Food, Fun, and Frivolity: 8 Funtabulous days w/pics! UPDATE 1/20 HELP!!!!

[stinkerbell2]

Leshaface,

I have really enjoyed your reports as well! Kinda jealous as we were there 2nd week of Feb 2010, and it was FREEZING!
Anyways, you would be an awesome disney blogger! Have you ever thought about starting your own?

 

[Leshaface]

Sounds awesome!! The Bahamas are beautiful! Be sure to take a taxi or ferry to Paradise Island and check out the Atlantis while you are docked in Nassau.

One word of caution though (or not! )...cruises are addictive, and you just might want to book another one as soon as you get off the ship!

So, you're saving WDW for a separate trip...not a bad thing, as you can just focus on your first cruise for this trip! So, a future WDW trip...perhaps in summer 2012 and we may bump into each other while snacking on a dole whip!

Hey bonnie long time no see!

Actually, so since we're not going for a few days at the World anymore, the majority of that money will be spent on excursions, and one of the excursions was to visit Atlantis!! So we'll definitely be doing that along with parasailing, and who KNOWS what else!! I'm just so excited!!

DH has reservations about a cruise...which I think every person goes through when they haven't been on a cruise before...he thinks that we're not going to have fun because, like WDW, we could go where we choose, when we choose; but on the cruise, we're 'told' what we can do..if this makes sense...I told him, you just wait, you're probably going to end up loving the cruise and you'll prob want to rebook again....he thinks not so we'll see!!

As for WDW, it will either be Summer of 2012 or Jan 2013...both seem sooo far off but planning will help me deter the fact that it could potentially be 2 years away.

Ahh well, in the meantime, I got a cruise to plan!!

So are you all four going to be in the same cabin? Have you decided on the level of stateroom that you are going to get?

You really won't be spending a lot of time in the room. Are you doing the one on Dec. 29 for 5 nights that hits Nassau and Castaway Cay twice?

When we did the Bahamas Cruise we did a snorkeling excursion in the morning and in the afternoon we took some sort of cruise of the Harbor, I think we rode past the fort where they defended the city and the palace, it was over ten years ago so I don't remember it very well.

At Castaway Cay we did the parasailing, that was awesome. We also had lunch at the adults only portion of the Island, the buffet was great. I remember they had a lot of upscale options that I don't think were offered on the regular island buffet.

How exciting for you!

We're all getting our own staterooms with verandahs! but still when I see the number 300sqft (or smaller) it's like , dang that's small...wonder what the shower is going to look like

And see, I don't know the difference between levels..I figured if we were getting a verandah view that all levels would be the same?? I thought it just effected those with just oceanviews/no views...

Oooh did I forget to mention, that we bumped up our cruise to THIS June!!!??? Yeah, so no more December for us...but we still are taking the 5 nighter with 2 stops at C.C.!!!

Parasailing is the first thing on my list! I wanted to do this in Jamaica, but we didn't have time?? whatever that means! But there seemed to be a lot of options, so me and DH are going to sit down and go through them all!! And snorkeling is something I liked doing in Jamaica, so I know I would love it in the Bahamas!!

You are going to have such an amazing time. Cruises really are addicting. I love being able to visit more than one place on one trip. And there will be so much to do on and off the ship, you won't be spending much time in your room anyway.

This is what I told DH, and he said, "What's there to do ON the ship when we're one day at Sea??" And I said, "Well, we can eat, what a movie....and workout??!" Haven't done much research yet on what you can DO on the ship itself so I guess I'm gonna have to get started on that portion!

So excited for you that your trip is merely DAYS away!!

Leshaface,

I have really enjoyed your reports as well! Kinda jealous as we were there 2nd week of Feb 2010, and it was FREEZING!
Anyways, you would be an awesome disney blogger! Have you ever thought about starting your own?

Hi stinkerbell! love that name!! Everyone has such cute/smart profile names, mine looks lame in comparison I should have allowed myself to think 5 minutes before typing in 'Leshaface', oh well...

Thank you!! That's so nice!!! If I went to WDW/Disneyland more often, I would LOVE to start blogging about it!! I'm trying to convince DH to let me go to WDW on a solo mission, so I could try some new restaurants, but I got him at 50% right now...once it goes over that 50% mark, I'M IN!!

 

[franandaj]

We're all getting our own staterooms with verandahs! but still when I see the number 300sqft (or smaller) it's like , dang that's small...wonder what the shower is going to look like

And see, I don't know the difference between levels..I figured if we were getting a verandah view that all levels would be the same?? I thought it just effected those with just oceanviews/no views...

Oooh did I forget to mention, that we bumped up our cruise to THIS June!!!??? Yeah, so no more December for us...but we still are taking the 5 nighter with 2 stops at C.C.!!!

Parasailing is the first thing on my list! I wanted to do this in Jamaica, but we didn't have time?? whatever that means! But there seemed to be a lot of options, so me and DH are going to sit down and go through them all!! And snorkeling is something I liked doing in Jamaica, so I know I would love it in the Bahamas!!

As far as the different levels of staterooms with verandahs, don't get a navigator's verandah, they are smaller than a regular verandah. The other pricing levels depend on which deck you are on. I believe that the higher decks cost more and the lower decks cost less. I noticed that the lower priced staterooms also have only 246 sq ft, while the Family staterooms have 299. It's really not that bad, you're hardly in your stateroom or if you are, you will probably be sipping cocktails or having a beer on your verandah.

As far as things to do when you are at sea, I usually schedule spa treatments during that time. I remember they had this wrap where they smeared you with green seaweed spread, wrap you up in a warm moist blanket. Then you get a scalp and foot massage. After a shower, they treat you with lotions. I also got a full body massage after that. You can use the spa facilities at no charge or it is minimal. You can go to the adults only pool, there is a library, a movie theater, buffets or some type of food is running all day. I think based on what you've said, you will be on the Dream. I checked their spa services and they offer all kinds of neat things, including this treatment I had.

Wow! What a cool ship! There is a water slide at one of the pools! And the adult pool has a bar IN the pool!

