How does this sound - never cruised before - UPDATE

[TammiMcMan]

Somehow our plans to not visit Disney again until 2006, have gone right out the window. This will actually make 2 trips for us in six months. My story starts a few days ago when DH announces that he is completely stressed out from work and needs to get away from it all for a while. He must have seen the look on my face, because before I could even spit out the words, he told me that his idea of relaxing did not include park hopping at Disney. I let my mind wander and honestly couldn't come up with anything that would relax him and interest our 3 kids at the same time. Then I remembered the Disney cruise commercial. The one where the dad is sleeping on a deck chair, in the jacuzzi, on a float, in a hammock, etc... while his wife and kids are doing some fun activities. My dilemma is that we've never been on a cruise before and will this really be a good trip for all of us? We'll be going with DD18, DS14 & DD7 in addition to my husband and myself. Right now I have a 3 night Disney cruise on hold for 5/27-5/30 and because we get an extra day for the holiday, I also added on a night at the Grand Floridian before we head back home on 5/31. What do you guys think? Is this a good idea? Will he be relaxed after only 3 nights at sea and what about trying to fit in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot when we get back?

I have until tomorrow on my courtesy hold.

Thanks everyone,
Tammi

 

[kellimomo3]

I think your kids and husband would love cruising. There will be something for all of you. I don't know that I would push the park idea. That's Memorial Day weekend, right?? So...it's bound to be really crowded and if your DH said no parks, he would really hate it then. Also, after coming off a few days on a relaxing cruise then trying to jam the parks into one day before heading back, wouldn't that kind of defeat the purpose and have you arriving back home without that relaxed glow!! Just my opinion, whatever you do I know you'll have fun and you'll ALL love cruising!!

Good Luck with your decision!!

 

[Magic_Fan_Bruce]

I think a great place to stay for a night is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's not real close to the Magic Kingdom, and I wouldn't want to be based there for a week long vacation. But it is very unique and enjoyable resort.

Bruce

 

[SeaSpray]

I think that sounds great! DH and I are taking DSs who will be 16 and 13 when we cruise this summer. Just like you, we're adding a short stay at Disney World, after the cruise. We're going on the 7-night western caribbean itinerary, then 2 days at the Polynesian. We don't plan on doing any parks, just relaxing at the resort until we return home. I think it'll be very relaxing for your DH. DH and I went on our very first cruise last summer (Not Disney, and not with the kids) and we loved it so much that we decided to cruise this summer again, WITH the kids, which is why we chose Disney. DH works on computers all week long and it was wonderful to be "away from it all", we didn't use the internet at all that week, and no cell phones!! It's great also to NOT have to worry about paying for meals each time you walk into a restaurant. I highly recommend cruising to you and your family

 

[MrsPete]

If you want a relaxing vacation, a cruise is a great choice. However, I think the three-day is entirely too short. You'll barely get on board before you have to leave. At minimum, go for the four day.

As for a couple days at the Grand Floridian, if he doesn't want to park-hop, I'd say no. Why not just spend a couple days in Cocoa Beach or somewhere relaxing else when you get off the cruise ship?

 

[hsteacher]

similar situation with my DH and when I first mentioned a cruise, he wasn't thrilled -- worried about feeling "closed in" the whole "sea thing" , etc. Well I planned it anyway (for his sanity) and HE LOVED IT. He could choose to be lazy or busy. And when he was lazy, people waited on him. My DD was 18 and DS as 12 and they loved it also. I would highly recommend it.

 

[hsteacher]

oops, forgot. DO THE 4 DAY -- the three day will seem to short

 

[TammiMcMan]

Unfortunately, we can't fit the 4 night cruise into our schedule. Plus, I'm a bit leary to add on that extra night for our first cruise experience. If all goes well, then I will definitely look into staying longer the next time around.

My thoughts on adding the extra day at the Grand Floridian is that it's our favorite resort and DH loves the health club there. It would probably end up with me taking our youngest child over to the Magic Kingdom, while the two older ones head to Epcot and DH enjoys the resort and health club for the day. Then I could plan a family dinner followed by all of us heading back into the Magic Kingdom for Spectro & Wishes. I just have this feeling that if I don't do it, then we'll be disappointed when we get off the boat on Sunday knowing that we did have that one extra day to do something. Wow, sounds like I'm really trying to talk myself into this. I did just mention it to my DH and his e-mail response was to "go for it". I'm not sure if he's happy with the idea or if he's just having another stressfull day at work. Maybe I'll give him a few more hours to think about it.

Thanks for all the input, I don't feel so nervous about the first time cruise now.

 

[WVMD]

Do the cruise - and the extra day at GF. We did the 3 day cruise in September to get our feet wet - DW was scared of being seasick - and as you can see from my signature we've already booked 2 additional cruises.

Your DH will love the cruise - he can do as little as he wants... You don't feel rushed at all. When we do the cruise in April - we're staying the day before at Universal and the day after at YBC so that we can do Mission:Space.

I can honestly say that it was the most relaxed I've ever been on a vacation. No rushing from here to there...... I'm an ER doc and definitely lead a stressful life - and the relaxation was the main reasons we've booked 2 additional cruises.

