Disney Wonder - Galveston to San Jaun - January 20, 2017

[pixiehallow]

Any tips for toddler parents, or others sailing with 6 and under? Will have four kids in our party, 2-6yearolds and 2-4year olds. (Also sorry if I posted this incorrectly, just figuring out how to post!)

Hi LikeAMermaid!
Sounds like an exciting trip.
If you are on our sailing, there is a sign up for a toddler play date. Last cruise we did this early on so that the little ones (and their parents )have a chance to make new friends. The 6 year olds will most likely be excited to get to spend time in the oceaners lab with there new friends (speaking from experience, it may be difficult to get them to leave ). The 4 year olds will probably enjoy the kids area too, but depending on how independent they are, they may not want to stay as long. Ours however wanted to be where ever their sibling was.
As for meals, I would try to stick as close to your normal schedule as possible. And, unless your family / group members are usually LATE eaters, I would schedule first seating. Second seating usually goes until at least 10 PM.
Now for bedtime, we always let our boys bring a comfort item from home (a blankie, a favorite stuffed animal, etc). We also ordered hot cocoa and cookies for room service just before bedtime at least one time on each trip.
Another recommendation I have heard is if your kiddos have not yet gotten the chance to meet mickey and his pals to ease them in slowly with movies and videos with the characters they will get to meet.
Aside from that, just enjoy every minute. Each of our cruises has been different, and I miss the younger years as they get older and more independent!
Plus stay tune. I will be posting Monday Forget me Not's as we get closer to help build excitement. You will find a great deal of helpful tidbits in them.

~ Tink ~

 

[zoiejmvs]

What

You can add my mom too. That all sounds perfect, I prefer smaller groups anyway. It makes it a lot less stressful.

What is the Mixology?

 

[zoiejmvs]

Hi LikeAMermaid!
Sounds like an exciting trip.
If you are on our sailing, there is a sign up for a toddler play date. Last cruise we did this early on so that the little ones (and their parents )have a chance to make new friends. The 6 year olds will most likely be excited to get to spend time in the oceaners lab with there new friends (speaking from experience, it may be difficult to get them to leave ). The 4 year olds will probably enjoy the kids area too, but depending on how independent they are, they may not want to stay as long. Ours however wanted to be where ever their sibling was.
As for meals, I would try to stick as close to your normal schedule as possible. And, unless your family / group members are usually LATE eaters, I would schedule first seating. Second seating usually goes until at least 10 PM.
Now for bedtime, we always let our boys bring a comfort item from home (a blankie, a favorite stuffed animal, etc). We also ordered hot cocoa and cookies for room service just before bedtime at least one time on each trip.
Another recommendation I have heard is if your kiddos have not yet gotten the chance to meet mickey and his pals to ease them in slowly with movies and videos with the characters they will get to meet.
Aside from that, just enjoy every minute. Each of our cruises has been different, and I miss the younger years as they get older and more independent!
Plus stay tune. I will be posting Monday Forget me Not's as we get closer to help build excitement. You will find a great deal of helpful tidbits in them.

~ Tink ~

Any tips for toddler parents, or others sailing with 6 and under? Will have four kids in our party, 2-6yearolds and 2-4year olds. (Also sorry if I posted this incorrectly, just figuring out how to post!)

I am traveling with a four year old too I keep going back and forth for dining time preference. I just changed to Main dining. I just can't decide lol. I also can't decide if we should bring a stroller or not. I hate having a ton of things to bring. Also do we need to bring a car seat? We really wouldn't be in a car that I could think of.

 

[pixiehallow]

What

What is the Mixology?

Mixology is a 30 to 45 minute class put on by one of the bartenders on board. If we get enough people (20 I believe), we can have our own private class. During the class, you learn how to make 6 - 8 different drinks. And you can (if you would like ) drink each of the drinks we learn how to make.
You are given the chance to get involved and volunteer. I highly recommend that. Each time I have, I have gotten an extra drink, and had a lot of fun. On our last cruise the cost was $20 a person. This price covered the private class, and all of the drinks. Which works out to be a better price than just buying the drinks.
Logistics aside, it is a fun get together (whether you are a drinker or not - I am not much of a drinker...I usually only like the rare glass of wine....but I have a blast and share my drinks).