Also if it's like the Wonder, they will assign you a different restaurant each night. There are two adults only restaurants, Remy and Palo. Since you are a first time cruiser you can book at these places 75 days out. When we were on the Wonder they had us dine at the three "family" restaurants for the first three nights, and for our 4th night we were at Animator's Palette again, but they did not do the show the second night. If you're going to book the adult restaurants, I would try to do that for the last two nights of your cruise so that you get to fully experience the other three restaurants.

How cool for you! I was just checking out the website and got lost for a couple hours checking out all the amenities. You will not be bored on your day at sea!

 

[stinkerbell2]

So, I haven't gotten through your whole report, when Photobucket took the pics away Are they coming back? I have been addicted like watching a favorite show! I am trying to get pumped for our SURPRISE trip (to our two girls) and do-over from last years awful weather, and everyone getting sick (and you know all about that unfortunately)
Anyways, you must know Lesha, that you have inspired me to make those CUTE cupcakes for my daughter's upcoming birthday for a school treat (although we have decided on the Cheshire ones.) So, that is where I got the blog idea from, it could be all things Disney, recipes, (now cruises), etc. Just sayin many peeps enjoy your writing! Thanks!

 

[heathsf]

I was just checking out the website and got lost for a couple hours checking out all the amenities. You will not be bored on your day at sea!

I'm going to have to avoid looking into it because I know myself and I will then become obsessed with going on a Disney cruise. I was never bored on either of my cruises and you know Disney will never be lacking on entertainment! My bf was slightly reluctant to book a cruise too for similar reasons but he absolutely loved it. Any particular reason you moved it up to June?

 

[bangzoom6877]

Hey bonnie long time no see!

Actually, so since we're not going for a few days at the World anymore, the majority of that money will be spent on excursions, and one of the excursions was to visit Atlantis!! So we'll definitely be doing that along with parasailing, and who KNOWS what else!! I'm just so excited!!

DH has reservations about a cruise...which I think every person goes through when they haven't been on a cruise before...he thinks that we're not going to have fun because, like WDW, we could go where we choose, when we choose; but on the cruise, we're 'told' what we can do..if this makes sense...I told him, you just wait, you're probably going to end up loving the cruise and you'll prob want to rebook again....he thinks not so we'll see!!

As for WDW, it will either be Summer of 2012 or Jan 2013...both seem sooo far off but planning will help me deter the fact that it could potentially be 2 years away.

Ahh well, in the meantime, I got a cruise to plan!!

Your DH will most likely think differently once he is on the cruise. As far as the activity schedule and meal schedule...there are usually a few different things going on at once, each activity catering to different types of people. In addition, the pool is always available, early morning until late night. So is the gym, stores (certain hours of course, but open for a good part of the day and evening while at sea), and the spa is available all day and night. Meals are scheduled (unless you go on Norwegian), but most cruiselines now give you the option to either have traditional scheduled meals or dine on your own time. Usually only dinner has a set time, but breakfast and lunch in the dining room are offered for a few hours and you can go whenever you want during that time period. For the buffet on deck, they serve breakfast until a certain time, then they start with lunch, then afternoon snacks, then dinner. You could go there any time you want. Room service is for 24 hours and is usually included. The bars usually open between 8 and 9am, and stay open until 3 or 4am.

Evening shows have a schedule, but they usually have 2 opportunities to see them. The shows are usually amazing!

You will have a wonderful time, and your hubby will probably become addicted too! My DH didn't like our first cruise at all. We went from NYC to Canada for 5 nights. We literally had only 10 minutes of sunshine the whole cruise. He hated that. We did all indoor activities, which were fun, but he wanted to enjoy the outdoors and the sun as well. 2 years later, I convinced him to go on another cruise, this time to the Bahamas. He LOVED it!!! He spent most of the week in the sun, and he said that cruises are great but he would never go on another cruise to Canada again. Since then, we have been on 2 other cruises, one to the Bahamas again and the last one was in 2006 and we went to the Caribbean. He loved both of those cruises too and he is looking forward to this summer's cruise very much.

Enjoy planning your cruise! There is a great community called Cruise Critic, and they have message boards just like the DIS! I am on there daily now of course, finding out info about the ship we're going on this summer, but honestly, planning for a cruise is very easy! It is a lot of fun finding out info on shore excursions though!

 

[Leshaface]

As far as the different levels of staterooms with verandahs, don't get a navigator's verandah, they are smaller than a regular verandah. The other pricing levels depend on which deck you are on. I believe that the higher decks cost more and the lower decks cost less. I noticed that the lower priced staterooms also have only 246 sq ft, while the Family staterooms have 299. It's really not that bad, you're hardly in your stateroom or if you are, you will probably be sipping cocktails or having a beer on your verandah.


Yup! I did make sure that we didn't get the navigator's verandah, and we got the regular verandah!!

As far as things to do when you are at sea, I usually schedule spa treatments during that time. I remember they had this wrap where they smeared you with green seaweed spread, wrap you up in a warm moist blanket. Then you get a scalp and foot massage. After a shower, they treat you with lotions. I also got a full body massage after that. You can use the spa facilities at no charge or it is minimal. You can go to the adults only pool, there is a library, a movie theater, buffets or some type of food is running all day. I think based on what you've said, you will be on the Dream. I checked their spa services and they offer all kinds of neat things, including this treatment I had.


A spa treatment would be wonderful!!! Especially during our day at sea perhaps!!! I know they're a little costly, but i'm sure it's sooo worth it!! and the one you mentioned sounds absolutely divine!!!

Wow! What a cool ship! There is a water slide at one of the pools! And the adult pool has a bar IN the pool!

This is what i'm super excited about!! I wasn't sure if that water slide was for kids only But I DEFINITELY have got to try that out!! I think it goes over the side of the ship and is see-through if I remember correctly! I had NO idea there would be a bar in the pool!!! Ahh, brings back memories from Jamaica...those are one of the greatest things invented IMO!



Also if it's like the Wonder, they will assign you a different restaurant each night. There are two adults only restaurants, Remy and Palo. Since you are a first time cruiser you can book at these places 75 days out. When we were on the Wonder they had us dine at the three "family" restaurants for the first three nights, and for our 4th night we were at Animator's Palette again, but they did not do the show the second night. If you're going to book the adult restaurants, I would try to do that for the last two nights of your cruise so that you get to fully experience the other three restaurants.

