June 16, 2014 Wonder to Alaska

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Giving us a little bump up as we have fallen down a couple of pages.

Laying out clothes this weekend for our cruise in 2 weeks!!! Next weekend we fly to Virginia for DD's bridal shower and bachelorette party. We will only be back in town for 4 days before we leave for spring break so need to get things organized this weekend.

OOH - what fun getting all the clothes out and only two weeks away!! You're going to have such a great time and we can't wait to hear all about it and see some pics - no pressure!

Guess what I did??? lol - I booked a girls trip on the Dream for 9/1/13. I'm not sure if any of your are interested **enabler alert** but they have several Dream sailings in September 2013 with OBB credits, as well as reduced rates. For example, they have cat 7A's (Navigators Verandah) for $599 (1st/2nd person) and with the Verandah rate you get $100 OBC. If we have confirmed this 100%, I'll pay it way down and then transfer to Costco to get another $95 in a Costco Cash Card. You can't beat that deal, I think. One of my BFF's has wanted to go for awhile and we were going to wait out the summer for *GT rates, however this was cheaper, especially throwing in the $100 OBC. We need to get official confirmation from our Director that it's okay for us to both be off the same time (we both work on the same team) so hopefully that will be approved. My DH and DS aren't loving the idea of getting left behind, but they understand. DS is already back in school and the family money is all for the Fantasy and Alaska sailings next year.

Hope you guys are having a good weekend,
Heather

 

[KingRichard]

So I got lucky yesterday(not what your thinking stop it!) and checked the mail box around 5pm after wife was home most of the day and there was our DCL congrats letter for this cruise?!

She most likely would have opened it knowing I booked a dummy date last week on-board.

The cruise remains a secret and I guess I will have to communicate with DU on how to avoid mail being sent to my house? My agent knows this is a secret!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

So I got lucky yesterday(not what your thinking stop it!) and checked the mail box around 5pm after wife was home most of the day and there was our DCL congrats letter for this cruise?!

She most likely would have opened it knowing I booked a dummy date last week on-board.

The cruise remains a secret and I guess I will have to communicate with DU on how to avoid mail being sent to my house? My agent knows this is a secret!

LOL

Too funny - there was just another post about receiving their little cruise booklet for Alaska and I just commented I just received ours yesterday too! I'm glad you ran "interference" and got it!!

Heather

 

[Kirbo]

So I got lucky yesterday(not what your thinking stop it!) and checked the mail box around 5pm after wife was home most of the day and there was our DCL congrats letter for this cruise?!

She most likely would have opened it knowing I booked a dummy date last week on-board.

The cruise remains a secret and I guess I will have to communicate with DU on how to avoid mail being sent to my house? My agent knows this is a secret!

Glad you got to the mail first!

 

[Ohana 4]

One of the positives about having to wait for a cruise this far away is seeing all the interesting things people are doing UNTIL this cruise. Weddings, other cruises! I'm curious to see how many of us will be planning one or more cruises or trips to the World between now and next June.

We are going on a short cruise on the Magic in April out of our backyard, Galveston. And will be going on the Dream after a few days in WDW in July of this year. We may plan another short one in January too!

 

[Kirbo]

One of the positives about having to wait for a cruise this far away is seeing all the interesting things people are doing UNTIL this cruise. Weddings, other cruises! I'm curious to see how many of us will be planning one or more cruises or trips to the World between now and next June.

We are going on a short cruise on the Magic in April out of our backyard, Galveston. And will be going on the Dream after a few days in WDW in July of this year. We may plan another short one in January too!

We've never been to WDW, are we awful? And we havne't taken the girls to DLR either. We don't really think of ourselves as Disney people. But we are TOTALLY Disney cruise people!

Here's our backstory. A few years ago I thought it'd be fun to look into an all inclusive family vacation. I thought it'd be a once in a life-time type thing. I was looking at Club Med and Beaches and stuff like that. Oh, and DollyWood! I want to go there. I was on the Costco travel website and saw cruises. We hadn't even thought of one of those. Then I saw that Disney had a cruise line, who knew? The more I researched it, the more it looked like a great fit for us.

