First time DCL--Just back from Fantasy 6/30

[pjzkent]

Just back from the Fantasy Eastern for our first family cruise. DH and I did a cruise waaayyyyy back in the 90's on NCL, and then were busy with young kids. Now kids not so young, and definitely more fun to travel with (in theory). The cast of characters: me (42), DH (45), DS (10), and twin DD and DS 8.

We were lucky enough to book the DVC member special early in May and were in a 4B Family Stateroom with Verandah.

I am the planner of the family and was so excited to be able to book this trip. We had always thought a Disney cruise would be financially out of reach. Now I know through the wisdom of the Disboards there are ways to make it work

Our trip begins with massive research, travel books from the library, lots of reading on the Dis, and ultimately booking a few things on our own and 1 Disney excursion because we were down to the wire and the things I looked for in St. Thomas weren't available.

It bugs me to no end that DCL treats my 10 year old as an adult for excursions, because he isn't much bigger than my 8 year old, and definitely doesn't have the stamina of an adult for sitting still on a tour bus or walking all over.

We had second seating for dinner, which was ok for our family, we live in Colorado so the time difference made dinner at 815 all right. Plus it left a lot of time for twin DS to eat an extra meal every day mid-afternoon

Our dining rotation was ERAERAE, I liked Royal Court and Animators atmosphere a lot better so next time we will request a different rotation once on board. Two nights in EG would be more than enough for me.

We rented a car in St. Maarten from Hertz, easy process, rate a little steep but with 5 of us it was less expensive than taking a taxi. I had hoped to get a little more out of touring on our own, but more to come on that.....

We booked the Caribbean Sea Safari, Snorkeling and Beach tour in St. Thomas, and booked the CC floats and rings online before we left for our trip. I now know to wait and just do that when we get there, because we only ended up using 1 ring the whole day!

We had some good, some bad, and some ugly.....

 

[pjzkent]

I was really nervous about being on a fully booked boat, because crowded is not really our thing, but in reading on the Dis, the best comment I received was that Disney CM's are experts at managing crowds, and I have to say, for the most part, I didn't feel that crowded, except on the first day when it was crowded, and we were still trying to figure out our way around to everything.

Our trip began with an evening flight out of Denver on Friday. The flight left a little late, but arrived in MCO about 10 minutes early, but still 11 pm Florida time.

I had rented a full size car not thinking about the SEVEN suitcases and 5 carryon bags that needed to fit, because we were only going to drive to the hotel, and then to Port Canaveral and turn it in about 12 hours later.

We ended up trying to put them in 3 different car trunks before we found one that was even close (thank goodness for the Emerald Aisle), started out in a VW Passat, and ended up in a Chevy Impala. I think it was 87 degrees and 90% humidity when we landed, and in the process of loading all those bags DH got a bloody nose and had to sit out while I figured out how to make the bags fit, while herding 3 hungry, hot and tired kids, and tried to keep DH from bleeding all over the rental car

We had been talking about this trip for a week and telling the kids about our travel day, and the first words out of twin DS's mouth were "I don't want to ride on the bump this whole week!!!!!!" Just had to laugh because apparently at midnight 8 year olds aren't very coherent.

We arrived about 1230 am at the Comfort Suites Orlando Airport and were pleasantly surprised. The website said the rooms were recently renovated, and you never really now what that means, but the room was in great shape, the chrome shower handle was SPOTLESS, nice white duvet covers on the beds, and hubby still with a nosebleed

Got kids situated and drove a couple of blocks down to Wendy's to get some food for everyone. I think we finally turned in about 130 am. Kids did manage to sleep til almost 930, but we had to wake them up to get breakfast and get on the road. That late night may have been a bad idea.....

 

[Renysmom]

Looking forward to reading more.

 

[Toria]

We also struggled with luggage in a hot and humid parking garage. No way to start a vacation. Looking forward to the rest.

 

[wishuponastarforever]

Great report. Yes, humidity in Florida vs Colorado - huge difference. I don't have to tell you that though
Looking forward to more.

 

[KevieKev05]

Looking forward to hearing about your excursion in St. Thomas as that's the one we've booked for our upcoming cruise!

 

[pjzkent]

Had a couple of busy weeks, I guess it is time to get back to it!

After we checked out of the Comfort Suites, we headed for the port about 11 am, thinking that was plenty of time for our 1-1:30 arrival window, to be able to stop and pick up some things we didn;t want to pack in our suitcases.

I didn't have a chance to get any dollar bills for tips, so we thought "Let's stop at each toll booth and see what we get". Actually worked out pretty well at most of the booths, and we had something like $40 in ones by the time we hit Cape Canaveral.