So from what I understand, Remy and Palo are not included with the price of your stay correct?? You have to pay extra for it right? I'm stoked on the food! I looooove food, and i've always heard how great food is on cruise ships, so I cannot wait!

How cool for you! I was just checking out the website and got lost for a couple hours checking out all the amenities. You will not be bored on your day at sea!

Thanks for checking some stuff out for me! I'm looking forward to doing some research tomorrow!!

So, I haven't gotten through your whole report, when Photobucket took the pics away Are they coming back? I have been addicted like watching a favorite show! I am trying to get pumped for our SURPRISE trip (to our two girls) and do-over from last years awful weather, and everyone getting sick (and you know all about that unfortunately)
Anyways, you must know Lesha, that you have inspired me to make those CUTE cupcakes for my daughter's upcoming birthday for a school treat (although we have decided on the Cheshire ones.) So, that is where I got the blog idea from, it could be all things Disney, recipes, (now cruises), etc. Just sayin many peeps enjoy your writing! Thanks!

Uggh, stinkin Photobucket...It might have exceeded the bandwidth level or view level or whatever the heck it's called! They should be up fairly soon

OOh your girls are going to LOVE it!! Surprises are always better!! Goodness it does sound like you need a do-over...which is partially why we're re-doing Disneyland in March for my birthday, because of how DREADFUL this past trip was

The cupcakes are sooooo fun to make!!! The cheshire ones look ADORABLE!!! I wanted to make them, but then realized this was for halloween and I wanted to keep a creepy/scary theme..although, a disappearing cat with a ridiculously large grin sounds creepy enough!

You are just too kind!!

I'm going to have to avoid looking into it because I know myself and I will then become obsessed with going on a Disney cruise. I was never bored on either of my cruises and you know Disney will never be lacking on entertainment! My bf was slightly reluctant to book a cruise too for similar reasons but he absolutely loved it. Any particular reason you moved it up to June?

That's how I am too! If I start looking things up, I obsess over it! Well, we figured the easiest way for the teachers in our family (my DH is a teacher and so is sis-in-law) was to do it in the summer time. Originally it was going to be right after Christmas, but Sis-in-law didn't like the idea of flying back 2 days before she went back to school...mostly it was because in July last year, our flight was delayed a whole 24 hours and she's worried that might happen again..

So we just moved it up..I guess it's fine with me! Cuz now I don't have to wait 11 months to go! The only downfall is not I really have to get my butt in gear to be bikini ready!! (<--- these are jumping jacks, not a 'yay' )

Your DH will most likely think differently once he is on the cruise. As far as the activity schedule and meal schedule...there are usually a few different things going on at once, each activity catering to different types of people. In addition, the pool is always available, early morning until late night. So is the gym, stores (certain hours of course, but open for a good part of the day and evening while at sea), and the spa is available all day and night. Meals are scheduled (unless you go on Norwegian), but most cruiselines now give you the option to either have traditional scheduled meals or dine on your own time. Usually only dinner has a set time, but breakfast and lunch in the dining room are offered for a few hours and you can go whenever you want during that time period. For the buffet on deck, they serve breakfast until a certain time, then they start with lunch, then afternoon snacks, then dinner. You could go there any time you want. Room service is for 24 hours and is usually included. The bars usually open between 8 and 9am, and stay open until 3 or 4am.

Evening shows have a schedule, but they usually have 2 opportunities to see them. The shows are usually amazing!

You will have a wonderful time, and your hubby will probably become addicted too! My DH didn't like our first cruise at all. We went from NYC to Canada for 5 nights. We literally had only 10 minutes of sunshine the whole cruise. He hated that. We did all indoor activities, which were fun, but he wanted to enjoy the outdoors and the sun as well. 2 years later, I convinced him to go on another cruise, this time to the Bahamas. He LOVED it!!! He spent most of the week in the sun, and he said that cruises are great but he would never go on another cruise to Canada again. Since then, we have been on 2 other cruises, one to the Bahamas again and the last one was in 2006 and we went to the Caribbean. He loved both of those cruises too and he is looking forward to this summer's cruise very much.

Enjoy planning your cruise! There is a great community called Cruise Critic, and they have message boards just like the DIS! I am on there daily now of course, finding out info about the ship we're going on this summer, but honestly, planning for a cruise is very easy! It is a lot of fun finding out info on shore excursions though!

Thanks for the info!!

You know what i'm really excited for?!? Putting up a ticker on my sig!!

My signature has been looking lonely for the past year which I think is a pity!

I'll definitely check that website out too!! I thought it was gonna be pretty easy to plan for... although I don't mind one bit in planning an extensive vacation like WDW All part of the fun IMO!

So tomorrow I'll be pricing excursions/spa treatments!

 

[heathsf]

(<--- these are jumping jacks, not a 'yay' )

That literally made me laugh out loud!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Here's a tip about spa treatments onboard cruise ships...many times, at a few different points throughout the cruise, the spa will have specials. You will not see these online now, nor would you see them the day you board the ship. Wat you could do is secure an appointment and see if you may want to change it to one of their specials if it works better for you. Just check the cancellation policy first before doing that.

I also love planning trips like WDW. It's kind of weird for me now, planning a cruise, because it involved a lot less time than planning for WDW. I still look at the WDW restaurant menus to see how things change over time. It may sound pathetic, but I find it to be a lot of fun!

We come home from our cruise July 30th. At some point in August, I will be booking our next WDW trip (11 months out at our home resort, BWV)! My sister and parents already said they will join us once again in July 2012. I'm sure we will decide the definite dates before the cruise, or right when we get back at the very latest!

 

[franandaj]

A spa treatment would be wonderful!!! Especially during our day at sea perhaps!!! I know they're a little costly, but i'm sure it's sooo worth it!! and the one you mentioned sounds absolutely divine!!!

They are much more than what I pay here in town, but it is Disney, so I just go with it. The one I did actually only has a half body massage (sorta weird ) but I guess they figure if you're getting the wrap you'll be pretty relaxed either way, it was great.

