Feb 28, 2013 Dream...Anybody Else Going?

[LeslieG]

YEAH!!!!

I am so jealous!!


Kathy

I thought it was odd that I booked an 11C guarantee just about two weeks ago, and they assigned me my 11A stateroom later that evening. I thought I'd be waiting and waiting for a cabin assignment. I don't know if they delay sending out the docs until they assign a cabin or not.

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

I thought it was odd that I booked an 11C guarantee just about two weeks ago, and they assigned me my 11A stateroom later that evening. I thought I'd be waiting and waiting for a cabin assignment. I don't know if they delay sending out the docs until they assign a cabin or not.

It use to be your docs always had your room numbers, but our last cruise which was a GTY room we got our docs with no room number. We got our room assignment 14 days prior to our cruise.

I just check our on line reservartion every few days to see if its listed yet.
Sadly no number for us yet.

Kathy

 

[JSClemsonFan]

Good idea everyone on the master list being somewhere and a room change note under doors.

We got our cruise docs two days ago...sorry...should have posted that. It's so exciting and yet STILL so far away!! LOL!

 

[JSClemsonFan]

Here is our family blog about our 2011 cruise on the Dream if anyone wants to read it...

http://thesicilianfamily.blogspot.com/search?q=disney+cruise

 

[PlumDragon]

Got my cruise docs today.

I got mine today, too! It got me really excited ... still 6 weeks to go, though!

 

[PlumDragon]

Here is our family blog about our 2011 cruise on the Dream if anyone wants to read it...

http://thesicilianfamily.blogspot.com/search?q=disney+cruise

Thanks for posting this. Your family's so cute

 

[Jsk301]

OK Everyone brace yourselves, THE KING'S will be taking our 1st Disney cruise with ya'll!!!! It will be just my wonderful hubby and I. Our kids DD 21 and DS 19, so they can'lt be with us because of school......aaawwwwwww, YEAH RIGHT!!!

We DO want to participate in the FE program, I will find that link and follow it as well. We cant be more excited about our first Disney cruise, we are going to have a BLAST! Right?

If there are any other Disney cruisers out there that would like to give us some tips, PLEASE, by all means do!

See Ya Real Soon!
Regina & John King

 

[reagansmom]

OK Everyone brace yourselves, THE KING'S will be taking our 1st Disney cruise with ya'll!!!! It will be just my wonderful hubby and I. Our kids DD 21 and DS 19, so they can'lt be with us because of school......aaawwwwwww, YEAH RIGHT!!!

We DO want to participate in the FE program, I will find that link and follow it as well. We cant be more excited about our first Disney cruise, we are going to have a BLAST! Right?

If there are any other Disney cruisers out there that would like to give us some tips, PLEASE, by all means do!

See Ya Real Soon!
Regina & John King

Welcome aboard!! Ask away on questions. We've been on the Dream twice and the Fantasy once. We have some other "veteran" DCL cruisers on board, too.

 

[reagansmom]

Here is our family blog about our 2011 cruise on the Dream if anyone wants to read it...

http://thesicilianfamily.blogspot.com/search?q=disney+cruise

Great blog! Are you sailing concierge again?

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

OK Everyone brace yourselves, THE KING'S will be taking our 1st Disney cruise with ya'll!!!! It will be just my wonderful hubby and I. Our kids DD 21 and DS 19, so they can'lt be with us because of school......aaawwwwwww, YEAH RIGHT!!!

We DO want to participate in the FE program, I will find that link and follow it as well. We cant be more excited about our first Disney cruise, we are going to have a BLAST! Right?

If there are any other Disney cruisers out there that would like to give us some tips, PLEASE, by all means do!
Arrive at all shows 20 minutes early for good seats.




Welcome aboard!! Happy to have more folks coming along.


Heres a few tips.

First lay out all your clothes you plan ot take on your bed. Then put half of them back because you will never use them. Everyone over packs their first cruise.
Arrive at character meets at least 10 minutes early.
There are characters along the way to the beach on CC, it's OK to ride the tram for this, you wont miss them. The lines are short and move quickly so it is a great opportunity to see characters without lines. Check the Navigator for times and places.

