January 29, 2011 - 7 Day Eastern - WOOHOO!!

[5boyz]

Hi everyone. We got home last night. Alot of snow here in Ottawa and more falling as I type. BOO! Good thing we left DS and the cat at home or we may have not returned.

We had an amazing trip and I have to say it was our best cruise and best Disney vacation to date. I'm sorry to hear about the illnesses(nausea included) and as well the lack of good service and food. I had started some sinusy thing before we left, but by the time Sat rolled around my head was much better and then never did drain through my nose. I was joking that it must have been the Florida weather and a little Disney Magic.

Our table mates were a wonderful couple/daughter from Niagara Falls, our servers were Zeljko and Aziz and they were FANTASTIC! Our rotation was PLAPLAP but DH and I spent the last "P" at Palo, not at Parrot Cay! It was well worth the extra money (so thanks for the heads up!) and we were glad to have a date night. Our daughter, who is so shy she hardly talks to anyone at home, and never goes out at night, turned over a new leaf it would seem. She ADORED the Vibe and spent every night partying it up. Most nights we were in bed before she! She met lots of new friends and the counsellors are to be applauded for their abilities.

Schmij and TiffanyD: so sorry we never met you(I was in the spa for the draw when we should have been meeting in the Promenade lounge-didn't even win anything) Sorry you were sick. Matt, thanks again so much for organizing the FE list. It made our day every day and every time we found a little surprise in our pouches!

mjhd: sorry Lauren and Haley never connected. They were "waving" on the Wave phones and then Lauren said she lost touch with Haley suddenly. I guess I know why! I woke up the second night at 1:30 and was in a total panic and thought someone must have taken DD cause where would she be at that time of the night? We phoned her and she was having the time of her life in the Vibe. We hadn't laid any ground rules because normally she wouldn't venture anywhere on her own. From then on, she had to check in after 10. The week went by too fast and again, too bad the girls weren't in the same club. Next time.

Myolite: I'm so glad to have met up with you and Meredith in the Art Gallery. So sorry again for the isolation. Glad to hear the trip was not a total bust but fingers crossed for a bit of pixie dust for your DVC points.

DisneySilver: Joanne and Jim, it was so nice to meet you. I'm glad to hear you got home safely and enjoyed yourselves so much. Sean is so sold on the cruise that we are considering it for a 25th anniversary cruise in 2014. We have ordered the tracking device already though!

mom5boyz: Caroline and JD, so nice to meet you both as well. I was also glad you got home safely. I can imagine that it was a bit "white knuckly" to drive. I was glad to fly direct into Ottawa this time. By the way I can't believe you have a 28 year old!!!!!

tink114: great to meet your family and hope you enjoyed yourselves in St Thomas!

denas: Glad to meet you and your family and sorry to hear about your DS. We loved Orient Beach and hope you enjoyed your "quiet" day at Le Galion. Ours was not so quiet and involved a walk down the nude beach while DD was having a nap.(we were clothed BTW!) We did meet a nice (albeit naturalist) lady who kindly fed a school of fish so I could take pictures. Awkward!

Mom2Brats: nice to meet you and your family. BTW my DD pointed out as we were leaving that she thought you went to Alice Tea with DD and another couple. Did you? We thought it was so sweet!

adventurewoman: nice to meet you and your family on the first day. Hope you enjoyed yourselves.

binky: nice to meet you and your hubby. Hope you had fun.

averysmom: great to meet you as well and hope that you enjoyed the "cold" Orlando weather as we did. We had our polar fleeces on Tuesday am!!!!! Lines weren't so bad at Universal. The longest line we waited in was 20 minutes for the Hippogriff.

kate8dad: nice to meet you even if it was a quick encounter! Love the way you sprinted away~

Nab: sorry we never came across each other! Hope you all had fun.

To everyone else we didn't meet up with-hope you all had the time of your lives. We sure did have good weather and beautiful destinations.
Thanks to all for the fantastic gifts! We haven't booked the next cruise because of a family trip to Ireland we're planning for next summer. With any luck we'll heading back for Lauren's sweet 16!

