Dorky Disney Cruisers, 11/22-26/06,Anyone else with us???

[RRB]

Wow...I am just amazed at all the great discussion and info I am getting about my family's first Disney cruise. Yes, there is someone else ready to jump on the Thanksgiving cruise thread.

We have 10 of us going on the Thanksgiving Wonder. My wife and I have DS10, DS6, and DD2 (almost 3). My DMIL and DFIL will be going (and paying...which is nice). My DSIL, her husband, and DD2 are going as well.

I am the real Disney-a-holic in the family and planning the whole thing. I have probably booked and cancelled and booked again tons of spa treatments for the ladies, couples massages on Castaway Cay, Stingray adventures, Nassau glass bottom boat tours, and Palo dinners.

So I guess it is time to get the real dish from you guys.

1. Is the stingray dive worth it?
2. Should we get rooms to go to Atlantis at Nassau?
3. Will we feel bad going to Palo for dinner on Thanksgiving night (only time we could get reservations) without kids?
4. How early should we check in at Port Canaveral?

Those should get me started...but I know the onslaught of questions will continue.

Thanks in advance for any help...and I look forward to meeting all of you on the ship.

Josh - did you ever get answers to these questions? I was looking back in the thread and saw your post. Let me know if I can help with these.

Randy

 

[JoRy]

Josh - did you ever get answers to these questions? I was looking back in the thread and saw your post. Let me know if I can help with these.

Randy

Thanks, Randy.

I guess the only thing I am still not sure of is Nassau. I have heard from a lot of people to just get a day room in Nassau, but I am not sure if it is going to be worth it when we are there as I am sure it is going to be REALLY crowded at Atlantis. Also...all of the rooms are sold out, and I am not sure if we should risk going all the way over there and have them be sold out and then we cannot do anything. Can we pay to just get wrist bands, or do we have to have a room? And if the lines are really long at the waterpark part, is it worth it?

Not too sure what to do.

 

[RRB]

Thanks, Randy.

I guess the only thing I am still not sure of is Nassau. I have heard from a lot of people to just get a day room in Nassau, but I am not sure if it is going to be worth it when we are there as I am sure it is going to be REALLY crowded at Atlantis. Also...all of the rooms are sold out, and I am not sure if we should risk going all the way over there and have them be sold out and then we cannot do anything. Can we pay to just get wrist bands, or do we have to have a room? And if the lines are really long at the waterpark part, is it worth it?



Not too sure what to do.

Here's what I know - Atlantis is a great place to spend a day. There is alot to do with the unbelievable aquariums, beaches and "water park" rides (and also the casino for those interested in gambling). I don't know about a day room as I have never done that. The time I spent at Atlantis was not associated with a cruise. DCL offers 2 packages; one that gives you access to the aquarium and the beaches and one for the aquarium only. Neither package gives you access to the Pools and water rides. Personally, I wouldn't go just to do the aquarium. If the day room gives you access to everything, that would be the way to go. I don't think you can just get the wrist bands but you might want to call Atlantis directly at 888-528-7155. They might offer things that aren't on the DCL site.

 

[RRB]

Here's what I know - Atlantis is a great place to spend a day. There is alot to do with the unbelievable aquariums, beaches and "water park" rides (and also the casino for those interested in gambling). I don't know about a day room as I have never done that. The time I spent at Atlantis was not associated with a cruise. DCL offers 2 packages; one that gives you access to the aquarium and the beaches and one for the aquarium only. Neither package gives you access to the Pools and water rides. Personally, I wouldn't go just to do the aquarium. If the day room gives you access to everything, that would be the way to go. I don't think you can just get the wrist bands but you might want to call Atlantis directly at 888-528-7155. They might offer things that aren't on the DCL site.

Oh and by the way, if you like boats (more specifcally yachts), take a leisurely walk through the Atlantis Marina. It is a blast to look at what is there. As it will be a holliday week, you'll probably see some really nice boats. The adjacent Marina Village is a nice set of shops and restaurants visit also.