Characters also appear at the gazebo near Cookies BBQ on the island during the day.

The adult only beach has it's own area for lunch they often have steaks or lobster there as a special treat for the grown ups. But Cookies BBQ by family beach has more variety of other foods.

Dont miss the good-bye late the last night in the atrium. ALL of the characters will line up on the stairs and will pose for photos for you. This farwell party is really nice and fun. Even adults need aphoto with characters!!
They photograpers helpers will take your photo with your camera if you ask.

Check for photos every day at shutters. Buy a package deal and save $$ if you don't buy enough photos for the package deal they will refund you the difference at the end of your cruise. If you buy a photo and then decide the next day you see one you want more, just bring back the one you bought and the receipt and tell them you want to exchange it and they will be happy to do this for you.

You can order warm chocolate chip cookies or Mickey ice cream bars from room service even though it is not on the menu. The warm cookies are available in the evenings only.

. Bring 2 white pillowcases or a matte style picture frame in a zip lock baggie with water proof markers and leave at guest services desk and ask for it to be autographed and it will be returned to you the last night all signed by the characters. I also add a card with my name and room number on it just in case their card gets lost. I like to use dark colored markers, the light colors don't show up as well. You must leave this the first day for them to have time to get it signed. Sometimes I put a couple treats in the baggie as a Thank you ot the characters signing it. Even Mickey likes goodies!!



Pop is free in all restaurants and at the drink station on deck 9. But if you order it from waiter or buy it at a lounge or bar you will be charged for it plus a gratuity.

Stop by the drink station and grab a drink to take with you to the shows or movies instead of buying a can of pop there. If you want a snack, stop and grab pizza or hot dogs or fruit or cookies on deck 11 to take it with you. Again save money over buying a bunch of snacks for the kids or adults.

At dinner kids can order from both the kid's or adult menus.

No need to book floats and bikes ahead of time for Castaway Cay. They have tons of them. Wait until you get there to make sure you're really going to need the floats or have time to ride the bikes before renting them. We always just walk up and do it at the beach.

If you want to do the banana boat ride or the ski-doo (eco tour) I would book them ahead of time. They do often have last minute openings so dont be afraid to ask when you arrive if you didn't book it and decided you'd like to do it.

If you rent bikes there are 2 nice trails just off the runway. The first one will have an observation tower. It has a great view of the island and ship. Bring your camera for this!! While up in the tower be sure and look around the base area of the tower. There are some whimsical things to see there too.

All the trails have ice cold water in big yellow barrels in wooden framed stands, so there's no need to carry your own unless you want to.

well thats a few tips. I'm sure I can come up with a few more before cruise time,

Kathy

 

[Jsk301]

My goodness, that's so much info, THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the time to send that to us!

We were out tonight checking out ideas for the FE. But since I'm not exactly how it works, I've not bought a thing yet since I don't know if its for boy, girl or adults. I've been doing some research, but it's some what overwhelming. But I have some time, I'll figure it out!!!!! I did order our FE, I just don't think i'll have time to do it myself! I'm AM already starting our pirate attire for the pirate party! It's so much fun acting like a kid when your an adult! I don't think anyone is an adult while in a Disney park or on a ship!!!!

Again, THANK YOU!!!!!
Regina

OK Everyone brace yourselves, THE KING'S will be taking our 1st Disney cruise with ya'll!!!! It will be just my wonderful hubby and I. Our kids DD 21 and DS 19, so they can'lt be with us because of school......aaawwwwwww, YEAH RIGHT!!!

We DO want to participate in the FE program, I will find that link and follow it as well. We cant be more excited about our first Disney cruise, we are going to have a BLAST! Right?

If there are any other Disney cruisers out there that would like to give us some tips, PLEASE, by all means do!
Arrive at all shows 20 minutes early for good seats.




Welcome aboard!! Happy to have more folks coming along.


