Disney Wonder Jan 23, 2011

[ludari]

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 should have mentioned that I spend a lot of time on small dive boats so I'm used to heavier swells. I do wish I was still feeling the effects of being at sea because I sleep like a baby with rocking/rolling.

 

[LuvIt]

Thanks for the comment about considering taking water taxi to see the arches vs. kayak or other excursion.

Is it easy to get a water taxi? Do you have any idea what a typical ride would cost? I'm guessing their are many locals with their own boats offering to take people over...do the boats look safe? For a family of only 3 would one boat be best or would you suggest partnering with another small family?

 

[jkrislc]

Thanks for the comment about considering taking water taxi to see the arches vs. kayak or other excursion.

Is it easy to get a water taxi? Do you have any idea what a typical ride would cost? I'm guessing their are many locals with their own boats offering to take people over...do the boats look safe? For a family of only 3 would one boat be best or would you suggest partnering with another small family?

You can get 5 feet from the dock without someone offering the services of a water taxi. Expect to pay $10 per adult for the 35-45 minute tour and you should be able to negotiate that the kids go free if they don't offer. Personally, I would also ensure that they have life vests onboard and would encourage wearing one on the trip.

Kris

 

[ymchavez]

HEY GUYS!!! I just wanted to thank everyone on the boards who made our first cruise ever an unforgettable experience. We loved having dinner with you guys every night and hooking up for shows and other things. You guys ALL ROCKED!!! And all the FE gifts were awesome. It was definitely fun receiving and giving FE gifts, but it was also exhausting, so I don't know if we'll be doing that again.

@Liz: It was awesome meeting you and your family. Friend me on Facebook! www.facebook.com/yanira.chavez. We're officially DVC members, so if you guys are thinking of signing up, let us know.

I won't be able to do a trip summary or upload the Navigators because I have so much homework to do, so hopefully someone else will do it. Thanks again for helping us have such an amazing time. We will definitely be cruising again soon.

See you on the boards!

 

[so_oregon]

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.

On Sunday, when we left, the port opened later -- like, they wouldn't even let you in the door until 10 a.m. and there was a line. Windows to check in did not open until nearly 11 as there was a computer problem. When we left on Sunday, we got off boat at 9ish, that was purple minnie tags and #4 of the tags to be called. Didn't get through customs on a timely basis as my son was pulled out of line to be individually questioned by customs and that held up our party for 10-15 minutes (he says they were Auburn fans and he was wearing U of O sweatshirt). I know that I was outside sitting by embarkation door at 10:10 and watching folks walk in with no line downstairs.

It isn't Port Canaveral, for sure.

 

[so_oregon]

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

Three Caballeros lithograph (about 11 x 13 size)

 

[ryanmcin]

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?

1. I'm not entirely sure what time it started since we had the late dining rotation, but it seemed like it started around 7:30.
2. We don't have any kids so I can't comment on the crowding at the clubs, but i did not hear anyone complaining. The level of children on the ship seemed the same as our previous DCL cruise.
3. Just like it was before, there were no changes for the west coast sailings.
4. The weather was nice (high 70s I think). The surf in Cabo seemed reasonable, I wouldn't describe it as heavy.
5. There were some upgrades available, but there weren't very many and they weren't heavily discounted.

 

[ryanmcin]

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..

We've were on the Wonder in the Bahamas 2 years ago and the waters were much calmer there.

I grew up spending a lot of time on a variety of small, medium and large sail boats so I am used to rough waters and it has never bothered me. I was fine on the Wonder, my wife took dramamine a few times but she was fine. The ship was rocking a lot, considerably more than I remember in the Bahamas. I think the speed (quite a few days were spent under near full power) made matters worse.

 

[RVD90277]

I walked out of the ship at 8:30am. I believe the first group started leaving at around 8:10 or so.

I had the early seating so our breakfast was at 7:15am in Animators Palate. After breakfast, we said good bye to our server and went to the Promenade Lounge to wait. The first group was called. We hung out for about another 20 minutes and then got our stuff and started to walk out.

I know that it was around 8:30 because there was a really long line of the late seating people going into Triton for breakfast. We passed all of them and left the ship. There was a little delay getting out (maybe crowd control) but once they opened the exits again, we were out in a few minutes. The lines for immigration (passports) wasn't too long (about 3 people waiting in front of us when we got there) so it only took about 10 minutes. We got our bags 10 minutes later and at 9am I was standing out on the curb.