So we took our girls, then aged six, on the MR in early 2011. And we LOVED it. It was so much fun that we made another reservation while on board for the exact same cruise one year later. Our last morning of that cruise my husband, wearing his Silver Castaway lanyard, DCL sun visor and DCL t-shirt said to me, "Maybe we've found our 'thing.'" While on that cruise we booked three more cruises (this was a week before the new rules about booking only one cruise at a time). One cruise was a dummy that turned into this Alaskan sailing and the other two were the EBTA and the first Med (a B2B) of this year. So, 90 days from today we'll be on the Med having just finished our EBTA

We've talked about trying for WDW, but financially we can't do it and cruise, and we've just got the cruising bug too bad to skip a cruise for WDW. Maybe some day.

 

[DVC4US]

OOH - what fun getting all the clothes out and only two weeks away!! You're going to have such a great time and we can't wait to hear all about it and see some pics - no pressure!

Guess what I did??? lol - I booked a girls trip on the Dream for 9/1/13. I'm not sure if any of your are interested **enabler alert** but they have several Dream sailings in September 2013 with OBB credits, as well as reduced rates. For example, they have cat 7A's (Navigators Verandah) for $599 (1st/2nd person) and with the Verandah rate you get $100 OBC. If we have confirmed this 100%, I'll pay it way down and then transfer to Costco to get another $95 in a Costco Cash Card. You can't beat that deal, I think. One of my BFF's has wanted to go for awhile and we were going to wait out the summer for *GT rates, however this was cheaper, especially throwing in the $100 OBC. We need to get official confirmation from our Director that it's okay for us to both be off the same time (we both work on the same team) so hopefully that will be approved. My DH and DS aren't loving the idea of getting left behind, but they understand. DS is already back in school and the family money is all for the Fantasy and Alaska sailings next year.

Hope you guys are having a good weekend,
Heather

Yeah Heather, it is fun getting everything together.

I was actually looking at the cruise on 9/1 for a girls trip with my friends to celebrate my 50th birthday but not sure I have them talked into it yet. I haven't looked at it in a couple of weeks so I'll have to check and see if the price is different. FYI - you know you have to transfer to Costco within 30 days of booking right? DCL's new rules.

 

[DVC4US]

So I got lucky yesterday(not what your thinking stop it!) and checked the mail box around 5pm after wife was home most of the day and there was our DCL congrats letter for this cruise?!

She most likely would have opened it knowing I booked a dummy date last week on-board.

The cruise remains a secret and I guess I will have to communicate with DU on how to avoid mail being sent to my house? My agent knows this is a secret!

Glad you made it to the mail before her!! I've always thought it would be fun to do a surprise but don't think I can since all I do is talk about the cruise.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Yeah Heather, it is fun getting everything together.

I was actually looking at the cruise on 9/1 for a girls trip with my friends to celebrate my 50th birthday but not sure I have them talked into it yet. I haven't looked at it in a couple of weeks so I'll have to check and see if the price is different. FYI - you know you have to transfer to Costco within 30 days of booking right? DCL's new rules.

Hey Leilani! I hope you can go!! We booked it and we're excited - just have to get the Director's approval for us to both be off at the same time, but hopefully that won't be an issue. Just FYI - when I looked today, I didn't see the $599 7A special for the 9/1 sailing however someone else had posted they were able to get it still booking today? NO PRESSURE - but I wouldn't wait too long if you wanted it I really hope you can go and celebrate! Yes, thanks I did know about the new rule of 30 days to transfer so I'll pay it down then move over!

Guys - I have big news - good and bad We have moved our Alaska sailing and we are no longer with you all. I have to tell you - I was really loving our group so far and honestly it tore at my heart strings to move it. I had been checking this years prices and noticed they were the same and kept thinking - why are we waiting until next year? We also have the Fantasy booked for Spring Break 2014 and two big cruises w/in 2 months wasn't ideal but that's life.

In addition to comparing prices and airfare feeling reasonable direct from the East Coast to Vancouver with good flight times and connections, I deeply considered health of our family members. A month ago my Dad was diagnosed suddenly with cirrhosis of the liver and his health has really declined. The long term prognosis is not favorable and I'm already concerned about next year. In addition, my mother in law was diagnosed a few months ago with stage 3 breast cancer and she was given a 50/50 change. We are remaining optimistic for both, however we all know life is so fragile. I didn't want to "wait it out" knowing next year could be very different for them They are both in their 60's and simply too young in my opinion but one never knows.

