Disney Dream Christening Cruise!! 1-19-11

[Dicecatt]

Hi Gang, I'm on this cruise too.
I won it through Disney Travel Agents and still can't believe it!
I haven't been assigned a cabin number yet. But I have been told that I'll be spending the night at the Wilderness Lodge on the 18th. I've also noticed that the Magic Kingdom now closes at 6:00 pm on the 18th for the Dream Christening Event Party.
Please share any other details you get.

I just noticed that on the calendar today too! I'm so excited!

 

[murphy4]

I just noticed that on the calendar today too! I'm so excited!

I hope we are invited to the party at the magic kingdom. hopefully it is not just for the TA's. welcome to our thread.

 

[Luv2Travel]

I hope we are invited to the party at the magic kingdom. hopefully it is not just for the TA's. welcome to our thread.

I was under the impression that everyone on the cruise would be invited to the party at the Magic Kingdom the night before. Not sure where I got that idea, but it would make sense.

All of our packages sound different. I'm supposed to have a verandah stateroom, but I could only bring one guest (my kids weren't happy with that ). I also don't think I'll be given any park tickets. But I'm still tickled pink!!

I don't have many specifics about the cruise except that I'm scheduled for the 7:00 show and second dining. The end of my last email from an event coordinator said:

"Early December we should start the process of Berthing the Ship and assigning your Staterooms numbers. All activities (including dinning arrangements) will be done on the ship once you have boarded on the 19th of January."

Of course I log in everyday to check, but still haven't seen a cabin number. Please let me know if either of you have more specifics.

 

[Dicecatt]

It does sound like we all have different things. My cabin number was assigned a couple of weeks ago, I have a confirmed cabin for 5, and the last email I got did say we could bring guests into the park, but no details on when...like, if it is a whole day ticket, or just evening...I didn't even think to check park hours until a friend of mine suggested it (duh) and I was excited to see we'll have the whole park to ourselves, apparently. I'll keep you all updated though, if I get anything more!

I still think it is weird they have me at WL considering I have five. They said "that WL will put us in a room that sleeps five if they have one available." Um, okay. I don't really mind if one of the twins sleeps on the floor, but I'm pretty sure that is against fire code . Oh well, I'll let them figure it out. I did decide to come in on the 17th in the evening, just in case they give us entire day park tickets. I can get a ticket anyway but I don't want to buy them for one day for the other 4 members of my family.

 

[Luv2Travel]

if it is a whole day ticket, or just evening... and I was excited to see we'll have the whole park to ourselves, apparently.

I still think it is weird they have me at WL considering I have five.

That's what I was wondering at first -- if we'd get an all day ticket, or if we'd get a party ticket. It sounds to me like we'll get a party ticket since the park closes at 6 pm now. But it should be awesome to have the park to ourselves! Hopefully the Christening Event Party won't have TOO big of a crowd.

That is odd that they're sending your family of 5 to the Wilderness Lodge. Surely they'll assign you a Junior Suite (don't those sleep 6?). We're coming in on the 17th too, then we're going to spend one more night at the Boardwalk Inn after the cruise. I'd stay longer, but I already feel guilty leaving the kids with my mother.

BTW, I have a family of 5 and twins too. But my twins just turned 17 and my "baby" will be 15 next week.

 

[Dicecatt]

That's what I was wondering at first -- if we'd get an all day ticket, or if we'd get a party ticket. It sounds to me like we'll get a party ticket since the park closes at 6 pm now. But it should be awesome to have the park to ourselves! Hopefully the Christening Event Party won't have TOO big of a crowd.

That is odd that they're sending your family of 5 to the Wilderness Lodge. Surely they'll assign you a Junior Suite (don't those sleep 6?). We're coming in on the 17th too, then we're going to spend one more night at the Boardwalk Inn after the cruise. I'd stay longer, but I already feel guilty leaving the kids with my mother.

BTW, I have a family of 5 and twins too. But my twins just turned 17 and my "baby" will be 15 next week.

I actually have six...but my 16 year old can't miss school! She can't fit in the cabin either, lol. She isn't thrilled but high school is high school. My baby is 5 Twins are almost 12. This cruise is right before their birthday so they are very excited. I'm also on the Maiden, which leaves on their birthday, so this made up for it, lol!