 

[pixiehallow]

I am traveling with a four year old too I keep going back and forth for dining time preference. I just changed to Main dining. I just can't decide lol. I also can't decide if we should bring a stroller or not. I hate having a ton of things to bring. Also do we need to bring a car seat? We really wouldn't be in a car that I could think of.

I was just reading about this yesterday.
Dining as I have said before really will depend on your families normal dining times. Also remember, if you are coming from a different time zone (say eastern), there will be a difference in when you feel it is time to eat. East coast cruisers who normally eat at 6 PM, will feel perfectly in time eating at 5 PM.
As for the stroller, Disney does have a limited supply to lend once on board (or so I have read, I have never utilized this amenity myself). Things to consider in your decision: The wait to board (depending on your boarding time), could be upwards of 2 hours. I am basing this on the inefficiency of the Port of Galveston. We had the first time slot for boarding last cruise (out of Galveston), and we were with in the first 20 families in line to enter the pier. Once the doors were open, and we began to enter, it took us between 45 minutes to an hour to get through security, check in, and wait to board. Then on the boat, unless your tike just doesn't like walking, or gets pooped out easily / early, the only time I would see you needing the stroller is maybe during FE delivery. I also see some parents bringing their strollers to the pool deck just incase the little one falls asleep while watching a movie on the Funnel Vision (mega tron 40 ft tv on the pool deck), they don't have to wake them. As for shore excursions (this would also apply to car seats), this will really depend on your choice of excursion. If you are going to be doing a great deal of walking (say Cozumel shopping), you may want the stroller. However, if you choose to have an excursion that you will be driven to and from, you probably will be fine with out. If you are being driven, read the description of the excursion, and see if anything is said about car seats or age restrictions. If nothing is mentioned, call Disney and ask them to check, and look into laws about car seats in our destinations. The one area that I would be most concerned about would be San Juan since you are looking to stay for a few days (keep in mind all of the walking Old San Juan entails). I have know some people who opt for a carrier instead of the stroller. But those that do go with a stroller usually use an umbrella stroller.
Back to the car seat....as I mentioned above, check on the laws. In San Juan if you decided to rent a car, the rental company my offer car seats. It never hurts to ask.

One more thought as I was rereading before posting. Thinking of the stroller, on embarkation day, we will not have access to our rooms until around 2 PM. So if you get on around noon, and you have carry ons and kids to keep track of, a stroller may be beneficial. Also when we are disembarking, we will have to be at breakfast and out of our rooms no later than 8 AM, and then we may end up standing in line (either on the boat or in customs) for another 2 hours.

Hope this helps with your decision making.

 

[zoiejmvs]

Mixology is a 30 to 45 minute class put on by one of the bartenders on board. If we get enough people (20 I believe), we can have our own private class. During the class, you learn how to make 6 - 8 different drinks. And you can (if you would like ) drink each of the drinks we learn how to make.
You are given the chance to get involved and volunteer. I highly recommend that. Each time I have, I have gotten an extra drink, and had a lot of fun. On our last cruise the cost was $20 a person. This price covered the private class, and all of the drinks. Which works out to be a better price than just buying the drinks.
Logistics aside, it is a fun get together (whether you are a drinker or not - I am not much of a drinker...I usually only like the rare glass of wine....but I have a blast and share my drinks).

Sounds like fun We aren't big drinkers but I will ask my Hubby if he wants to do this.