This is what i'm super excited about!! I wasn't sure if that water slide was for kids only But I DEFINITELY have got to try that out!! I think it goes over the side of the ship and is see-through if I remember correctly! I had NO idea there would be a bar in the pool!!! Ahh, brings back memories from Jamaica...those are one of the greatest things invented IMO!

I saw a post on another forum that I'm on where someone from the Mom's panel got to go on the inaugural cruise and she went on the AquaDuck, yes it goes over the side of the boat, and she said it was totally cool! So adults are included, I would do that at least twice! The bar part of the pool has only six inches of water, from the images there are stools and then you can sit in carved out lounges in the water or perhaps take your drink back to the deeper 4 or 6 foot areas. It is not a swim up bar, but you can stay in the water when ordering your drinks.

So from what I understand, Remy and Palo are not included with the price of your stay correct?? You have to pay extra for it right? I'm stoked on the food! I looooove food, and i've always heard how great food is on cruise ships, so I cannot wait!


Thanks for checking some stuff out for me! I'm looking forward to doing some research tomorrow!!

I didn't see anything about an extra charge for Remy, but Palo has a $20 charge, nominal for the food you get. We did this on the Wonder and really enjoyed the restaurant. We're really thinking about a cruise in the next few years, but Fran wants to wait until she can go without a scooter. I'm not sure her recovery will go that far, but I won't discount it.

Just out of curiousity and this is only for informational purposes, if we were looking for people to rent our DVC points to, and it worked with your schedule would you have any interest in doing that? No committments or anything, but there have been some DVC changes and we are in the process of buying a BOATLOAD of points. I would never rent to a stranger, but if it could work out with you and your DH would you have an interest somewhere in the future. I have a handfull of people I've met on the DIS that I would trust renting my points to. I would have to have a fairly good reputation of TRs and stuff before I would put my neck on the line for someone, but you two are good people. It might work out that if you are planning a trip to WDW and we are planning a cruise that we could work out a win/win situation where we both save money and get what we want!

Good luck in planning your cruise and start a PTR before it all gets planned here!

 

[Leshaface]

That literally made me laugh out loud!

Just wanted to make sure that you knew I was working out!!

Only 2 more days for you!! !!!! How exciting!!!!!!

Here's a tip about spa treatments onboard cruise ships...many times, at a few different points throughout the cruise, the spa will have specials. You will not see these online now, nor would you see them the day you board the ship. Wat you could do is secure an appointment and see if you may want to change it to one of their specials if it works better for you. Just check the cancellation policy first before doing that.

I also love planning trips like WDW. It's kind of weird for me now, planning a cruise, because it involved a lot less time than planning for WDW. I still look at the WDW restaurant menus to see how things change over time. It may sound pathetic, but I find it to be a lot of fun!

We come home from our cruise July 30th. At some point in August, I will be booking our next WDW trip (11 months out at our home resort, BWV)! My sister and parents already said they will join us once again in July 2012. I'm sure we will decide the definite dates before the cruise, or right when we get back at the very latest!

OOh thanks for that tip! I would NEVER have known this! And I for sure want to get a treatment done...the one Allison mentioned sounds absolutely heavenly, and that would be AWESOME if that became a special! I'll look into the cancellation policy!

I know what you mean about planning! It feels like i'm missing something!! Like, I don't have to look at any crowd calendars, don't need to make ADR's, don't need to come up with a Do-or-Die Ride plan, don't need to figure out how to get from A to B the quickest!! Everything's pretty much all figured out for me!! But I do the same things with the restaurant menus as well! I love seeing what new thing will be added for next time! Unfortunately, when I don't have a trip planned, I tend to slack on hearing about the 'new' things going on in the parks...For instance...Snow White???! It's not going to be there anymore?!? This is probably old news to you, about 5 days new to me! Which is why I should CONSTANTLY have a trip planned so I don't fall behind!!

Woot woot!! That's great that your family will be able to go again!! I think it would be a lot of fun to experience WDW with people you love (and enjoy to be around! ) Will a PTR or TR be in the making????

They are much more than what I pay here in town, but it is Disney, so I just go with it. The one I did actually only has a half body massage (sorta weird ) but I guess they figure if you're getting the wrap you'll be pretty relaxed either way, it was great.



I saw a post on another forum that I'm on where someone from the Mom's panel got to go on the inaugural cruise and she went on the AquaDuck, yes it goes over the side of the boat, and she said it was totally cool! So adults are included, I would do that at least twice! The bar part of the pool has only six inches of water, from the images there are stools and then you can sit in carved out lounges in the water or perhaps take your drink back to the deeper 4 or 6 foot areas. It is not a swim up bar, but you can stay in the water when ordering your drinks.



I didn't see anything about an extra charge for Remy, but Palo has a $20 charge, nominal for the food you get. We did this on the Wonder and really enjoyed the restaurant. We're really thinking about a cruise in the next few years, but Fran wants to wait until she can go without a scooter. I'm not sure her recovery will go that far, but I won't discount it.

Just out of curiousity and this is only for informational purposes, if we were looking for people to rent our DVC points to, and it worked with your schedule would you have any interest in doing that? No committments or anything, but there have been some DVC changes and we are in the process of buying a BOATLOAD of points. I would never rent to a stranger, but if it could work out with you and your DH would you have an interest somewhere in the future. I have a handfull of people I've met on the DIS that I would trust renting my points to. I would have to have a fairly good reputation of TRs and stuff before I would put my neck on the line for someone, but you two are good people. It might work out that if you are planning a trip to WDW and we are planning a cruise that we could work out a win/win situation where we both save money and get what we want!

Good luck in planning your cruise and start a PTR before it all gets planned here!

You know what, just yesterday I watched a video on the disneycruiseline website that showed a woman riding the aquaduck! It looks AH-MAZING!!! Just wondering how long the line will be in the dead of summer Oh well, it will be worth the wait i'm sure!! Plus it takes two people at a time (I was originally thinking it was 1 person at a time, so now it cuts the time in half! ) And yup, right after you mentioned the bar in the pool, I went and checked it out! And I say, "Good enough for me!" Swim up bars are funner, but this will def do!!