Virgil

 

[disneylarsen]

Tammi did you really write the following sentence?

Will he be relaxed after only 3 nights at sea and what about trying to fit in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot when we get back?


I had to smile...
I know Disney Fever when I read it! LOL.

I always think I need a vacation after I go to the parks, especially around the holidays.

With whatever you choose; I hope you have a wonderful time.
Dawn

 

[TammiMcMan]

Dawn,

Yes, I am currently being treated for Disney Fever. I just can't imagine being so close to the parks and then not going. That's why I suggested Grand Floridian to my DH, so he can stay at the spa while I get my fix!

 

[EmmasGrammy]

Sweetie, if your DH said "go for it" then GO FOR IT!!! Don't question that he only said it cause he's having a bad day. GO FOR IT!!! You know down deep you yourself really want to GO FOR IT so just DO IT !!!! You will not be sorry. Your kids will love it and your DH will feel better knowing he has something to look forward to. Sometimes that trip dangling out in front of you can relieve the daily stresses. Make him a count down calander for his desk at work. Call and book the trip and don't look back. Just look forward to a relaxing getaway for the whole family!!!

 

[clh2]

EmmasGrammy's said it all.

I totally agree!

Like the Nike Commercials - JUST DO IT!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Okay guys, I DID IT!! We are booked on the 3 night Wonder for May 27th, followed by 1 night at the Grand Floridian. I did it through Dreams Unlimited thanks to great past experiences with them. We have a family stateroom (5 of us) and I did go back and forth between getting adjoining rooms, but in the end decided that we probably won't be spending much time in there and I know my DH will enjoy the verandah. Opted to drop the transfer and we'll rent a car instead. Even with the $21 parking fee at the port, it still came out to be less money and we can operate on our own schedule. I booked a flight for Wednesday evening and we'll stay at the Hyatt again. Again, that worked out to be less expensive than flying in early on Thursday morning. Better for us and we'll be more relaxed. Our TA has us down for the 2nd dinner seating, which we normally like to eat later, but will this interfere with any of the shows? I'll have to think about the excursions next. I'm leaning towards visiting the straw market in Nassau with the kids and then just enjoying most of that day on the boat. For Castaway, I know that they would like doing some snorkeling. I'm so excited and trying hard to keep it all a secret from the kids.

Happy, happy, fun, fun

 

[DoomBuggieDriver]

Tammi,
Congratulations! I am so excited for you. I am also suffering from Disney Fever. We are sailing on the 7 day in June, and arrive Thursday night for a Saturday cruise. The original plan is to stay at Cocco Beach and do the Space Center, but of course now I am having second (and third) thoughts! I vowed we would not do the parks this trip to keep it more relaxing and to see new things, but it's getting to me the closer the date gets!
Kathy

 

[hsteacher]

The shows run during the early dinner seating for the "late" diners and opposite for the "early" diners. You will only miss the shows if you choose. Great to hear you DID IT! You won't regret it! Have a great, well needed, vacation.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Okay, so not only have we booked the cruise, but I just finished speaking with our TA about upgrading to a category 3 one-bedroom. Unfortunately, she didn't show any of the larger cat 3's available, so I asked her to wait list us and for now I've selected room 8022. Thank you to the board posters for your insight and extremely helpful information.

Another surprise that I just found out is that my cousin has booked the same cruise with her 2 sons. I don't have any details yet, but hopefully we'll be able to get the same dinner seatings and be placed at the same table. I'm so excited right now. She lives in Orlando and we're in New England so we don't get to see much of each other.

My kids are starting to get suspicious and look for every opportunity to glance over my shoulder when I'm on the computer. Right now, it's 1am and I'm checking out deck plans, staterooms and ship itineraries just so they won't see what I'm doing. My goal is to keep it a secret right up until the time we pull into the port. I don't know how realistic that will be, but it will be fun trying.

Tammi

 

[mom2grace]

I'm not sure I would even bother with the Straw Market. Enjoy the ship instead. 3-nights is really not long enough.....you'll know what I mean when you experience it!

You can do the spa, kids clubs, teen stuff...just enjoy the verandah. Your family will be able to do "their own thing" if they want, you and DD at the spa, DS playing basketball or catching a movie, younger DD at the kids clubs......DH on the verandah (or in the spa with you!)

I LOVE the Rainforest room....a good book, I'm in there all day.

Have each child choose an excursion at Castaway Cay.

Regardless, you will have a great time! I can totally relate to needing to do WDW too!

 

[aprilgail2]

Originally posted by TammiMcMan
Opted to drop the transfer and we'll rent a car instead. Even with the $21 parking fee at the port, it still came out to be less money and we can operate on our own schedule.

I could be wrong but I thought it was 30.00 to park for the 3 day cruise...10.00 a day...maybe someone who knows for sure cna confirm this....Have a great trip...we took the 4 day and it was way to short for us so we are going on the 7 day in May!

 

[tkd lisa]

Also, if you're renting a car, most companies offer one way rentals to the port. It's most likely cheaper to rent to the port, drop off, then pick up a 2nd rental back to Orlando. That way you're not paying for days you don't use, and you're not paying for parking. Unless you're getting an awesome week long rate, you'll probably save money doing 2 one way rentals.