Jerelle(Joelle) xo

HI there Joelle!!! It was great meeting you and Sean (?) too!!! You were just as nice as I thought you would be. I wish we could have sat and chatted abit more..... but before you know it the end has come. Yes it was a "white knuckle" drive home...I was scared....... Thanks (I think) about the 28 year old comment..... We booked again for the same time next year, this time with DS14 and DD 11...

 

[TifffanyD]

ohhhh that sounds like fun! What goes on for the Halloween cruise?

On Halloween they have a kids trick or treat trail, halloween dancey parties, an adult party and costume contest, the characters in Halloween garb, etc. Even cruise director Brent was dressed up. It's just a fun thing and, unlike Christmas/New Years cruises, is actually a bargain since it's in the off-season.

Oh, and also, that cruise hits over schimj's birthday (Nov 3)

 

[jerelle]

HI there Joelle!!! It was great meeting you and Sean (?) too!!! You were just as nice as I thought you would be. I wish we could have sat and chatted abit more..... but before you know it the end has come. Yes it was a "white knuckle" drive home...I was scared....... Thanks (I think) about the 28 year old comment..... We booked again for the same time next year, this time with DS14 and DD 11...

and likewise for you and DH. That age comment BTW is totally a compliment. You do not look old enough to have teens let alone grown men as sons! Life must be treating you well!

Also, I forgot to mention that one night in the Sessions bar, our cocktail waitress, who was from Ottawa, told us that the captain called her into the bridge the week prior, to ask her what Canadians like, because our cruise was packed full of Canadians! I wonder if any Canucks noticed a few shoutouts to our homeland on the menus? I had venison one night and there were a few Niagara wines listed. Anyhow, she told him "we like what American's like-'cept less taxes!!!" LOL

 

[jerelle]

I'm curious. What was everyone's favourite moment/moments/thing on the cruise?

Mine: the fireworks/stars on Deck 10 at night/watching my DD and other children's faces/the last night where the characters sang Goodbye. I was bawling!!!

 

[jerelle]

On Halloween they have a kids trick or treat trail, halloween dancey parties, an adult party and costume contest, the characters in Halloween garb, etc. Even cruise director Brent was dressed up. It's just a fun thing and, unlike Christmas/New Years cruises, is actually a bargain since it's in the off-season.

Oh, and also, that cruise hits over schimj's birthday (Nov 3)

Totally sounds like fun and we LOVE the off-season prices!!!

 

[5boyz]

and likewise for you and DH. That age comment BTW is totally a compliment. You do not look old enough to have teens let alone grown men as sons! Life must be treating you well!

Also, I forgot to mention that one night in the Sessions bar, our cocktail waitress, who was from Ottawa, told us that the captain called her into the bridge the week prior, to ask her what Canadians like, because our cruise was packed full of Canadians! I wonder if any Canucks noticed a few shoutouts to our homeland on the menus? I had venison one night and there were a few Niagara wines listed. Anyhow, she told him "we like what American's like-'cept less taxes!!!" LOL

Thank you Joelle!!!

Well since I am a boring eater, I really never steered too far of boring old grilled chicken, my new friends were pretty much able to pick what I would have by the 3rd night... that includes all three course.... There were definately a ton of Canuks on this voyage!!! Most people I met where from Canada, I even met someone from right here in Brampton..

 

[NAB]

We rebooked on board too.

Wanted the week between Christmas and New Years but it was way to much. So we settled for the first week in Jan. hoping the kids would still be off that week since Christmas lands on a Saturday this year.

The cost difference was 1/2 , New Years really inflates the price. Plus this time it will be the Dream. Hoping all the kinks are worked out on that boat as well.

Hope everyone is feeling better now. I too was looking at everyone trying to figure out it they were dis people.

It is freezing here for the last three days. Kids have been staying in at recess so you know it is cold.

Any of you crazy Canadian go to McDonald's for a free breakfast sandwich....we did yesterday and today. Ends today. Drive though was crazy....bet they won't want to do that again.