OK, so I just went back to the website to see about Remy : "An additional charge of $75 per person is required to dine at Remy, in addition to the cost of wine and alcoholic beverages"

Listen to how AWESOME this is:
"Pre-Dinner Service-
Once dinner is booked and Guests are on board, they are invited to meet with a sommelier in Remy's wine room to taste and pre-select their wines for the evening. Please note, alcoholic beverages are available at an extra charge."

This place sounds wonderful too!! What's even neater, is that the menu is created by a Michelin 2 star restaurant chef and the chef from V & A's!! Must convince the hubby about this one!!

And we would ABSOLUTELY be interested in renting points someday! One time out of curiosity, I went over to the DVC Rental thread, just to see what it was all about, and we would definitely be able to save some money by renting! Just thought it would be weird to 'rent' from people we didn't know, and vice versa...you'd think people renting out their points would want someone they know and are reliable right?! But, YES, we would be very interested! Thanks for thinking of us!!


And as far a PTR goes, I have NO idea what to name it!!!!! That's why I haven't started one yet!!

 

[bangzoom6877]

OOh thanks for that tip! I would NEVER have known this! And I for sure want to get a treatment done...the one Allison mentioned sounds absolutely heavenly, and that would be AWESOME if that became a special! I'll look into the cancellation policy!

I know what you mean about planning! It feels like i'm missing something!! Like, I don't have to look at any crowd calendars, don't need to make ADR's, don't need to come up with a Do-or-Die Ride plan, don't need to figure out how to get from A to B the quickest!! Everything's pretty much all figured out for me!! But I do the same things with the restaurant menus as well! I love seeing what new thing will be added for next time! Unfortunately, when I don't have a trip planned, I tend to slack on hearing about the 'new' things going on in the parks...For instance...Snow White???! It's not going to be there anymore?!? This is probably old news to you, about 5 days new to me! Which is why I should CONSTANTLY have a trip planned so I don't fall behind!!

Woot woot!! That's great that your family will be able to go again!! I think it would be a lot of fun to experience WDW with people you love (and enjoy to be around! ) Will a PTR or TR be in the making????

I only recently heard about Snow White too! I am also not in the loop as much as usual because I am not planning a trip until 2012. Once we're back from the cruise though, and we know our exact WDW vacation dates, I'm sure I will go back into full-time Disney mode, especially before the new school year starts! One thing will be much more exciting when planning the next trip...my son Philip started reading last Spring, but he reads so well now, that he can look on all the websites with me! So I plan to involve him in a lot of the planning this time, more now than ever!

As far as a PTR, I will probably start one as soon as the rest of the family and I figure out the exact dates we will be at WDW. Even though this will be before the trip is officially booked, I will probably begin to post so I can count down the days until my 11-month window opens up to book BWV!!

Right now, I am already tossing around what to do with dining. They now allow DVC members staying on points to get one of the dining plans for a portion of their stay. It is not required for the entire length of stay, just that the reservation is segmented. So, you stay in the same room the whole time and don't have to move around or anything. However...I have read over on the DVC boards that there have been a lot of glitches that they need to work through, like people having to get a new KTTW card (even though they shouldn't have to do that), credits on one person's KTTW card but that do not appear on their spouse's card, etc. So, we will only segment out reservation if they work through these glitches by the time we need to figure out what to do. We have until 48 hours before arrival to add the dining plan. When I did the math, doing basic dining one night, and deluxe dining most of the other nights worked out to be the most efficient, and cost less than upgrading my ticket to the annual pass and buying the TIW card, then getting a 20% discount. From my calculations, this would be the ideal option for us:

Night 1: Basic DDP
Nights 2-4: Deluxe dining plan
Night 5: no dining plan
Nights 6-9: deluxe dining plan
Night 10: no dining plan
Final morning: pay OOP for character breakfast

The credits are still good until midnight on the day of what would have been "check-out". So on the days without the dining plan, any leftover credits from the previous plan would still be good until midnight. And with the restaurants I am now looking into, this plan would work out well.

We shall see. I'm sure I will change my mind at least a thousand times!

 

[franandaj]

Unfortunately, when I don't have a trip planned, I tend to slack on hearing about the 'new' things going on in the parks...For instance...Snow White???! It's not going to be there anymore?!? This is probably old news to you, about 5 days new to me! Which is why I should CONSTANTLY have a trip planned so I don't fall behind!!

Actually you're right in there on SWSA, the news was only released on the 19th of January.

OK, so I just went back to the website to see about Remy : "An additional charge of $75 per person is required to dine at Remy, in addition to the cost of wine and alcoholic beverages"

Listen to how AWESOME this is:
"Pre-Dinner Service-
Once dinner is booked and Guests are on board, they are invited to meet with a sommelier in Remy's wine room to taste and pre-select their wines for the evening. Please note, alcoholic beverages are available at an extra charge."

This place sounds wonderful too!! What's even neater, is that the menu is created by a Michelin 2 star restaurant chef and the chef from V & A's!! Must convince the hubby about this one!!

OK, I must have missed the part about the $75 charge! But compared to V&A's it's a bargain!

And we would ABSOLUTELY be interested in renting points someday! One time out of curiosity, I went over to the DVC Rental thread, just to see what it was all about, and we would definitely be able to save some money by renting! Just thought it would be weird to 'rent' from people we didn't know, and vice versa...you'd think people renting out their points would want someone they know and are reliable right?! But, YES, we would be very interested! Thanks for thinking of us!!

And as far a PTR goes, I have NO idea what to name it!!!!! That's why I haven't started one yet!!

We're looking at taking a cruise in the next five or so years, and (don't want to spoil my next PTR update) we will have points at three different WDW resorts if all goes as planned. So when you two are ready to go back, we'll have to talk. During your travel times you could have a studio for one week (at about $10pp for easy math) for $1200-1340, or a 1 bedroom with a kitchen and jacuzzi tub for $2400-$2690. I think that beats paying OOP by quite a bit, if I'm not mistaken. Unless we start taking 2 trips per year to WDW, take lots of friends with us, or stay overnight monthly at DL (you know how silly THAT would be! ) we'll probably have extra points!

