Jan. 18 2009 Wonder - who's cruising?

[stampinot]

I did not write them down, but there are quite a few playing the days we are on board.
Bolt-3D
College road trip
High School Muscial 3
are the 3 main ones I remember. I am sorry I am not more help
Julie

 

[weired88]

hey I was wondering if anyone has any recomendations on things to bring? not the usual packing list of clothes and stuff. i know wed do not need converters, but anything else? I guess a bag to bring for clothes and stuff on excursions? I"ve never been on a cruise before so any tips anyone can provide of stuff you wished you had packed last time...

thanks!

 

[dursin]

Great question on the movies. I just posed that question on the DCL forum, since I'd like to know too!

We're more than likely to stay on the shop for most of the time at Nassau. May get off for some sightseeing around the ship, but that's it. I bet there's still a ton to do aboard instead.

No idea about hairbraiding ... I only have boys!

My guess would be that for sure Bolt and Bedtime Stories will be playing as they are Disney films. I managed to find copies of those for 'home viewing' and have resisted letting the kids watch them because I want to save them for the ship.

 

[VA_mouseman]

I saw Bolt and loved it, but I was itching to get out and see it again in 3D (haven't). Hope I can see that version of it on the cruise. Bedtime Stories seems interesting but I'll pass on it if there are other/better things to do.

 

[VA_mouseman]

hey I was wondering if anyone has any recomendations on things to bring? not the usual packing list of clothes and stuff. i know wed do not need converters, but anything else? I guess a bag to bring for clothes and stuff on excursions? I"ve never been on a cruise before so any tips anyone can provide of stuff you wished you had packed last time...

thanks!

Definitely pack a day bag of all your critical items you'll need for the first few hours aboard, since your luggage won't make it to your stateroom for a few hours. Include any necessary RX, swimsuit if you wish, camera, camcorder and supplies (chargers, tapes, etc) ....

There is no formal night, so plan accordingly. There's a semi-formal night I believe and Palo's has a dress code, if you're going. Plan on hopefully warm days and cool evenings. There's a gym aboard and a walking/jogging track around deck 4 (I believe), so pack for those activities if you're inclined. I'm leaving my laptop at home but otherwise I'm bringing my iPhone (no cell service, but it has my calendar, etc on it).

Also, plan on spending some $$ aboard and plan accordingly for checkout. Things to plan for are tips (stateroom host and dinner servers), photos (optional), alcohol (optional, but it can add up!), shore excursions, and duty-free shopping (haven't done it before) are the first things to come to mind.

 

[iu97alum]

I saw Bolt and loved it, but I was itching to get out and see it again in 3D (haven't). Hope I can see that version of it on the cruise. Bedtime Stories seems interesting but I'll pass on it if there are other/better things to do.

We saw bolt too and LOVED it!! Emy would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see HSM3! Of course DH is wondering why we'd bother watching a movie on a boat...

 

[VA_mouseman]

Is there an interest in meeting one another once aboard?

Of the two prior DCL cruises I've done, the first was very active with lots of scheduled get-togethers. The second was more informal.

Perhaps we pick a time on Sunday afternoon, since after the safety drill, things start to get going (dinner and shows).

How does a timeframe of 3:00 to 3:30 PM sound? Hopefully we'll all be aboard by then. Top deck (9) would be a lot of fun but It may be difficult to have a firm meeting place since there's no guarantee of holding a table. I'm thinking of the Promenades lounge on deck 3. We enter the main lobby on deck 3; there is a back hallway to the left, along Tritons. The lounge is between Tritons and Parrot Cay.

Any interest?

 

[iu97alum]

Great question on the movies. I just posed that question on the DCL forum, since I'd like to know too!

We're more than likely to stay on the shop for most of the time at Nassau. May get off for some sightseeing around the ship, but that's it. I bet there's still a ton to do aboard instead.

No idea about hairbraiding ... I only have boys!

Here's what they told me when I called:
College road trip
Chronicles of Narina prince Caspian
Wall E
Miracle at Santa Anna
Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Morning light
HSM3
Bolt

HTH!

 

[iu97alum]

Is there an interest in meeting one another once aboard?

Of the two prior DCL cruises I've done, the first was very active with lots of scheduled get-togethers. The second was more informal.

Perhaps we pick a time on Sunday afternoon, since after the safety drill, things start to get going (dinner and shows).