 

[5boyz]

Question...Does anyone know if you can put money on the kids cards for them to have their own seperate account?

 

[5boyz]

Sorry this has nothing to do with the cruise but since I have met or been in touch with some of you I would rather ask here.

So we liked what little we seen of Cocoa Beach and are planning on maybe doing 10 days in July so was wondering if those of you that stayed there night before cruise or any other time let me know how their hotel was. We will be with our DS 14 and DD 11. Thanks alot!


Caroline

 

[jerelle]

Sorry this has nothing to do with the cruise but since I have met or been in touch with some of you I would rather ask here.

So we liked what little we seen of Cocoa Beach and are planning on maybe doing 10 days in July so was wondering if those of you that stayed there night before cruise or any other time let me know how their hotel was. We will be with our DS 14 and DD 11. Thanks alot!


Caroline

Don't know about $$ on the kids cards, but I bet they will. What don't they do for you? I think I heard somewhere you could put money on your account ahead of time and then maybe once you got aboard you could divvy it up?

We stayed at the Best Western Ocean Front Suites. We had a standard 2 queen room and although it didn't face the ocean, we could see it from our room. Also if we walked down the hallway toward the ocean, there was a little bench that you could see the ocean and drink your morning coffee/tea/evening drink etc. The room was very clean, the beds were comfy and there was deluxe continental breakfast included(with eggs/sausages/bacon) The website is http://www.bestwesterncocoabeach.com/ and our rate was $89/night. It was perfect for us. Don't know where you stay on Disney property, but we generally stay in value resorts, usually Pop. I think if you stay in Moderate or below, you'd be happy with this hotel.

Joelle

 

[jerelle]

We rebooked on board too.

Wanted the week between Christmas and New Years but it was way to much. So we settled for the first week in Jan. hoping the kids would still be off that week since Christmas lands on a Saturday this year.

The cost difference was 1/2 , New Years really inflates the price. Plus this time it will be the Dream. Hoping all the kinks are worked out on that boat as well.

Hope everyone is feeling better now. I too was looking at everyone trying to figure out it they were dis people.

It is freezing here for the last three days. Kids have been staying in at recess so you know it is cold.

Any of you crazy Canadian go to McDonald's for a free breakfast sandwich....we did yesterday and today. Ends today. Drive though was crazy....bet they won't want to do that again.

No free breakfast sandwiches for us. Didn't even know about the deal! I am going through some serious laziness though. Had soup and sandwiches for dinner last night and feel like ordering in tonight! Only a week and we're already spoiled!

Again, so sorry I didn't meet you and your family, but DD said she saw "tall Nick" around the ship and that she was wondering why he didn't go to the Vibe. I told her I thought it might be your son and that he was only 13. She said he looked 17 or 18!

 

[5boyz]

Don't know about $$ on the kids cards, but I bet they will. What don't they do for you? I think I heard somewhere you could put money on your account ahead of time and then maybe once you got aboard you could divvy it up?

We stayed at the Best Western Ocean Front Suites. We had a standard 2 queen room and although it didn't face the ocean, we could see it from our room. Also if we walked down the hallway toward the ocean, there was a little bench that you could see the ocean and drink your morning coffee/tea/evening drink etc. The room was very clean, the beds were comfy and there was deluxe continental breakfast included(with eggs/sausages/bacon) The website is http://www.bestwesterncocoabeach.com/ and our rate was $89/night. It was perfect for us. Don't know where you stay on Disney property, but we generally stay in value resorts, usually Pop. I think if you stay in Moderate or below, you'd be happy with this hotel.

Joelle

I will have to check into that!!! Unfortunately I have lots of time...lol

Well POP just happens to be our fave Disney Hotel...JD likes Animal Kingdom but kids like POP much better and I am easy.....no wonder I have so many kids..... sorry couldnt resist...

I will look on the Best Western website....thank you

 

[Loriekins]

On Halloween they have a kids trick or treat trail, halloween dancey parties, an adult party and costume contest, the characters in Halloween garb, etc. Even cruise director Brent was dressed up. It's just a fun thing and, unlike Christmas/New Years cruises, is actually a bargain since it's in the off-season.