Yes, the deluxe rooms sleep six...but there are very few of them. I guess we'll see what happens! I'm not complaining...like I said, someone can camp out on the floor! I adore Wilderness Lodge, it is my favorite resort for families of four.

 

[lornak]

I was so excited to see there was a thread for this cruise! I am also a TA winner and I just can't believe that I get to do this!!! I will be brining my sister (much to the disappointment of my kids!!).

So far I have been told that we will be at Wilderness Lodge for the 18th and that we WILL get a park ticket for the 18th in addition to the party that night. I actually specifically asked about this and got an email from one of the coordinators confirming the ticket. So I would assume that at least all the TA prize winners would be getting the ticket??

I also heard that there is going to be some kind of presentation at the Hall of Presidents but that is only open to the "invitee"--meaning me and not my sister. But after that the party is open to the invitee and guest.

I would love to hear any other details that you all find out!!!

PS--Dicecatt, I was excited to see your name on here. I feel like I know you as I have read your Med trip report so many times! My husband and I are doing the Med cruise this summer for our 20th anniversary!!!

 

[Dicecatt]

I was so excited to see there was a thread for this cruise! I am also a TA winner and I just can't believe that I get to do this!!! I will be brining my sister (much to the disappointment of my kids!!).

So far I have been told that we will be at Wilderness Lodge for the 18th and that we WILL get a park ticket for the 18th in addition to the party that night. I actually specifically asked about this and got an email from one of the coordinators confirming the ticket. So I would assume that at least all the TA prize winners would be getting the ticket??

I also heard that there is going to be some kind of presentation at the Hall of Presidents but that is only open to the "invitee"--meaning me and not my sister. But after that the party is open to the invitee and guest.

I would love to hear any other details that you all find out!!!

PS--Dicecatt, I was excited to see your name on here. I feel like I know you as I have read your Med trip report so many times! My husband and I are doing the Med cruise this summer for our 20th anniversary!!!

Did you win recently also? I haven't been paying attention, I didn't realize the contest was still happening...or are you just now finding out? Because I was invited, I haven't been paying attention to the rest of it So you were able to bring just one guest? Still awesome, just wondering!

So you confirmed the ticket is for the whole day of the 18th? If that is the case, I'm really glad. I too have heard there is an event at Hall of Presidents just for the invitee...and that guests can join you after at MK. Which is why i wasn't sure if it was an entire day ticket or good just after a certain time.

You are going to love the Med cruise...I'm so happy for you that you are going, and I'm glad my trip report was helpful! It was truly an amazing experience, I would love to do it again, and take the kids if possible. I'm waiting patiently for the rest of 2012 to be announced!

 

[Luv2Travel]

So far I have been told that we will be at Wilderness Lodge for the 18th and that we WILL get a park ticket for the 18th in addition to the party that night. I actually specifically asked about this and got an email from one of the coordinators confirming the ticket. So I would assume that at least all the TA prize winners would be getting the ticket??

I also heard that there is going to be some kind of presentation at the Hall of Presidents but that is only open to the "invitee"--meaning me and not my sister. But after that the party is open to the invitee and guest.

Hi lornak
I was happy a thread had been started on this cruise too so we could compare info. The coordinators seem to be keeping a lot of details secret to the last minute. I still don't have a cabin number. Do you?

I'm so glad you got an answer about the park ticket (I sent the same email, but didn't get a reply back on that question).

You know, I didn't even notice (until y'all mentioned it) that the presentation is only for the invitee and not their guests. I wondered how so many people were going to fit into the Hall of Presidents. I wonder if that's only for TAs? murphy4, have you gotten any more info?

Question for everyone: are you going to use the Disney transfers? Or rent a car? I'm thinking we're going to rent a car so we can get to the port earlier.

Dicecatt - lornak won back in August (a week before me). We're just now finding this thread. (Yes, I'm a dork that printed out the list of winners just so I could go back and see that I had really won.)

ONLY 30 MORE DAYS!!!!!

 

[Dicecatt]

I have a cabin number, and almost immediately, actually. That surprised me. Although it might change, I suppose. I hope not, I'm looking forward to trying out the five person oceanview! I have an interior on the Maiden. Hopefully we'll get to see different cabin types on this cruise, too. Typically they'll leave one at least of each cat open, but who knows...I really want to see the suites but I'm sure they'll be occupied!