How does a timeframe of 3:00 to 3:30 PM sound? Hopefully we'll all be aboard by then. Top deck (9) would be a lot of fun but It may be difficult to have a firm meeting place since there's no guarantee of holding a table. I'm thinking of the Promenades lounge on deck 3. We enter the main lobby on deck 3; there is a back hallway to the left, along Tritons. The lounge is between Tritons and Parrot Cay.

Any interest?

I'm up for it! BUT I am not sure we'll make it in time I found out our flights don't ARRIVE until 12:20PM at MCO. Since this is all scheduled through MAW (and thus through Disney) I have to go with what they do. So, if it works, I'll meet up, I HOPE!!!

Up for FE exchange too? With only 13 days left (YEA!!) I'm not sure it'll happen.

 

[weired88]

we have no kids so I don't know if that takes the fun out of meeting my sister and I... But I can't imagine their are too many sisters like us on board. We are 24 and 28 but both look like we are 16 years old, haha.


I have a dress I am planning to being for Palo's. We are doing that the first night (sunday). I will bring flip-flops, sneakers, dress shoes to go with the dress, a bag to bring out on the excursions. i am going to orlando the night before so I will pack a bag of stuff I'll need the first day. I feel like I am missing stuff but I guess I'll figure it out as I go... I'll plan on clothes for warm and cold weather. I am probably going to wal mart before boarding and buy our own snorkel gear to use after the excursion.


We need US cash for Bahamas?
We pre-paid $100 for tips, that will cover tips for the cruise, right?


Less than two weeks!

 

[weired88]

As I go to wal-mart before the cruise, I can buy snacks and drinks to bring on board right? Can we bring our own wine? Are their restrictions?

 

[VA_mouseman]

As I go to wal-mart before the cruise, I can buy snacks and drinks to bring on board right? Can we bring our own wine? Are their restrictions?

As I understand it, you can bring aboard pre-packaged food. Wine can be brought aboard too (but I'm not sure if there's a limit, or if it has to be packed or carryon or either), but DCL does charge a "corking" fee. Not sure how much though.

As for the tips you've prepaid, DCL will offer 'guidelines' on the recommended amounts per person per day, for your stateroom attendant and dining room staff. Sorry, but I can't pull up anything current right now. I'll bet there's info on the main DCL forum here. I did find this link to a tipping calculator, but I can't vouch for how accurate it is for Disney.

 

[VA_mouseman]

I'm up for it! BUT I am not sure we'll make it in time I found out our flights don't ARRIVE until 12:20PM at MCO. Since this is all scheduled through MAW (and thus through Disney) I have to go with what they do. So, if it works, I'll meet up, I HOPE!!!

Up for FE exchange too? With only 13 days left (YEA!!) I'm not sure it'll happen.

I bet you'll be on the boat by 3PM. It's only an hour from MCO to the Port. I presume you're doing luggage tags? If so, a trip to the conveyor belt is one less hassle after getting off the plane.

FWIW, we're up for a FE exchange. I'll have to cobble one together in the next week or so. Sign us up! Anyone else interested? Oh, and what are the rules of the exchange? (he asked sheepishly, since he's never done this before)

 

[Gypsy Gal]

As I go to wal-mart before the cruise, I can buy snacks and drinks to bring on board right? Can we bring our own wine? Are their restrictions?

Hi weired88,

Yes, as VA Mouseman said, you can bring wine on board and there is a corking fee. This is because they will not allow you to bring on a corkscrew. I know I have seen the price for the fee and if I find that info I will post it later for you. Also remember that if you carry on any snacks or drinks you may have to carry them around with you for a bit. Depending on when you board the ship you may have to wait before you head to your room.

Things to think about bringing/packing. I always throw a colapsible laundry basket in my suitcase. Makes keeping dirty clothes together easier. I have also packed a hanging shoe bag. Can use for shoes, toiletries, clothes, any little items you may want to store. Sunscreen!! Bag to carry items during an excursion or beach time at Castaway Cay. Your sense of adventure and fun!

I have also seen the amounts for the tips and if I find that info I will post for all.

Cruising the Wonder in 11 days. YIPPEE!!!!!!!

 

[Gypsy Gal]

Is there an interest in meeting one another once aboard?

Perhaps we pick a time on Sunday afternoon, since after the safety drill, things start to get going (dinner and shows).

