Feb 4, 2007 Wonder cruise

[byejou]

We are hoping to be at the port around 10 or 10:30am. We are hoping Budget is working fast that day. This is our first time with DCL so I am not sure of layout at the checking area.

 

[jblb1020]

The DCL Bus is not picking us up until 11:45am so I am assuming like last year we will get there around 1:30. Last year after they picked us up at the Wilderness Lodge we went to the Swan & Dolphin to get more people. We did not actually get to board until around 2:30 after waiting in line to check in. I'm not happy about it but I was afraid if we got a town car our luggage woulden't have fit. It was very rushed and we had no time to go to the buffet.

 

[yellownovawife]

The DCL Bus is not picking us up until 11:45am so I am assuming like last year we will get there around 1:30. Last year after they picked us up at the Wilderness Lodge we went to the Swan & Dolphin to get more people. We did not actually get to board until around 2:30 after waiting in line to check in. I'm not happy about it but I was afraid if we got a town car our luggage woulden't have fit. It was very rushed and we had no time to go to the buffet.

I guess that makes me glad to be driving. I was having second thought today as the flights are so cheap! It will be nice to have our own van and be on our own schedule. We check out of our hotel by 10am, grab a quick breakfast and drive to the port. How long is the drive from WDW to the port/ I canot remember from last time?

 

[jblb1020]

I think its about 45min to an hour. We have an early flight out on Saturday at 7am out of Atlantic City and are due to arrive in Orlando around 9:20am. We are planning on spending the day at Magic Kingdom so by Satuday night the kids will be exhausted. So on Sunday atleast they can sleep in a bit and then I made breakfast reservations at Whispering Canyon then we will wait for the bus to take us to the ship. I'm hoping that we get there a little earlier than last time. Last Feb the port was packed and there where really long lines to check in. I'm hoping that having the new online check in most people will have their paperwork ready and filled out and it will make the check in quicker.

 

[byejou]

We decided to do something alittle different. We book Sat night at Radisson at the Port and after we arrive that morning we are going to Kennedy Space Center. There is also a festival of some sort at Cocoa Beach, so we are going into town at night.

Since we got a great deal on a car rental we are turning it in at 10am and Budget will drive us to the port.

This way if plans change due to weather in NJ or for any reason we can relax
at the hotel and prepare our bags and things for the morning.

 

[Billinaz]

We are hoping to be at the port around 10 or 10:30am. We are hoping Budget is working fast that day. This is our first time with DCL so I am not sure of layout at the checking area.

Ive never had a problem dropping off the car at Budget and then getting a ride ontheir van (with all our luggage) to the port b 10 ish in the AM.

 

[Billinaz]

I booked a room at the Atlantis after being directed there from a deal on Travelzoo.com and got a rate of 159 or 169. I'm not sure if the rate is still available. We have 5 in the family and you can only get 4 wristbands, so i'm going to have to pay for an extra one I guess ( or leave someone on board....only kidding)The comfort suites was 189.00 for a regular room when I checked.Much less than the rate on the cruise ship

We have 5 as well. Do you know what they charge for an extra wristband?

 

[macwilsey]

I think its about 45min to an hour. We have an early flight out on Saturday at 7am out of Atlantic City and are due to arrive in Orlando around 9:20am. We are planning on spending the day at Magic Kingdom so by Satuday night the kids will be exhausted. So on Sunday atleast they can sleep in a bit and then I made breakfast reservations at Whispering Canyon then we will wait for the bus to take us to the ship. I'm hoping that we get there a little earlier than last time. Last Feb the port was packed and there where really long lines to check in. I'm hoping that having the new online check in most people will have their paperwork ready and filled out and it will make the check in quicker.

Who would be crazy not to use the online checking?!!!! Infact, I have already done it. You can also make the kids reservations for their groups. I suggest everyone doing it.

 

[macwilsey]

I heard from others you could not board until 12:30. Is this correct? We are planning to get to port around noon as well. Maybe we all could meet for lunch and pick one spot to meet?????

