast I know I have them and they better let me in for some relaxation

I talked DH into to staying 2 nights at VWL when we get back to port - so excited about that

Hope you are all doing well!!

Have a great weekend!

-Stacey

 

[jetskigrl]

After reading on the boards about the chaos of check in around the maiden voyage I think they are hoping to spread out the crowds a bit. Of course the biggest issue I see is, like so many things, the new cruisers will get the crummy times since the earlier the check in the better selection of available times.

Yeah, we are lucky that they did this after our check-in already started (for all cruisers) and that the disboarders shared the information so quickly.

My problem is that the CI&S doesn't book your shuttle time until the day you arrive. The manager there told me that I could select the time I wanted when I checked in, but others on the board said that you can call the morning of your check-in and they can assign it then. I'm guessing they want to make sure you don't cancel your reservation before they start assigning people to shuttles. But it makes it hard to pick a port arrival time when I don't know what my shuttle time will be.

I just selected the 10:30 - 11:00 time and will see what the manager says about booking in advance (I emailed him yesterday). If I can't get the shuttle time that I need, I will just have to call a cab.

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

I just got a reply back from DCL about those videos I forwarded to them.

Thank you for your e-mail regarding the YouTube videos posted online.
We too are concerned by the actions of these young guests. We take
these actions seriously and appreciate the time you took to share your
thoughts with us.

Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our guests have
always been of paramount importance to us. The information presented in
the videos has been reviewed with our Shipboard Officers and shoreside
security teams, who will follow up on these issues and handle
accordingly.

It is our hope the actions of this individual doesn’t overshadow your
enjoyment of your future Disney cruise vacations, as we look forward to
sailing with you.

Sincerely,

George Parker
Manager, Guest Communications
Disney Cruise Line

 

[BishopFamily]

I received an email from DCL yesterday which prompted me to verify my online checkin information.

I find the new system to be easier to navigate. however, after i finished the process, I wanted to go back and change something. I was able to do it, but it was that obvious. Look for a the text "Edit" to edit your online check-in information. I click on it and was able to make changes.

We are back to back with the next cruise, and I found it interesting that it had an option under "Post-Cruise" for "Disney Cruise". I selected it, and it identified the Post-Cruise option as "Disney Dream". I also remembered to go through the on-line check process for the second cruise.


Here is some details of our plans.

Fly in from Portland Oregon on April 2 arriving late evening.
Stay at CI&S.
Use the rental car to take family and luggage to the port, then return the rental car. Not using the ci&s shuttle.
We are Platinum members, so I didn't have to indicate a time frame at the port. Interestingly, it doesn't even give me an option to indicate when I think I will be there. In any case, I want to get there early.
On the cruise, we don't have any excursions booked and plan to stay on the ship at Nassau (except perhaps a mango-rum-run or a visit to starbucks).
We don't have any spa activities booked, but will probably go to the rainforest rooms. We do have Palo dinner at nassau (which I think is Pirate night and i am not sure if I should change it. And we have Palo brunch on the sea day.
On the second cruise (4/7), i booked Remy. I still haven't heard enough reviews yet and its still possible we will cancel this.
After the second cruise, we are staying 5 mights at the wilderness lodge villas (via a RCI exchange).

We're planning on doing FE on both cruises, but we have started on them yet.


Today in Portland, Oregon its about 45 degrees right now with a forecast high of 48. Tomorrow its suppose to get to 51. We haven't had any snow this year yet (and we don't ususally get any snow). We just get rain...

Looking forward to warmer and drier weather on the cruise...

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

I have been so unsure of what my reservation says...that I have logged-in to the DCL site three times now! I just printed everything off...maybe having that paper copy will give me a little more confidence!


Lot's of Rambling...


Nancy (BishopFamily) - your plans sound great! Does anyone on here know which night "Pirate Night" is going to be? That would really help with all of our planning...


As far as attempting to find out more information about where to purchase Mango Rum in Nassau...I got absolutely no answers! I think that WDWCrazyfromGA (Stacey) knows where to go. I did educate myself on Senor Frogs and have decided that the kids should not go there! So, I am still thinking meet at 10AM on Nassau Day to go on the Mango Rum Run. I still need to get some bedazzled minnie ears! I do have my bag ready to go, though!


EcbLovesMickey - Awesome response from DCL! I followed that thread, but could only watch part of one of the videos...it was yucky! I would love to know what happened???


FE Stuff: Bring a zip-tie to attach your FE to your fish...so that it doesn't swim away! As far as figuring out when to deliver/making a schedule/etc... I am all for that, however; once you get on the ship...schedules tend to get all turned around. If we were not totally bound to the schedule I would say...let's do it! Or we could just hang an extra bag in back...just in case??? Thoughts??? You know...you all could just tell me everything that you are giving and what days and let the secrets out ...and then I could relay just how big the pockets of the FE need to be...or to get an extra bag... Just kidding!


It's great to see so many people checking in and finalizing their plans!


Oh, another things...not to alarm anyone...but thought that you need to think about it (Stacey, I am not sure if this affected you guys back in 09?) But the ocean around the Bahamas in the months of April/May may have what is called "Sea Lice" in the water. Sea Lice sounds awful...but it is really just microscopic jelly fish. These jellies are usually found near the water line close to shore on CC. We have only experienced these once...but what happens is that they get trapped in bathing suits and with the change in temperature from the ocean to the air...they will sting. It is suggested that when you get out of the ocean to go and shower off immediately. They have showers up near the restrooms. The idea is to attempt to get the jellies from around your bathing suit...where it touches your skin. And to get them before they fire. You can also purchase Safe Sea which you can apply prior to swimming to help keep the jellies from getting to your skin. This is just a heads-up...please don't panic. You will probably know if they are in the water once your reach the beach at CC...Folks will be talking about it.


We have been to CC twice in April. Once there was Sea Lice...the other time no Sea Lice. Sorry to be a downer! But you can google Safe Sea...if you want to purchase it early. Or they sell it at Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach.


On an up-note...I got in the mail today my kid's pillowcases that Gradysmommy made for me! They are gorgeous! She put a pirate mickey head with Disney Dream on top and the kid's name underneath. We plan to drop these off at Guest Services to get signatures. We have never done this before...so something new!


Okay...I am done rambling...who's next?


Crystal

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

There was a big thread about Sea Lice a while ago on the boards. We lived in Florida for years and went to the Bahamas many times and never had problems, but I wonder if the area around CC has some kind of breeding grounds? Seems like people have had issues there, but my friends have a home on Bimini and have never had issues with them
I just hope they decide to get some whoopi after our cruise