Disney Wonder Jan 23, 2011

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Welcome Home!!!


Disneyfamily80--our families cruise isn't till Oct 2, and has not changes Mazatlan. I am hoping they do find us another port but I didn't have plans to get off there anyhow. I can't wait to hear about your cruise. Hope all of you had fun, I am only guessing you did as you seem like a fantastic fun group. Hmm question...Did Dave and Steve get themselves in any trouble??

 

[samily]

Welcome home all! Hope you had a great trip! We future MR cruisers are anxiously awaiting details and reviews of your cruise!!

Disneyfamily80, we sail on 2/20 and Mazatlan has been replaced with a second day in Cabo. I believe DCL has done this for all the MR cruises through April.

 

[hopelea]

Our sailing date is March 13 & we have 2 stops at Cabo instead of Mazaltan

 

[Disneyfamily80]

Inquiring minds want to know..... What was your gift?

It was a lithograph, Donald duck and friends in Mexico, it came with a certificate of authenticity. Very nice , well those of you who have cruised Disney before should know how magical this cruise is, all seemed the same except for the ports ofcourse. We took the sports fishing excursion in Cabo( not one fish caught and it was $200 a person), we also took the harbor and scenic cruise in Cabo, it was worth the $$$ and the view of Los arcos was beautiful, we also did the pirate sail in Puerto Vallarta ( to our surprise was all you can drink!) this was a great excursion as well except it lasted almost 8 hrs instead of 6, so we didn't have time to visit Purto Vallarta. The shops on board have exclusive Mexican riviera memorabilia including scrapbooks, towels and shot glasses. I used my credit card off the ship and got charged way more than the original amount, they charge in pesos by the way ( if you use credit off the boat) beware of hidden gratuities off the ship, both places we aye at had $10 under signs for lunch but charged $18 in gratuities on our bill ( this was in Cabo right the tenders).

 

[F&A]

At LAX about to head home. Did the signing magnet make it ok? I went to the room to put the luggage out and saw I was tagged and it. I signed it and it looked like i was last. Did it make it ok? Admittedly I was enjoying my last night.

Side note, did any one see the new captains select wines? A cool label with the wonder/magic on it. I brought back a bottle. The bartender said it was only 3 weeks old.

Frank

 

[familyfun5]

Sorry to highjack your thread. I would put it on the main forum but many people returning don't always go back to it for a while. Sooo, quick questions if anyone has the energy to respond after a great week on the ship. We leave Fri for the Feb 6th sailing so I am at your mercy.

What time to get to port and when is a good time to schedule a pick up to head to the airport? The times appear much different than FL.

What were the port times for Cabo, I was told 10:30-7:30 and 7:15-1:30 but the web site has it different.

Are the excursions for the first Cabo day the same as the second? (they will not let anyone book for the first Cabo day prior the sailing as of right now anyway).

Thank you for the excursion reviews I am still trying to decide. Many are patiently waiting for your reviews. Hope you had a magical time.

 

[Mindyjoy]

Can't wait to read all about the cruise, I'm so excited for our April cruise!!!!

 

[mellyp]

I love Toys story the show and Dreams an Enchanted classic. I love pirate party too...

 

[RVD90277]

Wow, great cruise as usual! I'll probably write up a TR later. Got home and took a long nap...

The Cabo times are correct...the second day in Cabo was like 7:30-1:30 or something like that.

Aw...miss the ship already.

 

[lmhall2000]

Wow, great cruise as usual! I'll probably write up a TR later. Got home and took a long nap...

The Cabo times are correct...the second day in Cabo was like 7:30-1:30 or something like that.

Aw...miss the ship already.

All the Feb/Mar cruisers are anxiously awaiting your report!!! Some questions seeking answers!

1. How was disembarkation? What's the earliest you could leave the ship?
2. Did you notice tons more kids than usual? Were the clubs able to handle the kids without too much crowding? We're going on a big spring break week, just curious.
3. How was Pirate's night?
4. How was the weather and the ocean at Cabo? We're scheduled for kayaking but if the surf is rough it might be too challenging...I'm sure it changes week to week!
5. Any upgrade at port info?

Thanks!!
Tara

 

[SueTGGR]