Heres a few tips.

First lay out all your clothes you plan ot take on your bed. Then put half of them back because you will never use them. Everyone over packs their first cruise.
Arrive at character meets at least 10 minutes early.
There are characters along the way to the beach on CC, it's OK to ride the tram for this, you wont miss them. The lines are short and move quickly so it is a great opportunity to see characters without lines. Check the Navigator for times and places.

Characters also appear at the gazebo near Cookies BBQ on the island during the day.

The adult only beach has it's own area for lunch they often have steaks or lobster there as a special treat for the grown ups. But Cookies BBQ by family beach has more variety of other foods.

Dont miss the good-bye late the last night in the atrium. ALL of the characters will line up on the stairs and will pose for photos for you. This farwell party is really nice and fun. Even adults need aphoto with characters!!
They photograpers helpers will take your photo with your camera if you ask.

Check for photos every day at shutters. Buy a package deal and save $$ if you don't buy enough photos for the package deal they will refund you the difference at the end of your cruise. If you buy a photo and then decide the next day you see one you want more, just bring back the one you bought and the receipt and tell them you want to exchange it and they will be happy to do this for you.

You can order warm chocolate chip cookies or Mickey ice cream bars from room service even though it is not on the menu. The warm cookies are available in the evenings only.

. Bring 2 white pillowcases or a matte style picture frame in a zip lock baggie with water proof markers and leave at guest services desk and ask for it to be autographed and it will be returned to you the last night all signed by the characters. I also add a card with my name and room number on it just in case their card gets lost. I like to use dark colored markers, the light colors don't show up as well. You must leave this the first day for them to have time to get it signed. Sometimes I put a couple treats in the baggie as a Thank you ot the characters signing it. Even Mickey likes goodies!!



Pop is free in all restaurants and at the drink station on deck 9. But if you order it from waiter or buy it at a lounge or bar you will be charged for it plus a gratuity.

Stop by the drink station and grab a drink to take with you to the shows or movies instead of buying a can of pop there. If you want a snack, stop and grab pizza or hot dogs or fruit or cookies on deck 11 to take it with you. Again save money over buying a bunch of snacks for the kids or adults.

At dinner kids can order from both the kid's or adult menus.

No need to book floats and bikes ahead of time for Castaway Cay. They have tons of them. Wait until you get there to make sure you're really going to need the floats or have time to ride the bikes before renting them. We always just walk up and do it at the beach.

If you want to do the banana boat ride or the ski-doo (eco tour) I would book them ahead of time. They do often have last minute openings so dont be afraid to ask when you arrive if you didn't book it and decided you'd like to do it.

If you rent bikes there are 2 nice trails just off the runway. The first one will have an observation tower. It has a great view of the island and ship. Bring your camera for this!! While up in the tower be sure and look around the base area of the tower. There are some whimsical things to see there too.

All the trails have ice cold water in big yellow barrels in wooden framed stands, so there's no need to carry your own unless you want to.

well thats a few tips. I'm sure I can come up with a few more before cruise time,

Kathy

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Morning all,


Regina,

Thae FE is really easy and a lot of fun.
Keep in mind it that itis meant to be inexpensive and fun.

First if your going to do it you must make sure your signed up here because Feb 1st is the cut off date. After that they are not taking new people.
That way everyone has plenty of time to make or buy their gifts for a specific amount of people.

Once your signed up, decide what you would like to give.
Then you will be given alist of cabins and who is in them. Sometime on the cruise you will deliver your gift to each cabin on the list and in return they will deliver a gift to your cabin.

Thats how easy it is to do.

It is totally up to you if you give 1 gift per cabin, or something for kids and adults separately. That is your choice.

That decision is often dictated by how much room you have in your luggage to carry things too.

I love dressing up on pirate night too!!
I have reached the age where I dont care if people think I am nuts, I just go and have a great time. Often doing things kids are doing. I love hugging and getting hugs from characters, but i let kids go first and wait for quiet time and do my sneaking in,


Kathy

 

[JSClemsonFan]

Thanks for posting this. Your family's so cute

Awwww - you are so kind!