 

[lornak]

Yes, Luv2Travel is correct---I found out I won over Labor Day weekend. I went crazy as I was listed on the website but didn't get the official call until Tuesday. I was (and am!) soooooo excited! I just stumbled on this thread a couple days ago. It didn't occur to me that something might be started. But I am so happy it is!!

Here's a copy of the e-mail I got about the park ticket...
Hello Lorna,
Thanks for the quick response and information.
Theme Park Tickets will be provided for you, I know for the 18th will check and see if they are for additional days as well.
Thanks,
Let The Dream Memories Begin!
Darren L Pyles
Walt Disney World Special Events
Event Coordinator

I'm going to assume we will get park tickets when we check in at Wilderness Lodge?!

Right now we are planning on using the Disney transfers. I thought about trying to arrive at the port earlier but I was wondering if they were going to have more "formal" boarding process than normal?? I didn't know if arriving early would make a difference so I thought I would stick with the transfers that are included.

I still don't have a staterooms assignment. My reservation say cat11 GTY even though we are supposed to have a balcony stateroom. I have seen some other people mention that cat 11 is just the default listing and we will indeed have a balcony cabin. That would obviously be awesome but I will take any cabin they want to give me!! I am listed for second seating of dinner and the 7:00 PM show---I'm very happy with that!!

My sister is a professional photographer so I am super excited about the photos she is going to do for me. I am going to make up CD so I can give them to clients when I return! It's just a little extra bonus for my having my sister with me!!!

It sounds like we are all soul mates! I am interested in the tiniest, tiniest piece of information you may have so please share any other news you receive!!!

 

[murphy4]

hi everyone! I still haven't gotten any additional info. my travel rep at disney said everything is booked and ticketed and I will get my info by 12-31.

update. I won an all inclusive thru good morning america. my trip includes airfare to orlando, transfers to WDW from the airport, transportation to the port and back to orlando after the cruise. according to my info I get 4 one day park hopper passes for the 18th and the special event that night. I can't wait to get my cabin and dining reservations as I have to have early dining. I think the event at the Hall of Presidents is just for you TA's.

my oldest DD is almost 17 and she told her teachers that she was doing this cruise no matter what! it is actually finals week for her but the teachers are letting her take the finals when we get back. my other DD is 13 and in 7th, not real worried about her.

however... hubby may have to cancel at the last minute depending work and the darn NFL playoff schedule. in which case my mom is waiting in the wings to take his place!

can't wait to meet you all!

debbie

 

[murphy4]

[
My sister is a professional photographer so I am super excited about the photos she is going to do for me. I am going to make up CD so I can give them to clients when I return! It's just a little extra bonus for my having my sister with me!!!

can I get your sister to take a nice professional shot of my family and I? I will buy her a drink or 2!

 

[lornak]

[
My sister is a professional photographer so I am super excited about the photos she is going to do for me. I am going to make up CD so I can give them to clients when I return! It's just a little extra bonus for my having my sister with me!!!

can I get your sister to take a nice professional shot of my family and I? I will buy her a drink or 2!

I will talk to her about it but I am sure she would be happy to do a few shots if we can find a time/place to meet up. Of course, that shouldn't be too hard as we don't plan on sleeping during this cruise!!!

 

[Luv2Travel]

Yes, Luv2Travel is correct---I found out I won over Labor Day weekend. I went crazy as I was listed on the website but didn't get the official call until Tuesday. I was (and am!) soooooo excited! I just stumbled on this thread a couple days ago. It didn't occur to me that something might be started. But I am so happy it is!!

Here's a copy of the e-mail I got about the park ticket...
Hello Lorna,
Thanks for the quick response and information.
Theme Park Tickets will be provided for you, I know for the 18th will check and see if they are for additional days as well.
Thanks,
Let The Dream Memories Begin!
Darren L Pyles
Walt Disney World Special Events
Event Coordinator

I'm going to assume we will get park tickets when we check in at Wilderness Lodge?!

Right now we are planning on using the Disney transfers. I thought about trying to arrive at the port earlier but I was wondering if they were going to have more "formal" boarding process than normal?? I didn't know if arriving early would make a difference so I thought I would stick with the transfers that are included.

