January 10-14 2010!!! 4 nights on the Wonder

[mommy2paris]

Chant with me...

"I will not worry about the weather. I will not worry about the weather. Please don't let it snow between now and Saturday when we arrive in Florida."

Okay, I'm starting to stress, lol... THey are calling for major snow storms all over the us, starting Friday afternoon / evening... just when we are supposed to leave. We won't be able to leave any earlier since DH has to work almost all day Friday... We are facing a 14+ drive plus stops, and we were hoping to get most if not all of our traveling done overnight, while our "little angels" are sleeping, lol.

 

[tinkerbarb]

Chant with me...

"I will not worry about the weather. I will not worry about the weather. Please don't let it snow between now and Saturday when we arrive in Florida."

Okay, I'm starting to stress, lol... THey are calling for major snow storms all over the us, starting Friday afternoon / evening... just when we are supposed to leave. We won't be able to leave any earlier since DH has to work almost all day Friday... We are facing a 14+ drive plus stops, and we were hoping to get most if not all of our traveling done overnight, while our "little angels" are sleeping, lol.

OMG I hear ya! I'm in Charleston South Carolina and we are expecting snow fluries, YES SNOW here Thursday night or Friday!!! If our roads freeze it will actually shut down the city!! I'm actually hoping it happens and they shut the schools so we can leave for Florida even earlier than Saturday. LOL

The weather is looking better for the cruise so I'm now going to just split up our luggage and pack one suitcase for the cruise (warmish weather clothes) and one for WDW (mild to COLD weather) and leave some luggage in the car so that we don't crowd our room.

 

[roxyrose]

I here ya with the weather. I am going to check it again tomorrow. We are suppose to have ice/snow Thursday or Friday. We were suppose to leave first thing Friday morning, now we may leave Thursday evening after school gets out (we are driving from NC). Maybe we can at least get down to GA and have better traveling weather on Friday.

I have our bags covering the guest bedroom all half packed. I hope to finish up tomorrow afternoon. Safe traveling everyone. See ya on board.

 

[natale1980]

It is currently 10:23pm. I have to wake up at 2am... I'm still working on my door magnets. My printer isn't behaving... My door may be a bit naked. =)

-nat

 

[Baidoo]

We are flying down from Wisconsin early Saturday morning and weather looks alright-not much snow expected although very arctic here. Today we have 9 degrees and most people are excited it's getting warmer!

Everyone have a good trip and realize that the cruise will be fantastic! The weather is better there than any of us are experiencing now!

 

[1Grumpy John]

Whew, I'm kinda starting to freak out here! I am usually such as planner/researcher and I so wasn't able to do this with this trip... and it's our first WDW/DCL vacation, ahhh!! It's just too overwhelming!

We're trying to be relatively thrifty, so no real excursions for us, but I did look at excursions for Nassau today. I think we're going to do the Discover Atlantis thing... we would like to get off the ship, but since we're just two girls in our early 20s we're a little leery... so we figure a tour thing to Atlantis should be okay, lol. Anyone have any experience there? It sounds good!

So close now!

We did Atlantis with the kids and grands over Halloween 2008 and had a blast there. the water slides and lazy river rides

tube ride through the shark tank was very cool too

 

[maberlyne]

We did Atlantis with the kids and grands over Halloween 2008 and had a blast there. the water slides and lazy river rides

tube ride through the shark tank was very cool too

With that tour do we actually have access to that stuff, too? I guess I'm kinda confused about what can actually be done... I thought you had to buy one of the higher packages to use the water. I think it says the tour length it 2.5-4.5h.

 

[tinkerbarb]

With that tour do we actually have access to that stuff, too? I guess I'm kinda confused about what can actually be done... I thought you had to buy one of the higher packages to use the water. I think it says the tour length it 2.5-4.5h.

NO you do not have access to the water attractions.