Oh, and also, that cruise hits over schimj's birthday (Nov 3)

That sounds like a ton of fun! I noticed that it wasn't much more than what we paid for the one we just took or will be taking next Jan. Might have to try that next year. DS said he might like to do that when he's not trick or treating anymore. Thanks for the info!

 

[NAB]

Question...Does anyone know if you can put money on the kids cards for them to have their own seperate account? [/QUOTE

I don't think you can put an amount on their cards , it is either charge or no charge. It is up to up to keep an eye on your statements and give them a budget. Statements are broken down per card. I guess you already know that ..... They even broke the tip down on our last one per person because we put it on our card.

 

[5boyz]

thanks NAB

 

[mjhd]

Hi Joelle! I was sad the girls didn't get a chance to meet up as well. I think Haley had tried to do ice cream at one point, but your dd was busy Maybe next time!

In regards to the separate accounts, no you can't separate the amounts, but ds 10 didn't charge anything and dd only charged a pair of shoes and a milkshake. They were just too busy to be interested in buying anything.

We LOVED the Country Inn in Cape Canaveral. It had to be one of our favorite hotels yet (not including the themed Disney hotels). We found they offered superior service, amenities, and tons of space. Our room included a microwave, mini fridge, etc so we even ate in for two meals. My only complaints were the lack of television channels (hey, I was on vacation!) and the lack of privacy between the kids sleeping area and ours.

 

[5boyz]

Hi Joelle! I was sad the girls didn't get a chance to meet up as well. I think Haley had tried to do ice cream at one point, but your dd was busy Maybe next time!

In regards to the separate accounts, no you can't separate the amounts, but ds 10 didn't charge anything and dd only charged a pair of shoes and a milkshake. They were just too busy to be interested in buying anything.

We LOVED the Country Inn in Cape Canaveral. It had to be one of our favorite hotels yet (not including the themed Disney hotels). We found they offered superior service, amenities, and tons of space. Our room included a microwave, mini fridge, etc so we even ate in for two meals. My only complaints were the lack of television channels (hey, I was on vacation!) and the lack of privacy between the kids sleeping area and ours.

HI! Thanks, my biggest problem is my dh gets up early and my ds stays up late, so it is a battle every night at Disney when dh wont let ds watch tv after like 10pm... So was trying to find something with 2 rooms so I dont have to listen to it cuz dh always wins.....

I will also check it out! thanks

 

[jerelle]

"Hi Joelle! I was sad the girls didn't get a chance to meet up as well. I think Haley had tried to do ice cream at one point, but your dd was busy
Maybe next time!"

I know...that's the way I felt. When she got the messaage we had just got back on the ship and had just made plans to go to see TRON with her dad. She was torn but Haley said she was in her club, so she went ahead to see the movie. She was quite the little social butterfly after that. Didn't the week just fly by after Monday? I found the sea days were wonderful but once we lef the ship it was one thing to the next thing to the next thing! Maybe next time. If you don't mind, they could still continue emailing. Hope you all had a wonderful time. We sure did. Wish I could book at 2013 cruise already, but I guess I'll have to wait.

Warm Regards and take good care,

Joelle

 

[Loriekins]

Question...Does anyone know if you can put money on the kids cards for them to have their own separate account?

They can't have separate accounts, but you can get a report from guest services that shows how much each person is charging. If you book an excursion through DSL for that person, it will show up under their name too. DS had a $40 gift card to spend on board & the report made it easier to keep track of what he spent (minus the excursion).

 

[Loriekins]

We LOVED the Country Inn in Cape Canaveral. It had to be one of our favorite hotels yet (not including the themed Disney hotels). We found they offered superior service, amenities, and tons of space. Our room included a microwave, mini fridge, etc so we even ate in for two meals. My only complaints were the lack of television channels (hey, I was on vacation!) and the lack of privacy between the kids sleeping area and ours.

We stayed at CI&S the night before also. We really liked it too. Will probably be there the night before our next cruise.