 

[yogibigdog]

I have been to the Atlantis 3 times. Once for vacation and twice we got rooms for the day at the Comfort Suites next door who has an agreement with the Atlantis to use the pools, slides and to see "The Dig" which is their aquarium. During Thanksgiving the Atlantis will be packed. As much as I enjoy going over there I don’t think we will be going this trip. Once when we where there in April the line for the slides were so long that we couldn’t get near them. We couldn’t even find a chair to sit in. Since the resort will be a full capacity because of Thanksgiving even if they had a day room I don’t think it would be worth it. The Dig is expensive if you do it on your own. I think it is like $25.00 per Adult which I don’t feel it is worth. We usually walk through the whole thing in about 30 minutes.
You could take a taxi about $4.00 person each way over there if you want to check out the resort. You will not be able to walk out by the pools or waterslides without a wristband. Plus the resort is also under construction. The food is also expensive so eat onboard before you go. We are either go to stay onboard or do the Dolphin encounter

 

[RRB]

I have to agree with Yogi - the pools and beaches are crowded without it being a holliday weekend. But, if you've never seen Atlantis before, you should go, just to walk around and see it, the marina, the casino, etc.

31 dorky days to go !!!!!

 

[BML Mickey]

As the board goes quite(r) I Wonder...what to talk about now?

the shirts are done, the rooms are set, the meet is ready (I think) where again? Meals are ready and now we sit silkent for 31 days?

that is sad...

 

[RRB]

As the board goes quite(r) I Wonder...what to talk about now?

the shirts are done, the rooms are set, the meet is ready (I think) where again? Meals are ready and now we sit silkent for 31 days?

that is sad...

Hi Brandon - I don't think we finalized the location of our get together. The time is right before the sail away party, right? Somewhere up on deck would be fine with me as we'll all be there anyway. What do you think?

Also, I think Josh is doing a mock up for the shirts to determine final design and background shirt color. Maybe it's something he can post or email. did you send him the size and shipping info yet (PM)?

Aren't you guys taking off in about 3 weeks for the wedding? You must be triple excited.

I'm hoping our threadlings are just busy this weekend and will get back to posting soon. I've been reading a couple of the Trip Reports that have just been written about the Wonder after the drydock. They're preety funny.

Randy

 

[BML Mickey]

Hi Brandon - I don't think we finalized the location of our get together. The time is right before the sail away party, right? Somewhere up on deck would be fine with me as we'll all be there anyway. What do you think?

Also, I think Josh is doing a mock up for the shirts to determine final design and background shirt color. Maybe it's something he can post or email. did you send him the size and shipping info yet (PM)?

Aren't you guys taking off in about 3 weeks for the wedding? You must be triple excited.

I'm hoping our threadlings are just busy this weekend and will get back to posting soon. I've been reading a couple of the Trip Reports that have just been written about the Wonder after the drydock. They're preety funny.

Randy

I guess that makes sense, if we are all wearing our shirts then it won't be a problem to find eachother.

I would like to see the mock up from Josh.

We take off on the 15th of November! its like 22 days away! I CAN"T WAIT!!!!!

Question: Does anyone have there cruise package from Disney yet?

 

[RRB]

Question: Does anyone have there cruise package from Disney yet?

I don't

 

[ivanova]

Hiddy ho!!

We booked late (paid in full 76 days out) ... so we're a bit behind the times. It will be myself, DH and DD (16 years old). Currently we have a GTY category 9 room (crossing out fingers for deck 2) and second dining.

We lucked out and got Palo ressies for dinner (Wed 11/22) and brunch (Sat 11/25).

 

[RRB]

Hiddy ho!!

We booked late (paid in full 76 days out) ... so we're a bit behind the times. It will be myself, DH and DD (16 years old). Currently we have a GTY category 9 room (crossing out fingers for deck 2) and second dining.

We lucked out and got Palo ressies for dinner (Wed 11/22) and brunch (Sat 11/25).