 

[macwilsey]

Just remember that there are additional fees which are energy fees, housekeeping fees, etc. I just called them to ask them how much the fees add up to and they said its an extra $10 per person and something about 12% tax. Did they mention anything to you about this? I saw on Travelzoo.com it says:
Terms/Conditions:
Rate is per room per night, based on double occupancy and effective for travel on specified dates through 2/14/07 in Beach Tower Terrace category. Rate is valid for new bookings only and must be booked by 1/21/07. Coral and Royal Towers are also available at normal RACK Rates. Travelzoo Beach Tower special rack rate must be paid in full at time of booking. All rates and availability are subject to change without notice and is based on limited availability. Not applicable to groups & restrictions apply. Mandatory hotel taxes, mandatory housekeeping gratuities and service fees are additional and must be paid at the hotel upon check out. Atlantis and its tour operator do not assume responsibility for errors or omissions within the content of this ad.

Atlantis gave me a rate for a dayroom of $390.00 That did not include the extra fees. I asked them if they charge the extra fees for a dayroom and they said I was speaking to the corporate office and I could have to call Atlantis directly which I plan on doing on my lunch break. I have heard people getting a much cheaper rate when they arrive for a dayroom. My concern is all the added fees.

390.00 can't be the price of a dayroom? Isn't that there regular rate???? If it is 390.00 then we are just finding space on the beach. We decided not to get any of the excursions. I would like to walk around the Straw Market.

 

[macwilsey]

My husband were talking about the cruise last night and realized that the Superbowl will be on the first night of the cruise. How much better can you get by watching one of the biggest football games on a cruise ship. Just think....you do not have to make any food or clean up!!!!!

 

[macwilsey]

Sorry about all the posts but I had to have 10 posts before posting our picture. Here we are!

 

[Billinaz]

I booked a room at the Atlantis after being directed there from a deal on Travelzoo.com and got a rate of 159 or 169. I'm not sure if the rate is still available. We have 5 in the family and you can only get 4 wristbands, so i'm going to have to pay for an extra one I guess ( or leave someone on board....only kidding)The comfort suites was 189.00 for a regular room when I checked.Much less than the rate on the cruise ship

I just got off the phone with Atlantis. They will not sell you another access to the pools, etc. You can only get 4 per room. Their only solution for 5 people was to book a second room.

 

[Super Goof]

Who would be crazy not to use the online checking?!!!! Infact, I have already done it. You can also make the kids reservations for their groups. I suggest everyone doing it.

I agree - online check-in is the way to go. Last year, we walked off the bus and went right past the lines because we were already checked in.

 

[Billinaz]

My cruise docs arrived yesterday! I kindof miss the box you get with all the books in them. It came in an envelope that was only about 6 inches by 8 inches. It was found this morning on the sidewalk!... Must have been left by UPS yesterday then blown onto the sidewalk by the winds yesterday. The envelope is definately waterproof because it sat in some heavy rain last night and the docs didnt get wet.

The lack of paperwork inside compared to the box of docs you used to get is due to the online checkin. There was also a note thanking me for using the online checkin.

I booked 2 rooms at Atlantis so the kids could use the pools. Yes, $159 per room just to use the pools seems expensive until you compare the regular cost (no way Id even think of doing that... I have to get 2 rooms because we have 5 people) and the thought that the kids will enjoy it and make it another lasting memory for them.

 

[pinkie]

We have not gotten our docs yet. I hope they come on monday. BTW I cant find a decent pic to post but I'm making cruise polo shirts with alien green lettering. When I get them done I will try to post a pic. Can't wait.

 

[yellownovawife]

The Doc Watch is on!!!! Check in as you get them! If mine do not come tomorrow I will email my TA - just anxious because we are in Canada. We are leaving one week for today for our WDW stay.

 

[Taryn]

Hi yellownovawife,

Just wanted to check in as another Canadian who will be on the Wonder February 4th

If I see any greenies I will wave. I will post if I get my docs also just so you know.

I probably won't have any green on me but my door will!

 

[yellownovawife]

Hi Taryn! Glad there will be othe Canadians onboard!

 

[jblb1020]

Anybody else get their documents?? Nothing here yet and the suspense is killing me!