The passport control officers were pretty strict. Usually they're pretty nonchalant. My son and I are US citizens. My wife is a green card holder. The officer asked her what she does for a living. He then asked her if she was at the same job now as when she got her green card. She had to them explain that she got her green card 10 years ago via her father when he was alive since she was his dependent, etc...sort of a needlessly long story but it wasn't a quick 5 second glance and stamp on the customs form as usual.

RVD.

 

[Cindy Girl]

Does anyone have a picture of the Don Williams litho that was given onboard. I just love his work!

Thanks,

cg

 

[mafpi]

Did anyone do the Pirate excursion in Puerto Vallarta. Just wondering if it is worth it.

 

[charlenek421]

Did anyone do the Pirate excursion in Puerto Vallarta. Just wondering if it is worth it.

On the cruise we just took we did the pirate boat excursion and loved it! I wasn't sure exactly what to expect but even better than I had imagined. You get off the ship early and head straight to the pirate boat. A bunch of the pirates greet you and you are assigned a personal pirate. They are great! They don't leave you unattended all day, constantly checking on you, bringing you drinks or whatever you need. And the drinks are all included at no extra charge. We had breakfast first, then back upstairs for the pirate show as we sailed to the beach location. The views are gorgeous! Even if you aren't into the show, which is tons of fun and funny too, you can enjoy the beautiful views from the boat. The beach was fun. The kids loved digging for treasure. It was relaxing there and they even had a mini bar set up with drinks and juice for the kids. On the way back they had a second show, interactive game with people on board, lots of fun. For us it was great because it was the same day as the Disney pirate party. Our son loved his pirate outfit and glad he could enjoy a day of it! The price seems high but for what's included, more than worth it for us!

I wanted to say thank you to all of you here that participated in the FE and for all of our wonderful gifts! This was our first Disney cruise and it was so much fun getting all the goodies and delivering ours too. That is one big ship! You guys are so creative and we will treasure our awesome souvenirs! I wish we could have met everyone on day 1 but my 3 year old had other plans that day. He's never slept better, and we haven't either! Enjoyed it so much, thanks again!

 

[charlenek421]

Three Caballeros lithograph (about 11 x 13 size)

I'm so glad we were able to find you after your room changed. We were the ones that had dinner with your sons new friend. It took me a little bit to put it all together. I had gone to your room to deliver and didn't see a FE. The Jessica told me you had moved. We had heard so much about alex from Oregon and it made me think of your screen name. Funny coincidence! And thank you so much for our gifts, we really enjoyed!

 

[Scooby3x1y]

I know this is random.

Who was it that I was talking to about the drama on the cruise graphic thread?

The conversation happened in Diversions.



Thanks!

 

[Darrcie]

We did the on board check in for our 3:20 flight to Seattle, so we could leave the ship whenever we were ready.

All went smoothly except MIL's suitcase did not end up with us in Seattle. Worked with Alaska Airlines to no avail. A few days later emailed DCL (at an address given to us by our travel agent) and disney employee called immediately the next morning. Apparently her bag didn't make it off the ship at disembarkation, but did make it off before sailing to Mexico again. Note to everyone: Have an email or phone number in your suitcase somewhere (I always do) . . . she did not and since they only had her name and address they held the luggage until the heard from her. Disney did UPS it to her immediately.

We had a great time! I've discovered, though, as I am aging my mortion sickness is getting much worse. The patch plus the occasional dramamine worked on the ship, but I should have left it on!! I was feeling awful for about 4 or 5 days after the trip and still could feel affects a week later. Yikes.

 

[mafpi]

Hi everybody. Still trying to figure out how to make this the greatest vacation ever. What can you tell me about pin trading, pillow cases, other things to have signed or any other things like theese I can plan out. Thanks for your input.

 

[mafpi]

On the cruise we just took we did the pirate boat excursion and loved it! I wasn't sure exactly what to expect but even better than I had imagined. You get off the ship early and head straight to the pirate boat. A bunch of the pirates greet you and you are assigned a personal pirate. They are great! They don't leave you unattended all day, constantly checking on you, bringing you drinks or whatever you need. And the drinks are all included at no extra charge. We had breakfast first, then back upstairs for the pirate show as we sailed to the beach location. The views are gorgeous! Even if you aren't into the show, which is tons of fun and funny too, you can enjoy the beautiful views from the boat. The beach was fun. The kids loved digging for treasure. It was relaxing there and they even had a mini bar set up with drinks and juice for the kids. On the way back they had a second show, interactive game with people on board, lots of fun. For us it was great because it was the same day as the Disney pirate party. Our son loved his pirate outfit and glad he could enjoy a day of it! The price seems high but for what's included, more than worth it for us!

