Disney Dream January 3, 2012

[HappyPeach]

We had a really good time! That second CC stop was glorious! I was so happy to get that warm, sunny, beautiful day. We stayed on board in Nassau and rode the Aquaduck and swam in the pool.

We ate in Palo for brunch on the sea day and they had servers (wearing plastic gloves) serving at the brunch buffet. That was my first clue that our cruise had a GI situation. We had people very sick on our hall (and in our hall, unfortunately.) I hope no one in this group got sick!

 

[NAB]

I knew as soon as we couldn't get our own soda there were sick people aboard. We were not one of them but feel for the ones that were.

It was freezing the day we got on the boat but people braved the pool. Again we did not. Only stayed on the island a short time the first time around, not so much because the cold but we wanted to explore the ship more and knew we would be back. Build a sand castle that day though.

My kids stayed out very late everynight. We were in bed by the time they came in or ready for bed. My husband went looking for my 14 year old son two nights when he wasn't back in the room by 4:00. After the Vibe closed they most moved to D Lounge.

This morning was hard to get them up for school and I am still rocking like I am on the boat.....

Have to get the kids off to school...

 

[stefanospops]

We had a nice time too. We were in 8010 and on the second day before they started to serve everyone I walked past a lady in our hallway who was throwing up. I felt so bad for her and her family. I don't think they left their rooms much because every time I walked by the general area where they were I saw room service plates outside. The following night I know someone threw up just off the atrium. The rough seas the first night I am sure didn't help.

We were next to a family that had a fish extender on their door. I only ran into the husband/father and he said his DW did all the Disney stuff. I wonder if she is on the disboards too.

The first two days were cold but thankfully things heated up for the last three. We managed to get onto the Aquaduck quite easily one day. It was certainly fun. Not sure I would wait in a line for longer than say 20 minutes for it, but it was fun.

Having been on the Magic I recognize this is a bigger ship, but it only felt bigger for the addition of a few restaurants. To me it was more as if they just added a lot more rooms. Although the rooms were well laid out. I loved that they raised the height of the beds to allow you to store your suitcases underneath.

All in all we had a good time and rebooked while on board. Our hope is to cruise in January 2014, so booked a 3 nighter for now until those dates are released.

I hope everyone had a great trip! We're taking an extra week off and are at Animal Kingdom right now. Hoping for low crowds this week!

 

[sheryl921]

Hey Stephanospops--we were in 8012! I didn't see anyone in our hallway getting sick, but I know I saw a couple clean up areas on the way to dinner on the night before they started serving everyone. Glad no one in our group caught anything!

Those first days onboard were definitely chilly! So glad it warmed up for the end. We drove home, so today is our first day back to work/school--really not looking forward to it!

 

[stefanospops]

Hey Stephanospops--we were in 8012! I didn't see anyone in our hallway getting sick, but I know I saw a couple clean up areas on the way to dinner on the night before they started serving everyone. Glad no one in our group caught anything!

Those first days onboard were definitely chilly! So glad it warmed up for the end. We drove home, so today is our first day back to work/school--really not looking forward to it!

I hope my family didn't wake you guys up at all or disturb you. We tend to communicate by yelling and screaming. With three young kids, my daughter turned 3 the day before the cruise ended and my son turns 5 today with the oldest turning 7 in March, it is hard to communicate in any other way!

We've rebooked for two years hoping that with the youngest being 5 we can have an easier time, and maybe this time around get those fish extenders going! Glad you guys stayed healthy.

 

[cmclaura]

Great cruise, despite the increased food handling security due to a number of people becoming ill. We were fine!

Lovely to meet Trevor and Nancy (sorry no dancing could be arranged!) and Erik and Margaret. Sorry not to have met anyone else. I think future meets might be arranged in the 687 lounge; the Bon Voyage was just too open.

Now we countdown to the next cruise.....

 

[wildel1021]

My Hubby and I had a great time....we just finished our 13th cruise and we had never done the FE before (I enjoyed coming back to the cabin and seeing the trinkets that were left). I knew there was a problem with sick peeps when they cancelled my VIP Galley tour...hope no one in this group got sick.

 

[clten]

Welcome back everyone. Hope you had a great trip (in spite of what sounds like some illness on board). I am keeping track of the CC stops on cruises this year. Sounds like you guys made both stops. Just wanted to confirm. How was the weather?

Thanks!

 

[cmclaura]

The first stop was very cool; we walked around a bit, played ping pong and pool, then went back to the ship. Definitely too cool to lay on the beach or go into the water.

For the second stop we enjoyed absolutely perfect weather.

We'd been on the previous cruise as well and both stops at CC on that cruise were perfect. Hope this info helps!

 

[clten]

The first stop was very cool; we walked around a bit, played ping pong and pool, then went back to the ship. Definitely too cool to lay on the beach or go into the water.

For the second stop we enjoyed absolutely perfect weather.

We'd been on the previous cruise as well and both stops at CC on that cruise were perfect. Hope this info helps!

Thanks for the info. Glad you got a second shot at getting great weather.

 

[peachygreen]

I'm glad you all had a good time.

If any of you kept them and have the time, can you possibly post your 5-night navigators? I'd be interested in seeing a recent 5-night version.

Thank you very much!

 

[Eastvale4Sail]

What a great experience.
This was our first Disney cruise and it was wonderful. Thanks Laura, it was a pleasure to meet you and Joe. I agree that it would be nice to have a meet and greet with the FE peeps at a particular time and location. Nancy and I kept crackin up that we were getting caught delivering the goodies.
Now it makes sense of the staff wearing gloves and serving the sodas and ice cream. I just thought that they were extremely over staffed

Thank you. Thank you to all of you that gave us such wonderful and thoughtful gifts. Our kids had the birthdays of their little lives.

