January 11, 2009 4-day Wonder Cruise

[WDW Princess 71]

The only good place to eat in MK for a sit-down meal is Cinderella's Royal Table for the experience of actually eating in the castle and meeting Cinderella and other princesses. However, this almost always books up months in advance. You could try to get a reservation, but it is unlikely this close to your trip......>
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I am looking now to see If I can obtain last minute dinner ressies @ the places you suggested (eating a meal at Cincerella's Castle sounds cool) but..........if unsucessful - you still raise a good point & it's about the Monorail.

Would you suggest I ride it for the experience of being in it?? So, while at MK (my last day before I go onto DCL), where is is located at & where/what do you guggest I go/see or visit?? I admit, that does have me curious.
If I get dropped off at a place, how long the way until the next one comes around??


"COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS" -

Yes, I would suggest riding the monorail since you've never done it before. It is one of the original innovations of the WDW resort, having this suspended track going around from place to place. I have to admit I'm not sure if you can take one from MK to Epcot...I know they both have them, just not sure if they are separate or not (I never took to Epcot b/c we always stay at the Yacht Club resort where we can walk to Epcot). But nevertheless, for your purposes I would take it to one of those 2 restaurants I previously mentioned in GF or Contemporary. Both are just a 5 min monorail ride away. When you exit the MK, you walk to the right and you'll see a covered platform area where the monorail boards. There are 2 sides, make sure you read the signs to get in line on the side to where you want to go. Very easy, like taking a train. And they come around very quickly, usually only 5 mins wait or so. You'll have fun and definitely have a great meal if you pick one of the places I said. I love them both but I must say California Grill wins out because it is on the 15th floor of the Contemporary so you have amazing sweeping views of the MK.

 

[Tinkfan84]

yes, you can take the monorail from Epcot to MK and back again, you have to switch from the MK/Epcot rail at the station to the GF and Poly's resort rail.

 

[knewton64]

.....was put in yesterday for "1st available" meal ressies for Sat 01-10-09. I am keepng my fingers crossed. If not sucessful, I plan on riding the monorail still to the GF and getting something to eat at Gasparilla's. And if the mood takes me, I just may ride that bugger all around & see what WDW looks like from the monorial p.o.v. And yes...I am gonna have to ask the monorail driver person if I can ride up there with them! (hey ...why not....I am a "first timer"). Thank you WDW Princess & Tinkfan84 for the suggestions on this.
I have heard so much about it (Grand Floridian) & have spoken a few times to the hotel staff there (a few months back). Man....imagine working there and smelling the gingerbread all throughout the lobby area in late Nov to early January (yum!).
Just remember -- ya can't eat the gingerbread house!
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Anywho - question....anyone plan on rebooking while onboard the Wonder?
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Question #2: Anyone else have any other problems in receiving their travel docs??? Mine did come in ok...I was just concerned for others listed a few postings back.

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weather seems to be jjuusstt perfect for us!
ORLANDO WEATHER UPDATE:

I look at wftv.com
(for Orlando, Florida)

example: 01-01-09: high of 72 & low of 48
01-02-09: high of 74 & low of 50

While weather for Nassua:
01-05-09: high of 76 & low of 67
01-06-09: high of 77 & low of 70
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P.S. Anyone celebrating anything while onboard?????
(I am ...a Dec 30th belated birthday)

T.T.F.N.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

.....was put in yesterday for "1st available" meal ressies for Sat 01-10-09. I am keepng my fingers crossed. If not sucessful, I plan on riding the monorail still to the GF and getting something to eat at Gasparilla's. And if the mood takes me, I just may ride that bugger all around & see what WDW looks like from the monorial p.o.v.
Anywho - question....anyone plan on rebooking while onboard the Wonder?
QUOTE]

Did your TA give you a reservation time and confirmation number for Narcoossee's? That's what you get when you call directly. Yes its true its "first available" reservation, not guaranteed to sit right down when you arrive but usually wait is 5 mins or less.

And yes I plan on rebooking onboard for the Magic 7-night Eastern for next January!

 

[knewton64]

Did your TA give you a reservation time and confirmation number for Narcoossee's? That's what you get when you call directly. Yes its true its "first available" reservation, not guaranteed to sit right down when you arrive but usually wait is 5 mins or less.

And yes I plan on rebooking onboard for the Magic 7-night Eastern for next January![/QUOTE]

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..>>>>>.......Whereas ....no I didnt' land an out & out right right ressie (too close to date of arival) but hey...atleast I landed a "fist avail" early evening dinner. which will give me time to head back & enjoy the evening parade & fireworks. Yes, I did "Goof" in not planning an ADR for MK but I figure for a first timer, making one mistake isn't too bad of a track record. Again - thank you WDW Princess for steering me in the right direction on this as it will also provide me with the opportunity to ride the Monorial.
So if anyone of you heading out to MK on 01-10-09 just "happen" to see some guy at or near the lamp post (just past the icecream shop on Main Street USA) near early evening/dusk time....ask him what his first name is only. ----If he says "Kris" then ask him what state he lives in....should he say Texas.....well....
************** THAT'S ME **********************

I mean hey....what are the odds????