How does a timeframe of 3:00 to 3:30 PM sound? Hopefully we'll all be aboard by then. Top deck (9) would be a lot of fun but It may be difficult to have a firm meeting place since there's no guarantee of holding a table. I'm thinking of the Promenades lounge on deck 3. We enter the main lobby on deck 3; there is a back hallway to the left, along Tritons. The lounge is between Tritons and Parrot Cay.

Any interest?

Yes, count us in. May just be DH and me since the girls may have wandered off to explore.

Cruising the Wonder in 11 days.

 

[iu97alum]

I bet you'll be on the boat by 3PM. It's only an hour from MCO to the Port. I presume you're doing luggage tags? If so, a trip to the conveyor belt is one less hassle after getting off the plane.

FWIW, we're up for a FE exchange. I'll have to cobble one together in the next week or so. Sign us up! Anyone else interested? Oh, and what are the rules of the exchange? (he asked sheepishly, since he's never done this before)

THanks! I don't know we're doing luggage tags. MAW is not giving us our cruise docs until the Friday before we LEAVE!

As for the FE, I only know that we need to exchange room numbers so we can deliver. It's up to each participatn if they want to provide a stateroom gift or one for each member. ANything goes from post it notes, to stickers to tattos to scrapbooks, etc! I'm excited now that we'll have at least one particpant.

 

[iu97alum]

Hi weired88,

Yes, as VA Mouseman said, you can bring wine on board and there is a corking fee. This is because they will not allow you to bring on a corkscrew. I know I have seen the price for the fee and if I find that info I will post it later for you. Also remember that if you carry on any snacks or drinks you may have to carry them around with you for a bit. Depending on when you board the ship you may have to wait before you head to your room.

Things to think about bringing/packing. I always throw a colapsible laundry basket in my suitcase. Makes keeping dirty clothes together easier. I have also packed a hanging shoe bag. Can use for shoes, toiletries, clothes, any little items you may want to store. Sunscreen!! Bag to carry items during an excursion or beach time at Castaway Cay. Your sense of adventure and fun!

I have also seen the amounts for the tips and if I find that info I will post for all.

Cruising the Wonder in 11 days. YIPPEE!!!!!!!

I've got my shoe holder packed. I actually took it with us to WDW last year but didn't need it.

I believe the corkage fee is $15. I thought you could ask your stateroom attendatnt for a corkscrew that you can keep in your room duration of the cruise and avoid the fee but I don't remember where I saw that...

Yea! I'm so excited it's so close!! Just a few days before we are into single digits!!

 

[Gypsy Gal]

Okay, I found the info. The corking fee is $15 per bottle and you do have to carry the bottles on with you. DCL doesn't want them breaking in your bags. Some other info about wine. If you decide to purchase a bottle on board with your meal... you don't have to finish it in one evening. Your dining staff will recork the bottle and have it for you the following evening. We usually do this because I prefer white wine and DH prefers reds. This way we each get what we want. Keeps us happy and Disney is all about happy.

Tipping... what I found on the DCL page.
*What about gratuities?
It is customary to give gratuities in recognition of service, which you will most likely be treated to in abundance aboard the ship. As a guideline, may we suggest the following:
Per Guest per cruise 4-Night
Dining Room Server $16.00
Dining Room Asst. Server $12.00
Dining Room Head Server $4.00
Stateroom Host/Hostess $16.00
Dining Manager Your Discretion
Room Service Your Discretion
Palo Gratuity included
Vista Spa & Salon Your Discretion
Babysitting Gratuity not expected
Shore Excursions Optional; not included in shore excursion price.
For your convenience, a 15% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. All gratuities can be charged to your room charge.

At the Walt Disney World® Resort, 15% is the customary gratuity at restaurants and bars.

Hope this helps.

 

[weired88]

hey thanks for all the info!

We actually paid ahead our gratuities, $100 total. So if I understand right, we do not have to tip at all while there... But I should make sure.

Yea, I like drinking wine and my sister doesnt really drink at all. So knowing that I can recork sounds great.

Well I am very excited. We have had lots of rainy days here so I am hoping for good weather...

 

[VA_mouseman]

Hmmm, I wonder if the corking fees apply to screw top bottles?

I'm the only wine drinker at our table, so I get a bottle from DCL and spread it over a few meals.