Big T

 

[Eastvale4Sail]

Misty,
So very sorry to hear about your dad. Our prayers are with your family. May God bless you and keep you during this difficult time. As I was sharing with Joe and Laura on the ship, my mother is fighting with lung cancer and brain cancer. I pray to have the strength that you have. Once again, thank you for accepting me and my family to the FE group.

Big T

 

[hazlnut]

Great cruise, Disney makes up for some early frustrations and disappointments.

• We had smokers next door to my wife's room, but couldn't smell their smoke from the next room over which I shared with my son.
  
  
• Boarding went fine, we always get one copy of that first photo. We found a table for lunch and by the time we were finished, the room was ready.
  
  
• The girls complained about the kids club wrist bands and cut them off. My DD7 went back and got one on her ankle. Didn't spend a lot of time at the club except for sea day.
  
  
• DD10 moved up to edge and liked it.
  
  
• DS18 was banned from Vibe because he turned 18, but had a good time with the 18*21 Club group. We let him gamble dollar BlackJack at Atlantis and he won some $$.
  
  
• Our stateroom was on deck 10 under the spa. Noisy in the AM with treadmills, but it was great to be able to walk up to the drink and food areas when we wanted a snack.
  
  
• I thought Villains was pretty weak and was glad that my son locked himself out of the room. The girls liked the show.
  
  
• We changed to later dining because we didn't want to get up early the last day. This was a problem as DD7 was not her best at 8:15pm. I was embarrassed by her crying and complaining behavior but our servers were great with both the girls, getting them whatever made them happy and cheering them up.
  
  
• Royal Palace was great, the other two were good too, but I really liked the Royal Palace. Need to try the adult places next time.
  
  
• We discovered the rainforest room and paid to use it on the sea day -- $17. Totally worth it. I would book it for the entire cruise next time.
  
  
• CC 1 was too cold, but we did a family bike ride.
  
  
• Nassau - we went to Atlantis. It was fun, but overpriced. Lunch was cheap theme park stuff, and the staff could care less about the wasps swarming the drink fountain. My son and I did the snorkeling, again, fun but overpriced. I like the river ride. The girls just played mermaid and ignored the slides.
  
  
• The Bus ride was short and we had time to walk around Nassau, bought t-shirts and stuff for family and friends.
  
  
• Sea Day - we all kept busy doing different things while the ship just parked in the middle of the ocean. Not really moving until later.
  
  
• It was crowed for the fireworks but they were cool.
  
  
• CC 2 - the perfect Disney CC day. I got to the sand early and enjoyed some quiet sun before the mobs arrive. My DD8 and I went snorkeling all the way out. She complained and fiddled with equipment then finally got out there and we had a great time. Checked out the cabanas, had lunch as a family. The guitarist played some of my favorite music.
  
  
• Got back to the ship, took a nap before dinner. Scrambled to get packed and get the bags out by 10:30.
  
  
• Getting off the ship was a very long line. Our driver was not happy. We got in the van and pulled off by 9:30. Our 3:30 flight gave us time to do a little more shopping for the nieces and nephews.
  

Overall great time, food above average. Lots of family things to do. We were very happy to be home and see the dog.

Hi to Laura and her husband, nice to meet you.

 

[cmclaura]

Anyone else still want to be on the ship?

 

[tawnia2007]

We just got back home after a post-cruise week in the parks. What a wonderful (and long!) vacation! It was cooler at the beginning than I expected, but overall it was delightful to see so much sun in the dark of January...and it snowed at home while we were gone!

It was so much fun traipsing around the ship delivering the FE gifts...and we got so much candy and fun little toys and such, it's like Halloween and Christmas stockings rolled up in one. My son particularly liked the pirate sword pen; and I love anything that makes him want to do his writing homework!

I'll admit that wrangling 5 kids in 3 different clubs (and one autistic kid who really didn't fit in anywhere) was harder than I expected. I didn't really get the relaxing cruise I wanted--believe it or not, the parks were easier for us. I'd love to try a cruise with just my husband, or just my oldest girl and my mom or something. But I'm glad we went; this was a "bucket list" item and I'm so glad to have had the chance to experience a Disney cruise. They really know how to make people feel welcomed, well-fed, and entertained!

 

[bmahokie]

Sounds like your cruise was great - I'm glad. My family and I are going on a cruise in June that follows a similar itenirary. Could you please let me know which night was semi-formal night (or whatever it's now called), and which night was Pirate night? Thanks so much!

 

[NAB]

Sounds like your cruise was great - I'm glad. My family and I are going on a cruise in June that follows a similar itenirary. Could you please let me know which night was semi-formal night (or whatever it's now called), and which night was Pirate night? Thanks so much!

Nassau day (Thursday) was our optional dress up day. The show was the Golden Mickeys

Friday (our Sea day) was Pirate Night.

Wish I was back on ....I just watched the Cake Boss show last night and they were renewing their vows on the Dream.

 

[bmahokie]

Nassau day (Thursday) was our optional dress up day. The show was the Golden Mickeys

Friday (our Sea day) was Pirate Night.

Wish I was back on ....I just watched the Cake Boss show last night and they were renewing their vows on the Dream.

Thank you very much for your quick response!

 

[tiger_fan3]

I'm glad you all had a good time.

If any of you kept them and have the time, can you possibly post your 5-night navigators? I'd be interested in seeing a recent 5-night version.

Thank you very much!

I am not sure how to post pictures on the message board. But if you PM me, I can email them to you.