That morning, I discovered in all of my methodical packing and planning I couldn't find the Bonine I picked up for my DS and DD who get car sick. When we stopped at Walmart in Cocoa Beach, I forgot to pick some up (I really need to write things down!!!). We did pick up a case of bottled water to take on our excursions, and lots of movie snacks, and a few treat type things for the CM's.

My kids were in hog heaven as I never say yes when they want to buy candy in the store. We also had to get some puffcorn for my DS 8 who is in braces right now.

We asked the cashier where the nearest liquor store was, and he gave us directions to the ABC Liquor in Cocoa Beach. Small liquor store and all we wanted were some fruity pre-mixed cocktail drinks that weren't in a glass bottle. They had about 3 flavors But we ended up with a tasty bottle of Bahama Mama's. Across the street was a Walgreens and DH was able to get some more Bonine. In the meantime, it's about noon and the kids are starting in with the "I'm hungry". I'm starting to get a little antsy because I don't know what getting into the port will be like. I'm telling them if they can hang in there, we can eat when we get on the boat. By then it feels like it's 100 degrees with 100% humidity, so I give in because I am dying for an ice cold coke. We end up in the Sonic drive through (3rd drive through meal in 24 hours, yuk!) and then we were back on our way to the port.

 

[pjzkent]

Looking forward to hearing about your excursion in St. Thomas as that's the one we've booked for our upcoming cruise!

Hi KevieKev05, I will skip ahead and talk about our excursion because your trip is coming up and I don't know if I will finish up before you leave!

Thanks everyone for jumping on, I will try to get going with the trip report!

 

[pjzkent]

I had a terrible time trying to decide on an excursion, and actually explored a couple of outside companies for St. Thomas. The boat I was interested in was the "Fury", because it only took 24 passengers, but they were fully booked.

I booked the Caribbean Sea, Snorkeling and Beach Tour I think the last day we could book anything online. We met in the D-Lounge at I think 8 am (my body lives on MTN time, so that is awfully early for me ). Our group then walked AAAALLLLLLL the way across the pier to the Virgin Breeze, it felt like a really long walk because once again it was hot, but we finally made it. I guess I didn't look very closely at the pictures, I expected a catamaran with the big sail, this was a catamaran bottom with a large covered seating area and no sail.

Our crew was Capt. Brent, Canan, Hannah, and another guy that his name escapes me. It was windy that day, and before we pulled out of the port, Brent told us if we were on the port side we would get wet because of the waves and the wind. We didn't care so we stayed where we were. Off we went to Buck Island. It was a protected cove that is about 10 feet deep. On one side of where we stopped, there is sea grass all over the bottom, and that is where the turtles are. On the starboard side was the reef where all the fish were.

Two of my kids jumped off and were ready to go within a few minutes, I jumped in after them, and promptly lost sight of them......

Funny how everyone looks the same with their faces in the water and a tube sticking up. I think next time we will bring some fluorescent rubber bands or something to wrap around their snorkels so I can find them.

We had taken a snorkeling lesson before the trip because I didn't want to have to show them what to do and be trying to figure out for myself, as this was our first time.

DS 8 was next in the water, followed by DH. In the meantime, I was totally wigged out by not knowing where my other 2 kids were and trying to find them, plus deal with the waves and the wind and the newness of snorkeling in the ocean and not a pool

Come to find out later, the first 2 kids had swam back to the boat, and were on the platform. DS 8 also freaked out a bit in the water and didn't want to get back in. Finally the first 2 got back in, and Hannah led the way to the turtles. About that time, 2 or 3 other boats arrived with all of their passengers. I finally settled down as well, and off to see the turtles!

My DS and DD both saw 3 turtles, I only saw one. I'm not sure DH saw any. We made our way back to the reef side and saw all kinds of fish. About that time all the other people on the other excursions started getting in the water as well. So it was a little crowded. There were only 2 ships docked that day so I can't even imagine how crowded it would get on a day with more ships.

Took lots of pictures with the underwater disposable camera, but I haven't had them developed yet to be able to share.

 

[pjzkent]

After snorkeling, the bar was open!!! They made this yummy fruity concoction called a painkiller, and also had soda's and water available. We traveled about 30 minutes or so over to Water Island to go to Honeymoon Beach. Not to be confused with St. John's Honeymoon Beach.

It was a small beach with a roped off swimming area, lots of palm trees, a burger place (cash only-keep that in mind), and restrooms with running water. The boat docks in about 4 ft of water and you walk through the water to the shore. It had some benches, but no beach chairs that I recall. When we got there the Kon Tiki boat was there, and that was the only other commercial boat. It left about 20 minutes after we got there.

The kids used their snorkel gear a little bit more, and saw a few small fish. The crew got off the boat and carried the cooler around for refreshments to everyone.