 

[franandaj]

Night 1: Basic DDP
Nights 2-4: Deluxe dining plan
Night 5: no dining plan
Nights 6-9: deluxe dining plan
Night 10: no dining plan
Final morning: pay OOP for character breakfast

So I'm very curious about how you plan to make this work, can you elaborate? Since i know you've planned it even further than this! ie, possible restaurants and how many signatures you'll do vs regular and I imagine that on the days where you have no DP you plan on using leftover credits.

I've done the same thing with our trip coming up and we plan on eating at two signatures and two TS in 3 days, I wonder if it's worth it...I have to crunch the numbers again. What do you get on the DDP is it two or three TS meals with app, entree & dessert each day? The problem is that we can't usually eat two entrees, so we might be better off with the DP, buying an appetizer and using both credits for the sigs on the two days and then using the other credits at the regulars...hmmm I'll have to crunch these numbers!

 

[heathsf]

Only 2 more days for you!! !!!! How exciting!!!!!!

I'm leaving tomorrow but I'm SSSSOOOO stressed out because we're having *another* snow storm today. It's supposed to snow from this morning until tomorrow morning and my flight leaves tomorrow night! I'm so worried that my flight will be delayed because if I can't get out of NJ tomorrow night it will ruin the whole trip since it's so short anyway. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

 

[Leshaface]

I only recently heard about Snow White too! I am also not in the loop as much as usual because I am not planning a trip until 2012. Once we're back from the cruise though, and we know our exact WDW vacation dates, I'm sure I will go back into full-time Disney mode, especially before the new school year starts! One thing will be much more exciting when planning the next trip...my son Philip started reading last Spring, but he reads so well now, that he can look on all the websites with me! So I plan to involve him in a lot of the planning this time, more now than ever!

As far as a PTR, I will probably start one as soon as the rest of the family and I figure out the exact dates we will be at WDW. Even though this will be before the trip is officially booked, I will probably begin to post so I can count down the days until my 11-month window opens up to book BWV!!

Right now, I am already tossing around what to do with dining. They now allow DVC members staying on points to get one of the dining plans for a portion of their stay. It is not required for the entire length of stay, just that the reservation is segmented. So, you stay in the same room the whole time and don't have to move around or anything. However...I have read over on the DVC boards that there have been a lot of glitches that they need to work through, like people having to get a new KTTW card (even though they shouldn't have to do that), credits on one person's KTTW card but that do not appear on their spouse's card, etc. So, we will only segment out reservation if they work through these glitches by the time we need to figure out what to do. We have until 48 hours before arrival to add the dining plan. When I did the math, doing basic dining one night, and deluxe dining most of the other nights worked out to be the most efficient, and cost less than upgrading my ticket to the annual pass and buying the TIW card, then getting a 20% discount. From my calculations, this would be the ideal option for us:

Night 1: Basic DDP
Nights 2-4: Deluxe dining plan
Night 5: no dining plan
Nights 6-9: deluxe dining plan
Night 10: no dining plan
Final morning: pay OOP for character breakfast

The credits are still good until midnight on the day of what would have been "check-out". So on the days without the dining plan, any leftover credits from the previous plan would still be good until midnight. And with the restaurants I am now looking into, this plan would work out well.

We shall see. I'm sure I will change my mind at least a thousand times!

Yay for Philip!! He's going to love checking out the Disney websites with you!! That's another thing i'm looking forward to when I have children...getting them involved in the planning process of our vacations! I'm sure they'll enjoy it and appreciate it way more when they're the ones planning!

So this was just recently that they allowed DVC members to use the dining plans?! Very interesting!! And you're allowed to switch up the plans as you feel needed?!? That's amazing!!

Nothings wrong with trying to perfect your amazing 11 day trip!!! With the amount of time that you're staying, you have soooo many options and possibilities, I think I would go crazy...with EXCITEMENT that is!

DH just the other day was saying, we REALLY just need to drive to WDW...i'm thinking, wow, we'd have to do that during Summertime cuz it would take, i'm guessing, 3 days to get there and 3 days back and obviously you'd want to spend at least 8 nights there to make it worth it right?? Just wondering if it would come out cheaper than a plane flight...i'm thinking gas, hotel (to and back), food...and what happens if we blow a tire, or our engine gives out... I'm thinking this trip won't happen UNTIL we get our new vehicle..someday!

Actually you're right in there on SWSA, the news was only released on the 19th of January.




OK, I must have missed the part about the $75 charge! But compared to V&A's it's a bargain!



We're looking at taking a cruise in the next five or so years, and (don't want to spoil my next PTR update) we will have points at three different WDW resorts if all goes as planned. So when you two are ready to go back, we'll have to talk. During your travel times you could have a studio for one week (at about $10pp for easy math) for $1200-1340, or a 1 bedroom with a kitchen and jacuzzi tub for $2400-$2690. I think that beats paying OOP by quite a bit, if I'm not mistaken. Unless we start taking 2 trips per year to WDW, take lots of friends with us, or stay overnight monthly at DL (you know how silly THAT would be! ) we'll probably have extra points!

Oh good! So i'm not THAT out of the loop with Snow White! I thought I was slacking horrifically; glad i'm not!

True that about being a bargain compared to V&A's! I think it said it was a 8-9 course meal...is that how V&A's is too?? I think we're def going to do this...need to get DH a suit or something now though...gosh the price of the cruise just creeps up on you!!! First, the excursions (am looking at 3 or 4 right now, then Remy's (the food's not the expensive price, but the attire is what will probably cost us), then last and CERTAINLY not least, it the alcoholic beverages!

I'm trying to remember off the top of my head, where you own at again..I know Bonnie is at Boardwalk, and I know you're at Boardwalk as well..then your over at the Grand Californian here in Cali...was it SSR? And you're right, it probably would save us significantly because we don't 'want' to do any more Value or Moderates for a while (I say 'want', but if we ever run into hard times but can still manage a WDW vacation, we'll have to live with a Value...otherwise, we'd DEFINITELY prefer a Deluxe!) And we'd probably only need a Studio..WDW has great food, and I really can't see myself cooking...especially now that bangzoom had brought up that you can now use dining plans for DVC members! As soon as I posted about renting points one day, I realized that we wouldn't be able to use the dining plan ...then I saw Bonnie's post and was super happy about that!