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WEATHER UPDATE FOR OLANDO:

Saturday 01-03-09: High 74 & Low of 54
Sunday 01-04-09: High 76 & Low of 54
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& WEATHER UPDATE FOR NASSAU

Wednesday 01-07-09: High 78 & Low of 69
Thursday 01-08-09: High 79 & Low of 67 (60% chance of rain)

 

[WDW Princess 71]

FYI everyone...Pirate Night is now Night 3, Castaway Cay day. Originally when I called a couple months ago it was Night 2, Nassau. Just wanted everyone to be aware!

 

[barney 1314]

Hi all we are also traveling on the wonder. Bert, thats me 36, Lisa 32Daughters Charlene 15 and Murren 12 from very cold SCOTLAND. and happy new year everyone.

 

[knewton64]

Hi all we are also traveling on the wonder. Bert, thats me 36, Lisa 32Daughters Charlene 15 and Murren 12 from very cold SCOTLAND. and happy new year everyone.

....just to fill you in :


Meet & Greet Update Info....

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So far, we have the following cabins interested in a "Meet & Greet":

1) WDW Princess
2) Mayraguma
3) Knewton64
4) JJmeko
5) Thorghall
6) Lewiskids004
7) Classicdisney(?)
8) ?
9) ? ok everyone....lets not be bashful! We have room for more!
10) ?
11)?
12) ?

The Place to meet: Promenade Lounge AT 10PM. Afterwards, some of will be going to the Route 66 area. Me?? I plan on attending the M&G as well as heading off to the Route 66 area for a while.

When: Day one while onboard the Disney Wonder

And yes, for those of you who want any pictures taken (from the DISmeet & greet or if you want someone to take a picture of your family) , just bring your camera w /you & I don't mind volunteering to do this for you.

Ok....we got a few DISers signed up but I KKNNOOWW we can get a few more of you to come out for the fun

Feel free to post your replies & let add more names to the list
__________________

WEATHER UPDATE FOR ORLANDO:
High Temp / Low Temp
Saturday 01-03-09 76 degrees ; 54 degrees
Sunday 01-04-09 78 degrees ; 54 degrees
Monday 01-05-09: 78 degrees ; 56 degrees

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WEATHER UPDATE FOR NASSAU:

Wednesday 01-07-09: 80 degrees w/ 30% chance of rain
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ok rain.....go away!!!!
Scotland eh??? Pretty cool! You a native?? Looking forward to meeting you & your family - welcome aboard.

 

[Thorghall]

Looking forward to meeting you on the cruise as well! Regarding your cruise docs, is there another TA at the agency you're using that could check to see if your docs came in this week while your TA has been on vacation? Perhaps if you call and ask another TA can check for them and send them to you if they came in. I wouldn't worry though, we just got ours in NJ on Tuesday.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Our last out of town guests have left today. Been so busy entertaining that I didn't have a chance check messages. I can now get back to pre-vacation excitement. My TA finally gave us the documents on Monday. It's now countdown time to Jan 8! Goodbye crazy snowstorms/ice storms/ wind storms, welcome SUNSHINE!

 

[knewton64]

FYI everyone...Pirate Night is now Night 3, Castaway Cay day. Originally when I called a couple months ago it was Night 2, Nassau. Just wanted everyone to be aware!

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Question: What's considered the proper way to wear your ears??????

Do you wear them with your monogrammed name in the back of your head area or facing outwards so everyone can see your name??

#2) Do you like /favor "day time" ears of night time "ears" & why???
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Thorghall: Glad to see ya received your travel docs!!

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WEATHER UPDATE FOR ORLANDO & NASSAU

ORLANDO: 01-06-09 High of 79 & low of 57 degrees w /10 % chance of rain

NASSAU: 01-09-09 High of 75 & low of 68 degrees w/ 10% chance or rain
01-10-09 high of 78 degrees & low of 68 degrees w/ 10% chance of rain
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O.M.G...........72 more hours & I am officially "in vacation mode"!!!!!!!




T.T.F.N.

 

[classicdisney]

Well we leave for Orlando in less then 24 hours. It is almost here. Hope to meet some of you if I am able to go to the meet and greet.

 

[lewiskids004]

Thank you for the weather updates!! That is VERY helpful!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!! Can you believe that we are 15 days away!!??! WOOOHOOO Really looking forward to the meet and greet! Thanks for organizing it! Have a great day everyone!

