Disney Wonder September 4

[missnancy1955]

We finally tried the Disney Cruise Line and loved it. Since we don't have any kids we weren't sure if it would be right for us. The night clubs were great. We really enjoyed the dueling pianos and the disco 70s night, lots of fun. Never got a chance to see the Cadillac Lounge as we were too busy but looked nice and relaxing. Just what we wanted. It was a total washout at Castaway Cay due to "Henri" squall line. Felt bad for people wanting to swim in the ocean. Since we live in Florida - we are able to go to the beach anytime. We did manage to walk off the ship and explore part of the island - looked beautiful. Then a torrential downpour that did not let up until we left port - naturally. Would like to hear from others out there who were on this cruise. We had some strong currents the first night out - but that was "Fabian" we were told. But it did not last long. Our sea legs held up well as we've been on other cruises and the stabilizers did a great job. We were way at the bow of the ship - outside stateroom Deck 7 and loved it. Nice and quiet back there. We loved the separate pool area for adults. This made for the entire cruise - so relaxing. Only one bad comment - would like to see just a bit more activities for the adults during the daytime - maybe trivia (not just Disney) and some other games. My husband loved the chipping contest held in the atrium lobby and wish they had a putting contest as well. Maybe "hoop" contest on the court? Just a bit more during the daytime would be good. Otherwise fantastic. Any idea on when the cruise line will publish a cookbook like they have been doing in the parks for years? I have the cookbooks and use them a lot. I'm craving the creme brulee I got for dessert one night. Also a couple of salads on the welcome aboard buffet in Parrot Cay I'd love to prepare. We thought Parrot Cay the best restaurant and atmosphere by far, but also enjoyed a formal breakfast at Triton's one morning. Never took dinner at Animator's Palate - just weren't hungry that night. Opted for a burger instead. We are planning on going again in probably January. Hopefully Florida resident rate in effect also - could not beat the rate and upgrade we got. We never had to ask one question from the time we drove into the Port until leaving the ship - which was a breeze by the way. We were home in Sarasota around 11am! Great getaway for a long weekend and looking forward to another.

 

[ThreeCircles]

Hello Missnancy!

Glad to see that you had a WONDERful experience on your first cruise with Disney! Travis and I are also a "childless" couple and took our first Disney cruise on the Magic in 2000. That was before she started doing the 7-night sailing. You'll definitely have to give a 7 night Eastern or Western a thought. They are SO relaxing with those extra days at sea.

BTW, we're in Clearwater, just north of you guys. We also are counting on some good Florida rates for next year!

Jason

 

[missnancy1955]

Hi Guys,
When did you go on the Wonder? Sounds like you did the Magic also? Did you do eastern or western Caribbean? We've been on cruises before - different lines. Found Disney had something for everyone - we were quite surprised. What cabin did you have on the Wonder? We booked the cheapest category cabin and when I checked my reservation on line, we were upgraded to a deluxe outside. I've been told this is the way to go. So the price was right.
I already called the cruise line and was told that Florida rates will probably be in effect for January and to call around mid October unless I see an ad in the newspaper first. I think January would be nice - less crowded and definitely cooler weather. My husband would like to play a round of golf. I've been told they will drop the Freeport itinerary the first of the year on the four night. I wish they would drop Nassau and add Key West as we've never been there. Nassau was worse than ever. We got off the ship for one hour and got right back - much more relaxing on board. Are you booked on another cruise?

 

[ThreeCircles]

We've actually never been on the Wonder before. Our very first cruise was on the Magic in May of 2000. At that time both the Magic and the Wonder were doing the 3 and 4 day cruises just to the Bahamas. Since that time we've done two Western cruises on the Magic and one Eastern. All have been fantastic!

As of right now we have a seven-day Eastern booked for next September 4th. This one goes to San Juan and St. Thomas along with Castaway Cay. Hopefully we'll do another Eastern in May and then a Western either right before our Sep. 4th or right after. We've wanted to do back-to-backs for some time and, with the Florida Resident rates, should get the chance this year! We were also thinking of a Wonder cruise sometime in January just so we can say that we've been on both of the DCL ships.

On our first Magic cruise we had the same feeling about Nassau. I think we walked around for an hour before we decided that we wanted to be back on the ship.

 

[wdw1972]

I was on this cruise too, with a girlfriend who'd never cruised before. We managed to spend about an hour on the beach at Castaway Cay before the clouds rolled in and then the rain started.

I didn't notice any movement or rocking - we were forward also, deck 5, #5024. Since this cruise only has 2 full days and both are spent in port all day, there are never many activities. Disney added some at the last minute when Castaway Cay was rained out, but we didn't do any of them.

Our highlight was Palo for dinner - so much nicer than the regular dining rooms. We chose to skip Triton's, as that's my least favorite menu right now. We did see Disney Dreams & the new Golden Mickey - enjoyed them both. Didn't mind missing Hercules - 3 shows were more than either of us wanted to sit through.

Overall it was a great weekend - not much of a cruise since it's so short, but very enjoyable as a quick getaway at the end of a wdw trip. Next time I'm back to the 7-day cruise, leaving 11/8/03.

 

[JanDave]

Hi: My husband and I (all our children are over 30) have cruised the Magic twice without kids or grandkids. We sailed the Wonder this past July with friends and their 6 year old daughter. We love DCL and plan to cruise again 9/18/04 when the Magic sails to Antigua and St. Thomas (we booked the cruise while we were on the Wonder). We cruised the Eastern before in 2001 and loved St. Thomas/St. John. CC is our favorite stop, as many would agree. I found more adult daytime activities were scheduled on the 7 day than on the 3/4 day cruises. All in all, we enjoy DCL and look forward to many more cruises. Jan