Discover Atlantis (2-5 hours)
Immerse yourself in the legend of Atlantis during this exciting excursion. After a 35-minute historical harbor cruise to Paradise Island Ferry Terminal across from Atlantis, you'll be escorted to the resort to begin a guided journey through the attraction, Discover Atlantis. Home to more than 120,000 fish representing 150 species, this attraction re-creates the lost city of Atlantis while providing a fascinating look at life in the ocean's depths. Return ferry transportation is included and available until 5:30pm. After this time, you will need to take a taxi (additional cost) back to the ship before departure. NOTE: This excursion involves extensive walking. Please wear comfortable shoes.
Price: Adult $52 (10 & up) Child: $35 (ages 3-9)

PLEASE NOTE that you can do this so much cheaper on your own!!
Take a $10 taxi ride over to Atlantis, then get a $20 a ticket to go thru "The Dig" all on your own, then taxi back.

I've done this on my own with my son and also on my own with my son and elderly Aunt. It's easy cheesy! Taxi fares are posted and you will not be ripped off. If it's not crowded you can go for about $5 each. There are kiosks inside of the resort in the casino and near the front entrance to The Dig that sell the tickets. If you are a TA or a FL resident or a CM be sure to tell them and they will sell you tickets for the "locals" cost of $8.

I'm headed there myself with son and friend. We plan to switch off going to see the fish (for the FORTH time!!) with my son while the other plays a few hands at the tables.

I usually get a room, but the prices are so high right now becuase of the snowbirds, and the weather to me is too iffy to gamble on for a fun day in the water, that I decided to throw half of that away on blackjack instead. LOL

If you want to tag along and share a van ride over, I'd be happy to have you join us.

 

[1Grumpy John]

Tinkerbarb, you are right we did get a room I had forgotten that, we only went to the room for a min. or two

 

[EllaEnchanted]

just 2 more days and we're on the plane.....ohhh i'm getting excited now!!!​

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Of course, before I get on the plane I have to repack because I brought all warm weather clothes. Wishful thinking I guess. haha. I have to take some of those clothes out and add some cool weather clothing. Then I'm ready to go.

 

[tinkerbarb]

Of course, before I get on the plane I have to repack because I brought all warm weather clothes. Wishful thinking I guess. haha. I have to take some of those clothes out and add some cool weather clothing. Then I'm ready to go.

Gosh I hear ya! Thank goodness we can wait till the last minute to pack and keep watching the extended forecast to get a better idea of what to take along. So far I've scrapped the shorts and extra bathing suits. I'm adding rain gear now and rethinking shoes.
Sail day looks like 54
Monday looks like 73 with 20% chance of rain
Tuesday looks like 72 with 10%
Coming back looks much warmer but with 60% chance of rain
I'm trying to find water temps now.

 

[Baidoo]

PLEASE NOTE that you can do this so much cheaper on your own!!
Take a $10 taxi ride over to Atlantis, then get a $20 a ticket to go thru "The Dig" all on your own, then taxi back.

I've done this on my own with my son and also on my own with my son and elderly Aunt. It's easy cheesy! Taxi fares are posted and you will not be ripped off. If it's not crowded you can go for about $5 each. There are kiosks inside of the resort in the casino and near the front entrance to The Dig that sell the tickets. If you are a TA or a FL resident or a CM be sure to tell them and they will sell you tickets for the "locals" cost of $8.


Tinkerbarb...

I think you've talked me into going with our DD since the price is much better on our own. Maybe I can talk my DH into going as well. He's always nervous going in a taxi in a strange country... worried about being kidnapped, etc.

 

[mommy2paris]

What will you guys be adding due to the rain? I hadn't even thought about taking something for rain... Ponchos? Raincoats? Ugh... it isn't getting any easier!!

 

[maberlyne]

NO you do not have access to the water attractions.

Discover Atlantis (2-5 hours)
Immerse yourself in the legend of Atlantis during this exciting excursion. After a 35-minute historical harbor cruise to Paradise Island Ferry Terminal across from Atlantis, you'll be escorted to the resort to begin a guided journey through the attraction, Discover Atlantis. Home to more than 120,000 fish representing 150 species, this attraction re-creates the lost city of Atlantis while providing a fascinating look at life in the ocean's depths. Return ferry transportation is included and available until 5:30pm. After this time, you will need to take a taxi (additional cost) back to the ship before departure. NOTE: This excursion involves extensive walking. Please wear comfortable shoes.
Price: Adult $52 (10 & up) Child: $35 (ages 3-9)

PLEASE NOTE that you can do this so much cheaper on your own!!
Take a $10 taxi ride over to Atlantis, then get a $20 a ticket to go thru "The Dig" all on your own, then taxi back.