There was also a golf cart parade that passed by while we were there which was kind of funny to see. I din;t have my camera at the time so no pics of that.

Some of the kids starting jumping off the front of the boat into the water. DS 10 was intrigued. He climbs on the front of the boat and is looking down in the water working up the nerve to do it. He backs up, walks away and I decide to tell him I will jump in with him. He turns around, walks up to the edge, and in he goes. No chance for Mom to even catch up!

DS 8 can't be outdone by his big brother, so the next thing I know he is jumping off into the water. DD 8 wanted nothing to do with it!

I loved watching them have this new experience, because the ocean is such a foreign thing to my kids.

Honeymoon Beach

 

[nursemomof2]

Great report so far! Can't wait to hear more
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[KevieKev05]

Thank you so much for jumping ahead in your TR! I appreciate all the info you provided!

 

[pjzkent]

Thank you so much for jumping ahead in your TR! I appreciate all the info you provided!

Have a great trip! We were back at the dock by 1230 or so and I walked around Havensight mall and did a little shopping as well. Don't forget to bring some cash for a gratuity to the crew. We hadn't thought much about bringing money so we were a little light there

 

[pjzkent]

Thank you so much for jumping ahead in your TR! I appreciate all the info you provided!

Have a great trip! We were back at the dock by 1230 or so and I walked around Havensight mall and did a little shopping as well. Don't forget to bring some cash for a gratuity to the crew. We hadn't thought much about bringing money so we were a little light there

 

[DisSarahK]

A quick question for you--were you able to give regular Bonine to your 8 year old? I can't find Bonine for kids (seems to be discontinued) anywhere and our cruise leaves in less than a month.

 

[pjzkent]

A quick question for you--were you able to give regular Bonine to your 8 year old? I can't find Bonine for kids (seems to be discontinued) anywhere and our cruise leaves in less than a month.

When I called our pediatrician, she said meclizine was ok. I didn't get into the dosage with her. You might check in and see what your 8 yo's dr. recommends, I know every doctor has different opinions......

She also used Sea Bands the whole time, andthe other things our pedi recommended was ginger. I couldn't find any capsules that were small enough, but DH found some ginger gum at Walgreens. We didn't ever need the gum though

 

[DisSarahK]

Thanks for letting me know. I've checked with our doctor and he's getting back to me as he wants to see if there is anything prescription that will work well for her.

I already have the Sea Bands ready to go and want to pick up some ginger, too. Thanks for the reminder though, because I keep forgetting to check for it.

 

[pjzkent]

So I hadn't looked at the rental car return, and was operating under the assumption that the rental car place would be close to the port. I kept watching for rental car signs kind of like at the airport. We ended up waiting on the drawbridge to cross over to the port when I assigned my chief navigator DH to Google map the address to return the rental car.

Yikes! Not anywhere near the port, and nowhere to turn around!! So we drove on to the DCL building, and I dropped the kids, the husb, the 7 suitcases, 4 carryons and our newly acquired Walmart purchases off at about 1:15 on the curb. There were lots of porters available, and we had to send ours away so DH could re-arrange bags and get our Walmart items into the carry on bags.

By this time, I am totally stressing out about missing our check in time. DH took the kids and the bags and headed for the security gate while I drove a few miles over to the Cape Canaveral office for National to turn our rental car in. I have to wait for the shuttle to be ready to leave back to the port. I finally arrive at the port about 2.

DH couldn't check in because I had the passports and the paperwork. He had the kids and the bags. He was able to get the kids' Mickey bands for the Lab though, and take several pictures of the model ship in the terminal. He didn't know the secret passcode for the kids though so that involved a phone call to me on the shuttle. Little did he know I had picked the code for the garage door opener

 

[pjzkent]

Finally we get in line to get our KTTW, there is no one waiting in line and we walk right up to the CM and get started. He gives us our boarding number and he says it looks like no one is waiting, you should be able to go ahead and board or in just a few minutes. We walked right through and into the photo staging area.

I forgot to mention I had made matching tie die for everyone for the day and there was NO WAY we were gonna skip the photo op. I haven't downloaded my photos yet from Shutters, but I will add in the next couple of days.

Photos done, and Mickey here we come. At the end of the gangway, there are 2 separate lines, the CM asks for our last name and I think maybe where we are from, and then announces our name and on board we go, past the CM's assigned to clap for everyone!

I missed that somewhere on the Dis and wasn't expecting it, but it was so cool!

We headed to our stateroom, and we are officially on vacation

 

[DisSarahK]

I have the supplies for matching tie die for my crew. I'd love any tips! I want us to wear them for embarkation in just a few weeks so we look good in the pic!