I just got off the phone with Costco/DCL and we were able to move it successfully to the 6/17/13 sailing and in a 7A (not one we would have wanted, but still a 7A). So that means - **** our secret verandah 6634 should be available **** if anyone is looking for one.

I hate to leave you guys but I'll be checking in. If you need me to "scope out" anything for you guys this June, please let me know!

Heather

 

[Kirbo]

Hey Leilani! I hope you can go!! We booked it and we're excited - just have to get the Director's approval for us to both be off at the same time, but hopefully that won't be an issue. Just FYI - when I looked today, I didn't see the $599 7A special for the 9/1 sailing however someone else had posted they were able to get it still booking today? NO PRESSURE - but I wouldn't wait too long if you wanted it I really hope you can go and celebrate! Yes, thanks I did know about the new rule of 30 days to transfer so I'll pay it down then move over!

Guys - I have big news - good and bad We have moved our Alaska sailing and we are no longer with you all. I have to tell you - I was really loving our group so far and honestly it tore at my heart strings to move it. I had been checking this years prices and noticed they were the same and kept thinking - why are we waiting until next year? We also have the Fantasy booked for Spring Break 2014 and two big cruises w/in 2 months wasn't ideal but that's life.

In addition to comparing prices and airfare feeling reasonable direct from the East Coast to Vancouver with good flight times and connections, I deeply considered health of our family members. A month ago my Dad was diagnosed suddenly with cirrhosis of the liver and his health has really declined. The long term prognosis is not favorable and I'm already concerned about next year. In addition, my mother in law was diagnosed a few months ago with stage 3 breast cancer and she was given a 50/50 change. We are remaining optimistic for both, however we all know life is so fragile. I didn't want to "wait it out" knowing next year could be very different for them They are both in their 60's and simply too young in my opinion but one never knows.

I just got off the phone with Costco/DCL and we were able to move it successfully to the 6/17/13 sailing and in a 7A (not one we would have wanted, but still a 7A). So that means - **** our secret verandah 6634 should be available **** if anyone is looking for one.

I hate to leave you guys but I'll be checking in. If you need me to "scope out" anything for you guys this June, please let me know!

Heather

Heather, I'm sorry to hear you won't be on our cruise but excited for you that you'll be going this year!

Also, my thoughts are with your family. My mom was just diagnosed with stage IIIB lung cancer and she starts her treatment tomorrow. It doesn't look good, but we're all hoping for the best (and she's still planning on coming on the Med with us in June). Cancer is the dirtiest "c" word there is. I will keep your sister and your father in my thoughts.

Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

 

[Ohana 4]

Heather,

I'm sorry to hear you won't be joining us! But I totally understand your reasons and family definitely comes first. What's a vacation if it's not spent with them, right? Enjoy your new group and have a great vacation to Alaska this summer! Your family is in my prayers.

 

[DVC4US]

Hey Leilani! I hope you can go!! We booked it and we're excited - just have to get the Director's approval for us to both be off at the same time, but hopefully that won't be an issue. Just FYI - when I looked today, I didn't see the $599 7A special for the 9/1 sailing however someone else had posted they were able to get it still booking today? NO PRESSURE - but I wouldn't wait too long if you wanted it I really hope you can go and celebrate! Yes, thanks I did know about the new rule of 30 days to transfer so I'll pay it down then move over!

Guys - I have big news - good and bad We have moved our Alaska sailing and we are no longer with you all. I have to tell you - I was really loving our group so far and honestly it tore at my heart strings to move it. I had been checking this years prices and noticed they were the same and kept thinking - why are we waiting until next year? We also have the Fantasy booked for Spring Break 2014 and two big cruises w/in 2 months wasn't ideal but that's life.

In addition to comparing prices and airfare feeling reasonable direct from the East Coast to Vancouver with good flight times and connections, I deeply considered health of our family members. A month ago my Dad was diagnosed suddenly with cirrhosis of the liver and his health has really declined. The long term prognosis is not favorable and I'm already concerned about next year. In addition, my mother in law was diagnosed a few months ago with stage 3 breast cancer and she was given a 50/50 change. We are remaining optimistic for both, however we all know life is so fragile. I didn't want to "wait it out" knowing next year could be very different for them They are both in their 60's and simply too young in my opinion but one never knows.