I wanted to say thank you to all of you here that participated in the FE and for all of our wonderful gifts! This was our first Disney cruise and it was so much fun getting all the goodies and delivering ours too. That is one big ship! You guys are so creative and we will treasure our awesome souvenirs! I wish we could have met everyone on day 1 but my 3 year old had other plans that day. He's never slept better, and we haven't either! Enjoyed it so much, thanks again!

Thanks so much. We are five so wondering if it was worth the price. very helpful info

 

[airtime247]

Hi everybody. Still trying to figure out how to make this the greatest vacation ever. What can you tell me about pin trading, pillow cases, other things to have signed or any other things like theese I can plan out. Thanks for your input.

Hi, I can hopefully help out with these two questions. Our tablemates from this thread did some pillow cases and told us about it. You just give your pillow case to Guest Services the first day along with the Sharpie you want them to use. I've read you won't get the pen back but I don't know if this is true. You have to be sure to specify who you want to have sign it. If you just say, "All of them" you may only get a handful. Be sure to tell them if you want the Fab Five (although I hear they call them something different on the ship), the Princesses, etc. I believe it gets delivered back to your stateroom on the last night but be sure to ask if no one here with more information chimes in.

I did a lot of pin trading on the ship and learned a lot about it. First, you won't see CMs out as much with lanyards. Some of the most common places are in front of the restaurants and buffet. They are the people handing out antibacterial wipes as you enter. They usually wore them as well as the CMs who work in the two gift shops. They are a lot more common in Mickey's Mates but Treasure Ketch had them too. They didn't seem to wear them in the shops much if it was busy but they had them behind the counter and you could ask if they had one. They would go back and get it for you. I didn't bug them if it was busy in there but I would ask around if it was slow.

In Mickey's Mates they also have a pin book behind the counter. You can just ask to see it. They say you are allowed two trades per page which is nice but they weren't as strict about trading rules on the ship as they are in the parks. Most CMs didn't care what you wanted to do. Take four from one page and none from the next. They didn't care. They usually just left me with the binder and told me to help myself and leave them my trades in return and they would put them away. The contents of the binder changed a lot in the first four days but then slowed down by the end. I could check every day if you can, at least at the start of the cruise.

Another good place is at Guest Services. They wore them too as long as it wasn't busy. I walked up a few times and the CM went in back and grabbed 7-8 lanyards full of pins and laid them on the counter and let me look through them.

They brought the pin cart out to the lobby atrium a few times but there wasn't much to purchase that caught my eye. The exception was the last night when they finally got in the port-specific pins. They had the Three Caballeros split up on the three Mexico ports (Donald was Mazatlan so I had to buy it anyway) and Mickey was the Port of Los Angeles. The same night was the Officer Trading Night where maybe eight officers came into the lobby wearing lanyards and were mobbed by pin traders. This was my first experience doing anything like it and it was very chaotic but fun. The neat part is after you make your way down the line of officers, you can start over again and there is a good chance the lanyards would be entirely different by then. I kept going around at least five times and left with a lot of pins.

Another group to check with is the DVC kiosk on Deck 4 outside of Studio Sea. There were about 3-4 CMs who rotated in and out and they all had different lanyards. We ended up adding on 100 DVC points on the cruise so be careful when going by there!

I hope this helps!

-steve

 

[seemefli]

Wow! I just want to say a big thank you for all the amazing FE gifts! We really feel blown away by the fun/unique things that everyone brought. I can see we'll have to step it up a notch next time!!! The kids had just as much fun checking their own FE as they did delivering gifts to the staterooms! I'm so glad we participated!

 

[seemefli]

Hi everybody. Still trying to figure out how to make this the greatest vacation ever. What can you tell me about pin trading, pillow cases, other things to have signed or any other things like theese I can plan out. Thanks for your input.

We did the pillow case and they have a little sheet they check off for info like how many markers we had in the bag and what characters we wanted. Be very specific if you want a certain character. The cast memeber asked what characters we wanted and I said all of them, meaning ALL of them (princesses, jack sparrow and ANY character on the ship) and what he checked off was All Star Cast which I didn't know any different and it only got us Mickey, Minnie, Chip'n Dale, Pluto, Goofy, Donald and Daisy. We did get all our markers back but I have heard of people not getting them back. I did label our markers with our stateroom # on them so maybe that helped?? Also, I was at guest services 2 days before the end of our cruise and I thought I would ask to see if the pillowcase was ready and it was, so I picked it up then.

Hope that helps!