Just stopping to say HI and give you a mini trip report. I have all the Navigators but I will have to play with scanning tomorrow. I have a new printer and haven't used it for scanning. I am hoping it is an easy process. Some of the others may beat me to it.
It was fun. I don't think I really felt crowded at all. The Oceaneers Lab and the Edge (the 2 my son used) were fine. When they had cool stuff scheduled in the Lab it seemed a little chaotic but I didn't hear any complaints. From him or the others at our table.
The new itinerary: I was not too pleased. We had major plans (horseback riding with Randi) in Mazatlan. Luckily they did not take a deposit but I felt so bad for Randi & Mazatlan Frank and all the business they missed out on. I am hoping Disney will reconsider if the atmosphere changes and they feel safer to use it as a port. As far as Cabo, I felt cheated with our time there. We went twice and the first day we just went on shore as soon as we could and wandered over to Cabo Wabo. They have amazing food there, by the way! Upstairs is a quieter more family environment. Downstairs had a live band playing out side and music in the stage area. Very lively and staff was friendly. But that was about all the time we felt we had. We wanted to go over to the beach and lounge but didn't want to risk getting there and having to turn back. We did not schedule a port adventure but we did for the 2nd time there.
The 2nd day in Cabo we had there we did the Whale Watch. It didn't meet until 9:45 and had we asked, we would have gone ashore early (I think they started tendering after 7am or so). It turned out the company picked us up right off the boat but then they took us into port and we switched ships. It took a long time to switch everything around from DCL to on ship then off and on to another. The Whale Watching itself was great. I got a few shots of tails and bumps in the water. I will load pictures later. I even got some shots of a dolphin that waited until we started back to port to show up. I had talked to others that did the whale watch the 1st time in Cabo and were happy as well with their trip out. I did notice that a family had hired one of the water taxis to take them out and were all around our boat most of the time. So if anyone is brave and wants to go in one of the smaller water taxi's ask them. My main complaint is that we left early both stops in Cabo with no real explanation as to why from any of the crew. Including Christian our cruise director. There must be some agreement with the port to be out at a certain time or something they aren't admitting to. It just seemed like we missed out on a lot they way they did it.
PV was good and we had a little more time in that port. We did the Paradise Beach Adventure. It was fine. My son spend 1/2 his time in the pool going down one or the other water slide (both the same just 2 slides to choose at the top) and the other 1/2 boogie boarding in the ocean. The ocean was fine. I thought it was a little cool but I could have gone in if I had to. I was content lounging on the beach. But we took a couple of sand chairs closer to the waters edge. The waves gave my son plenty of opportunities to ride more than a few and the water is fairly shallow. He could go pretty far out and still stand. I did not detect a undertow. Not many went into the water and most stayed by the pool. The lunch was OK and included in the price. All you can eat but service was a little scarce. Hopefully once they get used to DCL descending on their property they will be more prepared. Everything was included as far as drinks everything except the ice cream, they said. Honestly we didn't drink much. A couple of lemonades was about it. People selling stuff was limited and not any of them harassing us at all. They had at the boogie board place where you could rent jet skiis or para-sailing. There were guys just down the beach trying to get rentals as well. We didn't do either but I remember the para-sailing was 2 different prices depending on how far up in the air you wanted to go and that was through the resort. We could have gone off on our own after we got back but I was a little uncomfortable as I didn't want to go across the street to the WalMart or explore the shopping center. I know a few who did and it was ok. Not anything spectacular.
As far as the cruise, those of you who are sooner for your cruise, expect new crew members. I guess the crew members were given a choice to stay on the Wonder or go to the Dream. I felt as though there were a lot of new people working on the Wonder. Our server and assistant server were VERY new. I told our server on our first night that I did not like cheese and am a bit picky when it comes to my food. He kept bring me my food with cheese on it or not the way I requested it (sauce on it instead of on the side). I know he was great for a few of our table mates but I felt as though a few more weeks or months and he will be great.
I think that puts it in a nut shell. Ask away & if someone doesn't beat me to it I will attempt tomorrow afternoon to scan the Navigators. And I will post my pictures ASAP, too.
Later!
PS It was great to meet everyone. I felt a little cheated that we didn't really get a chance with the change in our itinerary to gather again after our initial meet up on board. I did see a few of you but it always seemed as if we were all headed in opposite directions. My son didn't even get to harass Denver!
Sue

 

[Lizzy'sMom]

Hey just wanted to pop on and tell ya we got home safe and sound - woohoo!

Thanks to EVERYONE who did the FE stuff - it was so much fun! the prizes were so fabulous! I had so much fun making new friends, and Lizzy enjoyed playing with your kids in the clubs!

Now back to real life and the drama of a Monday.. ya hoo.. NOT! hahaha


Hope you all get home safe and have a happy back to "normal" week!

Andrea in Vegas...who needs to plan another cruise!!!!

 

[SueTGGR]

All the Feb/Mar cruisers are anxiously awaiting your report!!! Some questions seeking answers!

1. How was disembarkation? What's the earliest you could leave the ship?

I was pleased with the way it went. We were told that we were scheduled for breakfast @ 8:30. They give you tags for your luggage the night before and that is the way you disembark. We were Donald and waited for them to call that group. I know that if you want to carry your own luggage off the ship you could have gotten off at 7:30? I think? We had a nice breakfast, said goodbye to our table mates and headed out in time for them to start our Donald group off the ship. the way we knew was we saw a line and then checked in Studio Sea and Donald was on the screen with the others that had already been given permission to debark. Then we walked out and over to customs (after all the ID checking and that) and a porter approached us (a guy in a orange vest with a cart) and asked if we wanted help with our luggage. He followed us to the "Donald" section to help load up luggage. He stayed right with us and wouldn't let my husband lift any of it at all. I have to say one of our pieces was in the next section over but it wasn't crazy with people. It was pretty easy, if you ask me. then he walked with us so we could talk to our final Customs person. We answered his questions and he took our form and our porter took us to the curb as we had our car parked across the way in the lot. It was a little more crazy out on the curb but no more than your typical airport type situation. I think we were at the curb around 11?