I just got off the phone with Costco/DCL and we were able to move it successfully to the 6/17/13 sailing and in a 7A (not one we would have wanted, but still a 7A). So that means - **** our secret verandah 6634 should be available **** if anyone is looking for one.

I hate to leave you guys but I'll be checking in. If you need me to "scope out" anything for you guys this June, please let me know!

Heather

Heather - sorry to hear you won't be joining us but I fully understand and family comes first. My mom passed away in 2011 from ovarian cancer but in the 7 years since her diagnosis we went on many trips which included several cruises. These are some of the best memories we have with my mom so I understand taking advantage of the time you have. My thoughts are with your family and I hope you have a great trip.

If the 9/1 cruise works out for us, I will let you know.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Heather, I'm sorry to hear you won't be on our cruise but excited for you that you'll be going this year!

Also, my thoughts are with your family. My mom was just diagnosed with stage IIIB lung cancer and she starts her treatment tomorrow. It doesn't look good, but we're all hoping for the best (and she's still planning on coming on the Med with us in June). Cancer is the dirtiest "c" word there is. I will keep your sister and your father in my thoughts.

Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

Thank you and hugs to your and your Mom! Yes, cancer simply sucks - plain and simple so I hope for the best and I'm thrilled to hear she will still be joining you!!

Heather,

I'm sorry to hear you won't be joining us! But I totally understand your reasons and family definitely comes first. What's a vacation if it's not spent with them, right? Enjoy your new group and have a great vacation to Alaska this summer! Your family is in my prayers.

Thank you so much!! Yes, family means everything and I just didn't want to gamble with "time" next year. We have our Fantasy Spring Break cruise next year so we still have that to look forward to if all goes well! I can't wait to cruise Alaska!

Heather - sorry to hear you won't be joining us but I fully understand and family comes first. My mom passed away in 2011 from ovarian cancer but in the 7 years since her diagnosis we went on many trips which included several cruises. These are some of the best memories we have with my mom so I understand taking advantage of the time you have. My thoughts are with your family and I hope you have a great trip.

If the 9/1 cruise works out for us, I will let you know.

Aww - hugs to you! Another cancer story - it's so overwhelming I know! I'm so glad to hear she got to travel with you and you have so many great memories - that's what sustains us so hold on to those happy thoughts! Thanks again

Yes, the 9/1/13 girls Dream cruise is on! We had another friend that begged to join us so she is going to (should be once she gets vacation confirmed). So there will likely be 3 of us going and they are so excited since they've never been on DCL and the other hasn't cruised at all. She is a breast cancer survivor and this has been on her bucket list so I'm happy to be the enabler...lol

Take care,
Heather

 

[CampWDW]

I am really new to Dis posting although I have used Dis for quite some time as a resource. Forgive me if I am a little slow on the uptake. I was certain I posted this here the other day. Anyway...

My family and I will be joining you all on the 6/16/14 Alaska sailing! DS 11 , and DS 14 at time of sailing. The hubby and I sailed the inside passage on our honeymoon almost 17 yrs ago, so we have some experience with the ports. LOVED Vancouver and plan to spend 2-3 nights there pre or post.

Since I am not so great with this I have made a FB page to partner with this one. Someone did this on my last cruise (Magic 11/3/12) and I found it much easier to keep up, and gave us the chance to share things without worrying about violating any rules about posts, etc.

Anyone that wants to join look on FB for "Disney Wonder June 16 2014". Figured that about says it all!

I look forward to getting to know you all before the cruise. I have never done the FE on any of our other cruises, but I hope to do it this time

 

[Ambaugh]

I am really new to Dis posting although I have used Dis for quite some time as a resource. Forgive me if I am a little slow on the uptake. I was certain I posted this here the other day. Anyway...

My family and I will be joining you all on the 6/16/14 Alaska sailing! DS 11 , and DS 14 at time of sailing. The hubby and I sailed the inside passage on our honeymoon almost 17 yrs ago, so we have some experience with the ports. LOVED Vancouver and plan to spend 2-3 nights there pre or post.