 

[zoiejmvs]

I was just reading about this yesterday.
Dining as I have said before really will depend on your families normal dining times. Also remember, if you are coming from a different time zone (say eastern), there will be a difference in when you feel it is time to eat. East coast cruisers who normally eat at 6 PM, will feel perfectly in time eating at 5 PM.
As for the stroller, Disney does have a limited supply to lend once on board (or so I have read, I have never utilized this amenity myself). Things to consider in your decision: The wait to board (depending on your boarding time), could be upwards of 2 hours. I am basing this on the inefficiency of the Port of Galveston. We had the first time slot for boarding last cruise (out of Galveston), and we were with in the first 20 families in line to enter the pier. Once the doors were open, and we began to enter, it took us between 45 minutes to an hour to get through security, check in, and wait to board. Then on the boat, unless your tike just doesn't like walking, or gets pooped out easily / early, the only time I would see you needing the stroller is maybe during FE delivery. I also see some parents bringing their strollers to the pool deck just incase the little one falls asleep while watching a movie on the Funnel Vision (mega tron 40 ft tv on the pool deck), they don't have to wake them. As for shore excursions (this would also apply to car seats), this will really depend on your choice of excursion. If you are going to be doing a great deal of walking (say Cozumel shopping), you may want the stroller. However, if you choose to have an excursion that you will be driven to and from, you probably will be fine with out. If you are being driven, read the description of the excursion, and see if anything is said about car seats or age restrictions. If nothing is mentioned, call Disney and ask them to check, and look into laws about car seats in our destinations. The one area that I would be most concerned about would be San Juan since you are looking to stay for a few days (keep in mind all of the walking Old San Juan entails). I have know some people who opt for a carrier instead of the stroller. But those that do go with a stroller usually use an umbrella stroller.
Back to the car seat....as I mentioned above, check on the laws. In San Juan if you decided to rent a car, the rental company my offer car seats. It never hurts to ask.

One more thought as I was rereading before posting. Thinking of the stroller, on embarkation day, we will not have access to our rooms until around 2 PM. So if you get on around noon, and you have carry ons and kids to keep track of, a stroller may be beneficial. Also when we are disembarking, we will have to be at breakfast and out of our rooms no later than 8 AM, and then we may end up standing in line (either on the boat or in customs) for another 2 hours.

Hope this helps with your decision making.

Thank you for your input. I think I am going to bring a stroller, you brought up a lot of good points with waiting etc. Plus these places are so busy it would be easier for me to keep track of her.

 

[pixiehallow]

Sounds like fun We aren't big drinkers but I will ask my Hubby if he wants to do this.

Just let me know, and I will add you in if you decide to.

 

[pixiehallow]

Thank you for your input. I think I am going to bring a stroller, you brought up a lot of good points with waiting etc. Plus these places are so busy it would be easier for me to keep track of her.

The busy aspect is something I totally forgot!

 

[pixiehallow]

I forgot to post the next tip for 'What NOT to do on an Excursion', on Monday...
Maybe by the time I get through this list of 10, I will be in the habit of remembering Mondays!

Anywho, better late than never....
Here is the 4th tip (and remember these are things NOT to Do)

4. Carry wads of cash
Regardless of the shore excursion you're taking, it's always smart to have a little cash on you for emergencies, tips and shopping. But there's no need to bring a roll of hundreds unless you plan to purchase an entire market stall. Bring some cash (we find $50 or so usually suffices) and a credit card. If you're in a country that requires you to exchange currency, bring a debit card. ATMs offer better exchange rates than banks and currency-conversion centers.

 

[pixiehallow]

We booked a hotel in San Juan yesterday. They currently look the best, and fit what we were looking for. They also allow no penalty cancellations up to 30 days prior, so if we find something better, we can still change.
We chose to go with Da House in Old San Juan. They are located over a historic Jazz club in the heart of Old San Juan. Their web site says they are not only a hotel, but an art studio as well. They also classify themselves as a throw back to the classic European hostels. To be honest, the word hostel kind of scared me as we were not just traveling with back packs, and we were traveling with a young teenage boy. However, as I looked into the hotel, I found that the main link between Da House and European hostels is they have a shared common area. And, unlike what I have heard / read about other hostels, Da House does have private rooms with private bathrooms. They also have good reviews on Trip Adviser.
When we looked back at why we wanted to add a stay in San Juan onto the end of our cruise, we found that Da House was a perfect fit. We were looking to experience the culture, take in the history, and truly take part in all Old San Juan had to offer (food, music, etc). This hotel seems to be a good fit for our San Juan adventure.
I will continue to look and investigate, and would love to hear about where everyone else that is staying over chooses, and why.