2. Did you notice tons more kids than usual? Were the clubs able to handle the kids without too much crowding? We're going on a big spring break week, just curious.

You can read my mini report but I think it depends on the age group. And Spring Break will be a little more crowded as some people won't take their kids out during the school year.

3. How was Pirate's night?

It was great. I have done one other cruise with DCL and we ended up not getting up to the deck as DH was not feeling too well that night. We went up right after the party started on deck and found a great place to watch. They had 2 stations where the characters would take turns dancing with the audience. lots of energy with both characters and crew. Even Christian got up there and was busting a few moves! I have a feeling he got to where he is by going through the ranks with DCL. The fireworks were right above the deck and they were amazing!!!!!

4. How was the weather and the ocean at Cabo? We're scheduled for kayaking but if the surf is rough it might be too challenging...I'm sure it changes week to week!

I have to say that Cabo is quite busy. Lots of smaller boats zipping around. If you want to get to the arch, the water was rough and all the boats wanting to get their groups in there for their picture time. I didn't talk to anyone who had kayaked but maybe someone will answer better.

5. Any upgrade at port info?

Maybe Karen will help you with that as she is the only one I know that changed at check in.

 

[ludari]

Home after a magical 9 days on the Wonder. I've met some great people and made some good contacts. Unfortunately I missed the first day meet. I did book my next cruise while on board for the Disney Fantasy's Inaugural Cruise in March 2012.

 

[Kailua's Belle]

Welcome back! Thanks for taking the time to post your mini trip report! Looking forward to pictures and Navigators!!!

 

[lmhall2000]

Maybe Karen will help you with that as she is the only one I know that changed at check in.

Thanks sooo much!!! Sounds like you had a great time! One more question..how were the waves in the Pacific?? We've only sailed in the Med and it was very calm, just wondering if you ever had bad nights where you really feel the ship moving/rocking..

Thanks!!
Tara

 

[ludari]

Thanks sooo much!!! Sounds like you had a great time! One more question..how were the waves in the Pacific?? We've only sailed in the Med and it was very calm, just wondering if you ever had bad nights where you really feel the ship moving/rocking..

Thanks!!
Tara

It was pretty smooth sailing with very mild swells. I did not hear of anyone complaining of being seasick.

 

[F&A]

All the Feb/Mar cruisers are anxiously awaiting your report!!! Some questions seeking answers!

1. How was disembarkation? What's the earliest you could leave the ship?

It looked like around 0730 they let people off. Not as organized and as quick as Port Canaveral but painless.

2. Did you notice tons more kids than usual? Were the clubs able to handle the kids without too much crowding? We're going on a big spring break week, just curious.

More kids than the 7 day Easter carribean cruise we took same time last year.

The kayaking adventure sucked. Just take a water taxi to see the arc.
Sorry I could nt offer better news

 

[SueTGGR]

Thanks sooo much!!! Sounds like you had a great time! One more question..how were the waves in the Pacific?? We've only sailed in the Med and it was very calm, just wondering if you ever had bad nights where you really feel the ship moving/rocking..

Thanks!!
Tara

Every time I watched the ship report, it was 2-4 ft swells except I think the last night was 4-8, I think. There were very few days where I felt the ship moving much. DH was sick a bit on the Eastern Caribbean but this time he took a 12 hr Bonine in the AM and PM to be safe. I think about 1/2 way through he stopped taking it and was fine. I am still feeling like I am at Sea as I sit here, though.

 

[Disneyfamily80]

Every time I watched the ship report, it was 2-4 ft swells except I think the last night was 4-8, I think. There were very few days where I felt the ship moving much. DH was sick a bit on the Eastern Caribbean but this time he took a 12 hr Bonine in the AM and PM to be safe. I think about 1/2 way through he stopped taking it and was fine. I am still feeling like I am at Sea as I sit here, though.

I agree, I still feel as if I'm on the ship, I've cruised twice with Disney for their 4 day Bahamas cruise, this trip got me sea sick a few times specially on the last day, then again I've never been on a 7 day cruise, but the waters did feel rougher for me, I don't get sea sick often but I regretted not taking pills.

We decorated our entire door and loved getting the compliments, we had a white board in the center of our door surrounded by magnets with daily questions ( developed by my 6 year old i.e. Who's your favorite princess? Whays your favorite Disney movie?) it was fun having cruisers write their daily answers on the board, they looked forward to the daily question just as much as
my daughter looked forward in reading
them. . FE's were awesome! Once again thanks to all who participated, I encourage those with children to join the FE, my children lived it, even my tween.