 

[knewton64]

....ok small rant here to to give you the backstory.

I am going on Adventures by Disney "Spirit of America" trip in October 2009. I would just love dearly to go to Ireland in 2010 but......I won't have enough vacation built up until early September 2010 area. So.....gotta ask the old proveribal (spelling??) question of "WWYD????"

option #1: Book early sept 2010 (around early Sept 2009) date of arrival for ABD Ireland trip?? If so, safe to say it would be early fall weather over there?? Safe to say the average temperature would be typical fall weather - like 55 degrees for a high & 45 for a low?? Yes, I have looked on the internet for the ave temp but its the ave rain part that has me confused.

Option #2: Rebook while on WDW /DCL trip (01-07-09 thru 01-15-09) for another 4-day WDW land / 4-day DCL sea vacation (for January 2011)??
THEN look at the Ireland trip for May/June area 2012( Better weather since its Summer weather).

Option 2"a": Rebook while on DCL part of #2 (see above) for a 7 night DCL vacation; be it Eastern or Western?? Which one you like & why??? Book it for Jan 2011 but have to ask....if you say Eastern...I ask under which DCL option....A...B....or C.... & why???

Option #3 After October 2009 "Spirit of America ABD trip." take no action....just save up $ then when Sept 2010 rolls around (if Adv By Disney still has Ireland trip) book the trip for May/June 2011??

Option #4 ???

What has me stumped is the weather. I don't desire to spend that kind of $ & be in a place where it's cold, damp, foggy & icky ALL the time. Yes, I understand it's Ireland yet this weather thing has me stumped.
I feel that (as I am writing this) that I value going to Ireland when it's not raining ALL THE TIME. So.....fair to say the best time to go (weather wise)there is May-Aug area?? If so, then I need to rebook while on DCL next week. Money is not the issue here - its wanting to be "in vacation mode" & not being in a place where ITS RAINING ALL THE TIME (no offense to anyone reading this who IS FROM IRELAND).

BUT....gotta ask.......... rebook for another 4-day WDW / 4 day DCL or rebook 7 night Eastern or Western??? Keep in mind this (nxt weeks trip for me) is my very first trip to WDW / DCL.


I welcome some much needed coaching here as I am 1/2 Irish (& 1/2 German) & I could sure use a yard of Guiness right about now as this is driving me

 

[knewton64]

MEET & GREET Update Info....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So far, we have the following cabins interested in a "Meet & Greet":

1) WDW Princess
2) Mayraguma
3) Knewton64
4) JJmeko
5) Thorghall
6) Lewiskids004
7) Classicdisney(?)
8) Lisare
9) ?
10) ?
11)? ok everyone...lets not be bashful! We have room for more!
12) ?

The Place to meet: Promenade Lounge AT 10PM. Afterwards, some of will be going to the Route 66 area. Me?? I plan on attending the M&G as well as heading off to the Route 66 area for a while.

When: Day one while onboard the Disney Wonder

And yes, for those of you who want any pictures taken (from the DISmeet & greet or if you want someone to take a picture of your family) , just bring your camera w /you & I don't mind volunteering to do this for you.

Ok....we got a few DISers signed up but I KKNNOOWW we can get a few more of you to come out for the fun.

Feel free to post your replies & let add more names to the list
__________________

WEATHER UPDATE FOR ORLANDO:
High Temp / Low Temp
Wednesday 01-07-09: 74 degrees ; 60 degrees W/ 40% chance of rain
Thursday 01-08-09: 65 degrees ; 44 degrees.
Friday 01-09-09: 67 degrees ; 59 degrees
Saturday 01-10-09: 73 degrees; 50 degrees w/10% chance of rain
Sunday 01-11-09: 71 degrees; 46 degrees w/ 60 % chance of rain

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WEATHER UPDATE FOR NASSAU:

Saturday 01-10-09: 77 degrees for a high & 67 degrees for a low
Sunday 01-11-09: 77 degrees for a high & 66 low w/ 10% chance of rain
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So ok....got a few questions.....fair to say on Sunday - we "may" have the embarkation sail away party indoors??? If so, that's not good (indoor buffet as well?) ! Is this what normally happens during inclement weather????
Ah well.......somewhere in the back of my mind I am thinking of that old Gene Kelly song, "I'm Singing in the rain....just singing in the rain..." as I plan on packing (counts as your ONE personal item while riding on American Airlines) an umbrella & bringing it w/me while at WDW parks (01-07-09 & 01-11-09)....