I still don't have a staterooms assignment. My reservation say cat11 GTY even though we are supposed to have a balcony stateroom. I have seen some other people mention that cat 11 is just the default listing and we will indeed have a balcony cabin. That would obviously be awesome but I will take any cabin they want to give me!! I am listed for second seating of dinner and the 7:00 PM show---I'm very happy with that!!

My sister is a professional photographer so I am super excited about the photos she is going to do for me. I am going to make up CD so I can give them to clients when I return! It's just a little extra bonus for my having my sister with me!!!

It sounds like we are all soul mates! I am interested in the tiniest, tiniest piece of information you may have so please share any other news you receive!!!

lornak - I saw my name on the website on a Friday afternoon too, but the next day the website had changed and my name was no longer on there. Talk about freaking out!!! I think the website had gone back to the previous winners list. I had to wait until Tuesday too to get the call and find out that it was for real. When my name finally showed back up on the website again I printed it out for proof.

Darren Pyles is who I've been corresponding with too. Maybe he thought he already answered my email since you asked the same question (about the free park ticket for the 18th) and he replied to yours.

My reservation also says cat 11C GTY and I've been told (by Darren) that this is just a default category too. I'm also second seating with 7:00 show.

That's really cool about taking your sister and getting professional pictures! My husband will be taking pictures and I'm going to video as much as possible. He's no professional, but he takes so many pictures that eventually some good ones turn up.

I have received Disney's Magical Express info for my arrival, but not for my departure. Hoping for more info soon!!

 

[Luv2Travel]

hi everyone! I still haven't gotten any additional info. my travel rep at disney said everything is booked and ticketed and I will get my info by 12-31.

update. I won an all inclusive thru good morning america. my trip includes airfare to orlando, transfers to WDW from the airport, transportation to the port and back to orlando after the cruise. according to my info I get 4 one day park hopper passes for the 18th and the special event that night. I can't wait to get my cabin and dining reservations as I have to have early dining. I think the event at the Hall of Presidents is just for you TA's.

my oldest DD is almost 17 and she told her teachers that she was doing this cruise no matter what! it is actually finals week for her but the teachers are letting her take the finals when we get back. my other DD is 13 and in 7th, not real worried about her.

however... hubby may have to cancel at the last minute depending work and the darn NFL playoff schedule. in which case my mom is waiting in the wings to take his place!

can't wait to meet you all!

debbie

It's neat to "see" the people who actually win these contests. I haven't "seen" any winners mentioned from the AOL contest. I hope we all get our documents next week.

That's awesome that your daughter's teachers are working with her and allowing her to take advantage of this great opportunity! I hope things work out for your husband to join you too. That would be a bummer if he had to back out at the last minute. But I'm sure it wouldn't hurt your mother's feelings too much.

 

[Dicecatt]

I am also working with Darren (and Kymberli) and I sent Darren an email asking for clarification on tickets.

I asked very specifically if it is a base ticket just good for Magic Kingdom, if it is good for day or just evening, and I said I wanted to know because we may go to a different park that day and I want to buy tickets in advance, but that depends on what type of ticket we already have.

I'll let you all know what I find out. I'm semi concerned because I heard from a friend that local schools may have off Monday and Tuesday that week...so I'm thinking if that is true, MK might not be fantastic during the day and another park might be better. So if it is a hopper ticket I think we'll go somewhere else and save the MK excitement for the party later!

 

[Dicecatt]

Yay for exciting news!

I just got confirmation that the tickets are 1 day park hoppers good for any park, and that we get into the party later with lanyards.

 

[lornak]

Yay for exciting news!

I just got confirmation that the tickets are 1 day park hoppers good for any park, and that we get into the party later with lanyards.

YaY!! Thanks for being persistant on the details!! Do you know if we will pick up the tickets at the resort?? Seems like that is the way it will go. We are coming in a night early but staying at Pop Century to save a little $$! We are going to head over to WL first thing on the 18th to check in and get our tickets. We will probably go to a different park since we should have plenty of time in the MK that night!! I can't wait to find out about the party! I have always been envious when I have seen "park closing early for a private event"---always wondered who those lucky people were! Now I get to be one of them! Can't believe it!!

Did I mention I love you guys and your love of Disney?! And so does my husband---he is so happy I have someone else to talk to this about!! Somehow he isn't very excited when I call him at work and say "the MK is closing early on the 18th!!".

 

[lornak]

oops! Sorry---double post!!