And let me just say, there is NOTHING wrong with taking 2 trips to WDW in one year..if you can swing it, why the heck not!!?? And what's wrong with trying to get out of the Long Beach scene once a month and getting away to the Disney scene?!? Yes, you only live 20 mins away, but it's a completely different world once you step foot into the Disneyland Resort!

I'm leaving tomorrow but I'm SSSSOOOO stressed out because we're having *another* snow storm today. It's supposed to snow from this morning until tomorrow morning and my flight leaves tomorrow night! I'm so worried that my flight will be delayed because if I can't get out of NJ tomorrow night it will ruin the whole trip since it's so short anyway. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Oh no!! Here's hoping for good weather for you! Please keep us posted over here! If you're not back on tomorrow, i'm assuming all is well and look forward to hearing about you wonderful vacation!!!

 

[franandaj]

DH just the other day was saying, we REALLY just need to drive to WDW...i'm thinking, wow, we'd have to do that during Summertime cuz it would take, i'm guessing, 3 days to get there and 3 days back and obviously you'd want to spend at least 8 nights there to make it worth it right?? Just wondering if it would come out cheaper than a plane flight...i'm thinking gas, hotel (to and back), food...and what happens if we blow a tire, or our engine gives out... I'm thinking this trip won't happen UNTIL we get our new vehicle..someday!

You might also think about the train. A friend of mine did that to go back to Illinois and it was about 1/4 the cost of the airfare. I think it was like $500 vs $125. He saw some really nice scenery through New Mexico, and you wouldn't have to be tired out from the driving. Just a thought!

True that about being a bargain compared to V&A's! I think it said it was a 8-9 course meal...is that how V&A's is too?? I think we're def going to do this...need to get DH a suit or something now though...gosh the price of the cruise just creeps up on you!!! First, the excursions (am looking at 3 or 4 right now, then Remy's (the food's not the expensive price, but the attire is what will probably cost us), then last and CERTAINLY not least, it the alcoholic beverages!

yeah the price of the cruise is a drop in the bucket compared to everything else! V&A's is about five or six in the main dining room. We hope to do the Queen Victoria Room on the trip after next (not the one I'm doing a PTR for now), and I don't know how many courses that is. We did the Chef's table four years ago and that was 10! I really almost lost it I was so full. Thank god we were staying at the Grand Floridian or I would not have made it home that night! I think I took my clothes off as I walked to the bed, laid down and passed out in a food coma!

Once you invest in the suit, he'll all of a sudden find tons of occasions to wear it!

I'm trying to remember off the top of my head, where you own at again..I know Bonnie is at Boardwalk, and I know you're at Boardwalk as well..then your over at the Grand Californian here in Cali...was it SSR? And you're right, it probably would save us significantly because we don't 'want' to do any more Value or Moderates for a while (I say 'want', but if we ever run into hard times but can still manage a WDW vacation, we'll have to live with a Value...otherwise, we'd DEFINITELY prefer a Deluxe!) And we'd probably only need a Studio..WDW has great food, and I really can't see myself cooking...especially now that bangzoom had brought up that you can now use dining plans for DVC members! As soon as I posted about renting points one day, I realized that we wouldn't be able to use the dining plan ...then I saw Bonnie's post and was super happy about that!

You'll have to wait until my PTR update to find out where I own I'm almost done with the installment, but we're getting ready to head out to the park for dinner this evening.

About the dining plan, I'm not sure if the split plans are available to members only or anyone staying on points. I'll have to check into that further. It's a new development that you split up your reservation but not have to change rooms. Members could always pay for the dining plan, but were subject to the same rules as other resorts. Entire party, length of stay, no exceptions. Now it is very flexible and a lot more people will take advantage of it.

So do you have and firm plans for your birthday trip?

 

[bangzoom6877]

So I'm very curious about how you plan to make this work, can you elaborate? Since i know you've planned it even further than this! ie, possible restaurants and how many signatures you'll do vs regular and I imagine that on the days where you have no DP you plan on using leftover credits.

I've done the same thing with our trip coming up and we plan on eating at two signatures and two TS in 3 days, I wonder if it's worth it...I have to crunch the numbers again. What do you get on the DDP is it two or three TS meals with app, entree & dessert each day? The problem is that we can't usually eat two entrees, so we might be better off with the DP, buying an appetizer and using both credits for the sigs on the two days and then using the other credits at the regulars...hmmm I'll have to crunch these numbers!

Oh my, you know me way too well already!!!

Here goes:

Day 1: CS lunch at DTD; dinner at Chef Mickey's
Day 2: Lunch at 50s PTC; dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse
Day 3: Lunch at Plaza Restaurant; dinner at Kona
Day 4: Lunch at San Angel Inn; dinner at Biergarten
Day 5: Breakfast at Kouzzina; dinner at Kouzzina (this would be the day we go to Legoland, and eat lunch there)
Day 6: Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare; dinner at The Wave
Day 7: Lunch at Sci-Fi; dinner at Flying Fish for DH and me (dinner from BW Bakery for the boys...they will go to the camp that evening and we will have a date night!)
Day 8: Breakfast at Kona; dinner at Sanaa
Day 9: lunch at Chefs de France; dinner at Garden Grill
Day 10: Breakfast at Crystal Palace; dinner at either Citrico's or Narcoossee's
Final morning: Character breakfast (OOP...either Chef Mickey's or Ohana, not sure which one yet)

This of course is a VERY tentative schedule, but gives me an idea on how our park days will look, dining-wise. For the above plan, we would have the basic DDP on night 1, deluxe plan nights 2-4, and deluxe plan again nights 6-9. And yes, we would use leftover credits for nights 5 and 10.

The basic DDP includes one CS credit, one TS credit and one snack per person per night. TS meals don't include app (except for kids, from the children's menu), but ours would be Chef Mickey's on the first night, so it is a buffet anyway. On the deluxe plan, app, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage are all included in one credit. Or you could use a deluxe plan credit for a CS meal.