I've done this on my own with my son and also on my own with my son and elderly Aunt. It's easy cheesy! Taxi fares are posted and you will not be ripped off. If it's not crowded you can go for about $5 each. There are kiosks inside of the resort in the casino and near the front entrance to The Dig that sell the tickets. If you are a TA or a FL resident or a CM be sure to tell them and they will sell you tickets for the "locals" cost of $8.

I'm headed there myself with son and friend. We plan to switch off going to see the fish (for the FORTH time!!) with my son while the other plays a few hands at the tables.

I usually get a room, but the prices are so high right now becuase of the snowbirds, and the weather to me is too iffy to gamble on for a fun day in the water, that I decided to throw half of that away on blackjack instead. LOL

If you want to tag along and share a van ride over, I'd be happy to have you join us.

Thank you so much for that offer, we will probably take you up on that!

I just have a couple more questions, lol! I'm looking at the Discover Atlantis description from the website and it's a little different than the one you posted. It doesn't make any mention of the harbor cruise? Just the guided cruise at the Ruins thing. So I'm guessing if we do it on our own it isn't a guided tour? Not that that's a really big deal.

And then it sounds like we can just wander the grounds (less the water attractions, which is fine) after? Cuz it makes mention of going to their beach, which I understand is private unless you have access (which I assume we do, lol?).

Thanks so much for your answers, I just know this place is gigantic and trying to decipher it all, haha!

 

[maberlyne]

Baidoo, maybe we can all go together! We can go with Tough Tour Guide TinkerBarb!

 

[NYhorsefarm-mom]

We start driving on Friday from NY. I pray the weather cooperates. We are very determined that nothing is going to stop us. I will see you all there!!!! Now, what do I pack????

 

[mommy2paris]

I feel your pain! We are leaving friday as well from Maryland and I am stressed about the weather for the drive. We have always flown and this is our first attempt at driving... I have packed half the house, lol. We are spending the night near the port Saturday, then the cruise, then spending 3 days in Disney world before we come home. I am trying to pack separate so that we don't have to lug everything with us everywhere... So far I have managed one small suitcase for the 4 of us for the overnight... One huge suitcase for the 4 of us for the days at Disney (Plus a carryon with toiletries), and I"m still working on the cruise stuff... I'm running out of time!!
Save travels to your family!!


Where exactly is the Meet on Sunday???

ANd, I read somewhere that it is okay to go to dinner Casual on the first night, since luggage can sometimes take a while to get to your room. Is this true? I don't want to be out of place if not, but I don't want to miss the sail a way party, in our room trying to get changed.

Finished making our shirts last night and our magnets, filled the FE bags and finished them off. Yay!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

OK I'm ready to go again. I repacked and added some cold weather clothing. I have a good mix now....so whatever the weather is, I will be prepared. I restocked the bathroom bag and finished packing my make up bag.

We're flying for the first time and we're expecting delays at the airports with this weather. YUCK! Add to that the increased security as of late and we're not taking any chances. We're putting the bathroom bag and the make up bag in the check in bags. We're just bringing weekenders...one for me and a duffle one for DH John. Then I have a hand held tote bag and John has a backpack as our carry ons. So we're packing light and praying for no delays.

WE FLY OUT TOMORROW AFTERNOON!!!

Yup I'm excited, especially since I can relax today because I'm ready to go.

We'll see you onboard.....come visit us in our Cat 3 suite....8078.....and we'll give you the tour.

 

[mylittleprincess]

I cannot believe the weather when we arrive in Orlando Saturday is saying 47 degrees on one site & 38 on another!! Guess I am packing the winter coats for sure!!!

To those of you questioning Atlantis on your own. We did it in August no problem at all!! DH went right up to cab driver gave cab driver an offer of $20 to take just the 4 of us to Atlantis. He agreed no problem!! We rented the room at Comfort Suites, checked in & checked right out.