 

[pixiehallow]

Important Dates
to take note of
​

• Sept. 22nd - (120 days prior to sailing) Platinum Castaway Club Members, & Concierge guest in cat. 1-3 -

Online check in opens
can start booking excursions & making on board reservations (Palo, spa, babysitting, etc)​

*Final payment must be made to access the early sign in and bookings.

• Oct. 7th - ( 105 days prior to sailing) Gold Castaway Club Members

Online check in opens
can start booking excursions & making on board reservations (Palo, spa, babysitting, etc)​

*Final payment must be made to access the early sign in and bookings.

• Oct. 22nd - (90 days prior to sailing) Silver Castaway Club Members

Online check in opens
can start booking excursions & making on board reservations (Palo, spa, babysitting, etc)​

• Oct. 22nd - (90 days Prior to Sailing) - All guests Final Payments are Due

• Nov. 6th - ( 75 days Prior to sailing) - All first time Disney cruisers in Cat. 4 - 12
  Online check in opens
  can start booking excursions & making on board reservations (Palo, spa, babysitting, etc)

 

[StefunnyD]

Important Dates
to take note of
​

• Sept. 22nd - (120 days prior to sailing) Platinum Castaway Club Members, & Concierge guest in cat. 1-3 -

Online check in opens
can start booking excursions & making on board reservations (Palo, spa, babysitting, etc)​

*Final payment must be made to access the early sign in and bookings.

• Oct. 7th - ( 105 days prior to sailing) Gold Castaway Club Members

Online check in opens
can start booking excursions & making on board reservations (Palo, spa, babysitting, etc)​

*Final payment must be made to access the early sign in and bookings.

• Oct. 22nd - (90 days prior to sailing) Silver Castaway Club Members

Online check in opens
can start booking excursions & making on board reservations (Palo, spa, babysitting, etc)​

• Oct. 22nd - (90 days Prior to Sailing) - All guests Final Payments are Due

• Nov. 6th - ( 75 days Prior to sailing) - All first time Disney cruisers in Cat. 4 - 12
  Online check in opens
  can start booking excursions & making on board reservations (Palo, spa, babysitting, etc)

 

[pixiehallow]

I found 2 different Food tours of Old San Juan. Here are the links to them for anyone who is interested:

Flavors of San Juan
and
Spoon Food Tours

They both have tours that I feel conflict with our arrival time and realistic disembarkation time. And they both have a later afternoon one.
The option I find interesting is through Spoon Food tours. They have a private, customize-able one.

 

[pixiehallow]

Hi, StefunnyD! Are you going to be sailing with us?

 

[StefunnyD]

Hello, all! My kids and I will be sailing on the Jan 20 cruise. First time cruisers so we can use all the tips we can get and this thread seems loaded with them just trying to get my feet wet and get going on the planning.

 

[pixiehallow]

Welcome to the group StefunnyD!

As a first time cruiser, be forewarned, Disney Cruising is ADDICTIVE!
If there is anything that you have a question about or need help with, I would be glad to help. One of my favorite things is to talk Disney.
Just to let you know, the first page of the thread has a lot of good information and suggestions for cruise activities (FE, Cabin Crawl, Mixology, Toddler Play Date, etc). If you are interested or curious about any of them, please let me know.

~Tink~

 

[StefunnyD]

I think we'd be interested in the FE and mixology group. Traveling with DS 17, DD 16, DS 14 and DS 13...so would be just one for the mixology

 

[StefunnyD]

and how do I change the pic for my profile?

 

[pixiehallow]

and how do I change the pic for my profile?

First, click on your screen name in the upper right hand corner of this page. When you do this, a drop down menu will appear. Look in the left column of the menu for the word "Avatar". Click on this link. This will bring you to the page to choose or upload the picture that you want.

You will notice there were several options when you clicked on your screen name. These links will help you get your account and profile set up exactly how you want it.