We'll see...like I said, I will probably change my mind a thousand times!!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Leshaface.....DVC members staying on points were already able to add a dining plan, but it had to be for the entire length of stay. Recently, they started allowing members staying on points to segment their reservation so they can get one of the dining plans for part of their stay and not all of their stay, without having to risk switching rooms by doing a split stay.

A road trip from Cali to FL...go for it if you can! We lease our cars, and we always have plenty of miles leftover (we work locally), so driving from NYC to FL fits right in, and every 3 years we get a new car, so we know it will make it there and back! My parents and sister drove to Virginia and took the Auto Train on Amtrak and they hated it. Next time they will drive.

 

[Leshaface]

You might also think about the train. A friend of mine did that to go back to Illinois and it was about 1/4 the cost of the airfare. I think it was like $500 vs $125. He saw some really nice scenery through New Mexico, and you wouldn't have to be tired out from the driving. Just a thought!



yeah the price of the cruise is a drop in the bucket compared to everything else! V&A's is about five or six in the main dining room. We hope to do the Queen Victoria Room on the trip after next (not the one I'm doing a PTR for now), and I don't know how many courses that is. We did the Chef's table four years ago and that was 10! I really almost lost it I was so full. Thank god we were staying at the Grand Floridian or I would not have made it home that night! I think I took my clothes off as I walked to the bed, laid down and passed out in a food coma!

Once you invest in the suit, he'll all of a sudden find tons of occasions to wear it!



You'll have to wait until my PTR update to find out where I own I'm almost done with the installment, but we're getting ready to head out to the park for dinner this evening.

About the dining plan, I'm not sure if the split plans are available to members only or anyone staying on points. I'll have to check into that further. It's a new development that you split up your reservation but not have to change rooms. Members could always pay for the dining plan, but were subject to the same rules as other resorts. Entire party, length of stay, no exceptions. Now it is very flexible and a lot more people will take advantage of it.

So do you have and firm plans for your birthday trip?

The train!!! Have you told me about this before or am I making this up in my mind..?? Cuz it's a great idea! Wonder how long it takes??

10 GLORIOUS food plates i'm sure! That would be awesome!!! I'm thinking that whole ordeal took at least 2 1/2 hours, yes??? Food comatose is the way to go...as long as it's GREAT food, not junk food.

And that's what I was thinking about his suit too...as soon as we buy him one, things will come up more often for him to wear it! I'm thinking, V&A's whenever we go back to WDW??? Perhaps, if DH likes the cruise so much and decides to go on it again, Remy again?!?

I'll head over to your PTR right now to find out your secret! P.S. how was dinner last night? Where did you guys go to??

Also, i'm looking up dates now (my mom's going with DH and me cuz she also has the two day PH available through May...and we're thinking either Friday March 18-20 or Friday March 25-27, 2011) We just need to find out which dates will work better with DH's schedule...PLUS my mom got a 40% off PIN last month that I totally forgot about! So we're thinking the GC or maybe PPH since i've NEVER stayed there! Not sure yet..we have to book before Feb 11 I think, so we'll know for sure probably next week!

Oh my, you know me way too well already!!!

Here goes:

Day 1: CS lunch at DTD; dinner at Chef Mickey's
Day 2: Lunch at 50s PTC; dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse
Day 3: Lunch at Plaza Restaurant; dinner at Kona
Day 4: Lunch at San Angel Inn; dinner at Biergarten
Day 5: Breakfast at Kouzzina; dinner at Kouzzina (this would be the day we go to Legoland, and eat lunch there)
Day 6: Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare; dinner at The Wave
Day 7: Lunch at Sci-Fi; dinner at Flying Fish for DH and me (dinner from BW Bakery for the boys...they will go to the camp that evening and we will have a date night!)
Day 8: Breakfast at Kona; dinner at Sanaa
Day 9: lunch at Chefs de France; dinner at Garden Grill
Day 10: Breakfast at Crystal Palace; dinner at either Citrico's or Narcoossee's
Final morning: Character breakfast (OOP...either Chef Mickey's or Ohana, not sure which one yet)

This of course is a VERY tentative schedule, but gives me an idea on how our park days will look, dining-wise. For the above plan, we would have the basic DDP on night 1, deluxe plan nights 2-4, and deluxe plan again nights 6-9. And yes, we would use leftover credits for nights 5 and 10.

The basic DDP includes one CS credit, one TS credit and one snack per person per night. TS meals don't include app (except for kids, from the children's menu), but ours would be Chef Mickey's on the first night, so it is a buffet anyway. On the deluxe plan, app, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage are all included in one credit. Or you could use a deluxe plan credit for a CS meal.

We'll see...like I said, I will probably change my mind a thousand times!!

You have some GREAT restaurants!! You and your hubby will have a terrific date night at Flying Fish! That place was wonderful! And can't wait to hear which place you'll choose for your last night...toughie right there!

Leshaface.....DVC members staying on points were already able to add a dining plan, but it had to be for the entire length of stay. Recently, they started allowing members staying on points to segment their reservation so they can get one of the dining plans for part of their stay and not all of their stay, without having to risk switching rooms by doing a split stay.

A road trip from Cali to FL...go for it if you can! We lease our cars, and we always have plenty of miles leftover (we work locally), so driving from NYC to FL fits right in, and every 3 years we get a new car, so we know it will make it there and back! My parents and sister drove to Virginia and took the Auto Train on Amtrak and they hated it. Next time they will drive.

You know, for some reason, DH and I had ALWAYS thought that you couldn't get the dining plan?? Which was why we were a little hesitant on getting DVC one day, but this is good news for us!

I was just thinking a few days ago (while watching The Little Couple , love TLC shows!), the woman on there mentioned her lease was up and that she needed to get a new car...From what I hear, isn't it better to own a car, because then it would be payed off and considered 'your' vehicle? Then I got to thinking, but this means a BRAND new car every, what, 4-5 years?? Which would hopefully mean not too much maintenance on the vehicle (as far as engine/alternator/transmission issues with a newer car vs an older car)...