 

[JSClemsonFan]

Great blog! Are you sailing concierge again?

Thank you! We are not sailing concierge. We booked the FL Resident Rate. I've never seen the concierge room go under the FL Resident Rate. Maybe I'll get an upgrade.

 

[reagansmom]

Here's my seemingly silly tip - bring a couple of ziploc bags, both large and small (esp if you are travelling with small children). You can then easily save snacks for later, stow dirty/wet clothes and even save the streamers that are "treasures" from the shows.

We also bring a fold-up laundry hampers for dirty clothes.

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Thats a good tip for snacks.

I dont have little kids but I remember when we took grandkids that the rooms are very dark at night so if you have kids who dont like the dark or if you need to get up at night to the bathroom it is a good idea to bring a night light and it can plug in at the desk area. Especially in the inside rooms.


You can leave a message on board for a wake up call. Do that and then let the kids answer the phone. It will be a character telling you its time to get up.

An over the door shoe holder for the bathroom door works great to hold lots of small items like toothpaste, brushes, combs, hair barettes, etc... The bathrooms have a bit of storage but if there's more than 2 of you the extra storage is great. Get one at the dollar store and then just throw it away when your done which makes more room in your luggage for souvenirs!!


I'm sure I will think go more tips later,

Kathy

 

[JSClemsonFan]

The Ziplocks remind me...pack snacks if you go to Castway Cay early. We were the first ones off the boat and my son was starving at 10 AM. Cookies BBQ didn't open until 11 (or maybe 11:30). I had to grab a banana off the display (it was decoration) to feed him b/c he was hungry. He had just turned 3 years old and a hungry 3 year old can't wait. I think the swimming and the sand wore him out quickly. Honestly, I couldn't find food anywhere. I will be packing snacks to bring if we get off the boat this early again.

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

The Ziplocks remind me...pack snacks if you go to Castway Cay early. We were the first ones off the boat and my son was starving at 10 AM. Cookies BBQ didn't open until 11 (or maybe 11:30). I had to grab a banana off the display (it was decoration) to feed him b/c he was hungry. He had just turned 3 years old and a hungry 3 year old can't wait. I think the swimming and the sand wore him out quickly. Honestly, I couldn't find food anywhere. I will be packing snacks to bring if we get off the boat this early again.

Your right, no snacks anywhere until lunchtime. We often grab fruit at the end of lunch and put in the backpack for the afternoon so we dont have ot head back to the ship early for food.
All that running around does burn off all that food.

My husband is diabetic and he needs to refuel often so I always carry some snacks.

Kathy

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

We got our Docs yesterday.




Just wish it would of had our room number but with a GTY room we wont know until very close to the cruise time.


Another thing we found helpful on the Fantasy and I am sure its the same on the Dream is:

To activate the electricity in your cabin you must leave a credit card size card in a slot by your door. I understand they are conserving energy but its was a real hassle for us because we wernt prepared for it. That was new.

So we used our key Cards. Now for many that isnt a problem but we often come and go separately so if one is gone and then the other one leaves and forgets to grab that card, well your locked out.

So you then need to get your room host to let you in, find your family or go to Guest services to get a new card.
We like to put our Key cards in the lanyards they give us so we don't forget them.
So it was a real hassle for us.
So my tip is to bring a card that the numbers arnt important like a library card or school ID, AARP card to use instead of a credit card to key Card.
That way you can just leave it in the slot.

Now I know this is not what they want but if its hot and humid out you want your room cool when you return, if you dont leave a card there your electricity wont come on and that means NO AC. With the radiant heat system it does take time to cool or heat the rooms.

Now we all trust our room host, they are great but I dont trust anyone to have access to my credit card numbers so I wont leave a credit card in the slot. Any room host on the ship can open your door and go in and so can many others.

Kathy

 

[reagansmom]

We use old KTTW cards from past WDW trips for this!!