Hello Ivanova and welcome to the Dorky Disney Cruisers!!!! I have seen some of your posts on other threads. Our group is a combination of DCL veterans and first time cruisers. My group also has the second dinning rotation and brunch on Saturday.

Did I notice that you are a pin collector?

Randy

 

[JoRy]

Hiddy ho!!

We booked late (paid in full 76 days out) ... so we're a bit behind the times. It will be myself, DH and DD (16 years old). Currently we have a GTY category 9 room (crossing out fingers for deck 2) and second dining.

We lucked out and got Palo ressies for dinner (Wed 11/22) and brunch (Sat 11/25).

Wow...another person from Middle Tennessee on the cruise!!
Where are you from? I am in Nashville.

Anyway..welcome to the thread and let us know if you want to be in on the shirts.

 

[JoRy]

I have to agree with Yogi - the pools and beaches are crowded without it being a holliday weekend. But, if you've never seen Atlantis before, you should go, just to walk around and see it, the marina, the casino, etc.

31 dorky days to go !!!!!

See, that is my problem. Being the one in charge of planning the trip, I am concerned about my group having the best possible time and I do not want them upset about the crownds or spending too much and not getting the bang for their buck. I know there are really not any other excursions I would want to do...especially since the dolphin one is booked!!! If it were not a holiday time, I would definitely do Atlantis, but being Thanksgiving...I just cannot decide.

I guess I will put it in fates hands. We will take a cab over and then if we get there and it is really crowded we can just walk around a little bit and then head back to the boat. I assume the kids clubs are still happening on the boat when we are in the ports?

 

[JoRy]

I guess that makes sense, if we are all wearing our shirts then it won't be a problem to find eachother.

I would like to see the mock up from Josh.

We take off on the 15th of November! its like 22 days away! I CAN"T WAIT!!!!!

Question: Does anyone have there cruise package from Disney yet?

No cruise package yet and no room number yet. Oh well.

I will try to get a mock-up of the shirt online, but if not, at least I will let you know the color. It should be good.

 

[JoRy]

As the board goes quite(r) I Wonder...what to talk about now?

the shirts are done, the rooms are set, the meet is ready (I think) where again? Meals are ready and now we sit silkent for 31 days?

that is sad...

OK...I have a couple of questions to get it going again.

1. What goodies or gifts have people had waiting in their rooms (or decorations)? And does it make the entrance to the cabin even more special?

2. What three things are you most excited to experience or do on the Wonder?

I guess my answer to number 2 would be (in no particular order)
Exploring the boat.
Experiencing the thrill of ordering as much and as many items at the restaurants.
The couples massage at Castaway Cay.

Those actually were tough to narrow down...and I may have to add some more.

 

[JoRy]

I finally got a room number.

8028. Is it a good one?

 

[RRB]

I finally got a room number.

8028. Is it a good one?

you are right next to the largest suite on the ship, The Walt Disney Suite. I don't think you can go wrong there!!!

Good get.

 

[RRB]

See, that is my problem. Being the one in charge of planning the trip, I am concerned about my group having the best possible time and I do not want them upset about the crownds or spending too much and not getting the bang for their buck. I know there are really not any other excursions I would want to do...especially since the dolphin one is booked!!! If it were not a holiday time, I would definitely do Atlantis, but being Thanksgiving...I just cannot decide.

I guess I will put it in fates hands. We will take a cab over and then if we get there and it is really crowded we can just walk around a little bit and then head back to the boat. I assume the kids clubs are still happening on the boat when we are in the ports?

I would call the resort so you know what is available before you get there, then take a cab (like you said) and check the place out. You might find that once you get there, everyone wants to go to the Dig. If any of the adults feels like a little casino action, they can do that too. It will be the only time on the cruise they can do that. There is a restaurant inside the main hall that you can view the aquarium as you eat. It's pricey but unique.

 

[JoRy]

you are right next to the largest suite on the ship, The Walt Disney Suite. I don't think you can go wrong there!!!

Good get.

Maybe some VIP will be there?

My inlaws have 8012 and 8002...fairly close, I guess.

Should be fun.