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Kris-

Regarding your trip choices, the decision really has to be all yours...the trips you are talking about (Ireland, Spirit of America, and another cruise) are all soooo different so you really need to decide which one you want to do next. I've done Europe, cruises, and cross-country US trips and loved them all in different ways, it just depends on what I want to do next. For instance this year randomly I thought, geez, its been 5 years since my last DCL cruise, and I'd love to go again! So I booked this trip. You'll have a great time on whatever trip you decide.

Regarding the weather, I use weather.com and I just checked, Port Canaveral is to be Sunny on Sunday 1/11 with just 10% chance rain! Even if that changes I wouldn't worry about rain yet b/c Florida weather is highly unpredictable. Although I really want the sail away party to be outside!!

 

[knewton64]

Kris-

Regarding your trip choices, the decision really has to be all yours...the trips you are talking about (Ireland, Spirit of America, and another cruise) are all soooo different so you really need to decide which one you want to do next. I've done Europe, cruises, and cross-country US trips and loved them all in different ways, it just depends on what I want to do next. For instance this year randomly I thought, geez, its been 5 years since my last DCL cruise, and I'd love to go again! So I booked this trip. You'll have a great time on whatever trip you decide.

Regarding the weather, I use weather.com and I just checked, Port Canaveral is to be Sunny on Sunday 1/11 with just 10% chance rain! Even if that changes I wouldn't worry about rain yet b/c Florida weather is highly unpredictable. Although I really want the sail away party to be outside!!

....After a day of mulling over what to do (& listening to input from others), I've decided to speak w/ Kyle or Leslie (while I am on the Wonder this week) & rebook for the 10 day Southern DCL Caribbean cruise that starts on 12-29-2010 w/a pre-day at POR. I will admit this took a lot of thought w/the deciding factor being I like 75-85 degreed vacation weather temps & this will do it for me (versus Ireland). My birthday falling on December 30th also played a role in this decision & yes, I did politely forwarn all to the previous posting of mine that it was a "small rant" so a hhuuggee thank you to all for your patience here.
Per the issue of the weather...well....my bad. I don't know where my head was at but you are right, so in the spirit of all things Disney, I thought this would be my "last" weather update as I feel we all know have a fairly good idea of how things will be out there:

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WEATHER UPDATE FOR ORLANDO:

Wednesday 01-07-09: high of 76 degrees & a low of 47 w/40% chance of rain
**** RAIN....GO AWAY*****

Thursday 01-08-09 High of 71 degrees & a low of 45 degrees.
Friday 01-09-09 high of 71 degrees & a low of 48 degrees.
Saturday 01-10-09 High of 73 degrees & a low of 48 w/10% chance of rain. (perfect weather for the full marathon)
Sunday 01-11-09 high of 72 degrees & low of 49 w/10% chance of rain

PORT CANAVERAL WEATHER
Sunday 01-11-09 High of 71 degrees & a low of 53 w/10% chance or rain

NASSAU WEATHER
MONDAY 01-12-09 High of 75 degrees & a low of 67 w/10% chance of rain.

And yes, I agree w/your other point, I rreeaallyy like/want the "Sail Away Party" to be held outdoors! I feel it will (or as singer Jimmy Buffett says, "Changes in Attitudes / Changes In Latitudes....").
Anywho -
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1/2 way thru watching "Snow White"....for the very first time. Pretty cool movie; especially the character called "Grumpy" (getting a head start on my Disney movie marathon Monday b 4 I head out to WDW late Tuesday).

T.T.F.N.

 

[mayraguma]

Who else is excited about the cruise?
I'm counting the days already. Can't wait.
We're leaving on Friday for Orlando!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[WDW Princess 71]

I'm SOOOOO excited!!! I hope this week flys by, we are leaving on Saturday! Yay!!!!!!

 

[marlaymike]

Yeeeeeeeeeeees!! I know I'm going to be so excited with Catalinas face when she enters the Ship...

 

[knewton64]

MEET & GREET Update Info....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So far, we have the following cabins interested in a "Meet & Greet":

1) WDW Princess
2) Mayraguma
3) Knewton64
4) JJmeko
5) Thorghall
6) Lewiskids004
7) Classicdisney(?)
8) Lisare
9) ?
10) ?
11)? ok everyone...lets not be bashful! We have room for more!
12) ?

The Place to meet: Promenade Lounge AT 10PM. Afterwards, some of will be going to the Route 66 area. Me?? I plan on attending the M&G as well as heading off to the Route 66 area for a while.

When: Day one while onboard the Disney Wonder

And yes, for those of you who want any pictures taken (from the DISmeet & greet or if you want someone to take a picture of your family) , just bring your camera w /you & I don't mind volunteering to do this for you.

Ok....we got a few DISers signed up but I KKNNOOWW we can get a few more of you to come out for the fun.
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************ Been fun! See ya on the ship!************

- Kris