Since I am not so great with this I have made a FB page to partner with this one. Someone did this on my last cruise (Magic 11/3/12) and I found it much easier to keep up, and gave us the chance to share things without worrying about violating any rules about posts, etc.

Anyone that wants to join look on FB for "Disney Wonder June 16 2014". Figured that about says it all!

I look forward to getting to know you all before the cruise. I have never done the FE on any of our other cruises, but I hope to do it this time

Hello CampWDW!

Glad to have you join us. This is going to be our 2nd cruise. I didn't take part in the FE exchange last time(didn't realize it existed),and certainly don't want to miss out this time. It sounds like a lot of fun. Ohana 4 made a spreadsheet using Google Doc to help keep track of everyone participating.

I looked on FB for "Disney Wonder June 16 2014" to join and was unable to find it. Is it just me typing in something incorrectly?

 

[Ambaugh]

Guys - I have big news - good and bad We have moved our Alaska sailing and we are no longer with you all. I have to tell you - I was really loving our group so far and honestly it tore at my heart strings to move it. I had been checking this years prices and noticed they were the same and kept thinking - why are we waiting until next year? We also have the Fantasy booked for Spring Break 2014 and two big cruises w/in 2 months wasn't ideal but that's life.

In addition to comparing prices and airfare feeling reasonable direct from the East Coast to Vancouver with good flight times and connections, I deeply considered health of our family members. A month ago my Dad was diagnosed suddenly with cirrhosis of the liver and his health has really declined. The long term prognosis is not favorable and I'm already concerned about next year. In addition, my mother in law was diagnosed a few months ago with stage 3 breast cancer and she was given a 50/50 change. We are remaining optimistic for both, however we all know life is so fragile. I didn't want to "wait it out" knowing next year could be very different for them They are both in their 60's and simply too young in my opinion but one never knows.

I just got off the phone with Costco/DCL and we were able to move it successfully to the 6/17/13 sailing and in a 7A (not one we would have wanted, but still a 7A). So that means - **** our secret verandah 6634 should be available **** if anyone is looking for one.

I hate to leave you guys but I'll be checking in. If you need me to "scope out" anything for you guys this June, please let me know!

Heather

Heather,

Just got a chance to get on here and respond. Sorry to here about all the C going on in your family. It really feels unfair when it attacks people we love. I lost my grandmother to it years ago when the knowledge of treatment wasn't readily known. I hope and believe treatment has come a long way since then. Sending well wishes to them.

Thanks for the posting that your room was available. I was able to get it. That made our excitement about this cruise go up a notch. I battled when booking originally which rooms to get and decided not to pay the extra $$ for a verandah room. We have 6 and just decided on the connecting rooms on the 2nd floor. A few days before your post, we were lucky enough to receive a PIN code from Disney. The battle in my head to switch rooms started again. I thought about a navigators room, but decided that I didn't want to split us up into two non-connecting rooms. Decided to keep the rooms we had. Then... your post on here. I figured it was an opportunity we shouldn't pass up. So, I sent another email to my travel agent and was able to book your room and an inside cabin across the hall. Still not sure about the non-connecting rooms, but know we are looking forward to the verandah room. Just hope the temperature is nice.

Have fun on your cruise this June. I do wish ours was closer. Let us know how the weather was and any suggestions on excursions are appreciated.

 

[Kirbo]

I am really new to Dis posting although I have used Dis for quite some time as a resource. Forgive me if I am a little slow on the uptake. I was certain I posted this here the other day. Anyway...

My family and I will be joining you all on the 6/16/14 Alaska sailing! DS 11 , and DS 14 at time of sailing. The hubby and I sailed the inside passage on our honeymoon almost 17 yrs ago, so we have some experience with the ports. LOVED Vancouver and plan to spend 2-3 nights there pre or post.

Since I am not so great with this I have made a FB page to partner with this one. Someone did this on my last cruise (Magic 11/3/12) and I found it much easier to keep up, and gave us the chance to share things without worrying about violating any rules about posts, etc.

Anyone that wants to join look on FB for "Disney Wonder June 16 2014". Figured that about says it all!

I look forward to getting to know you all before the cruise. I have never done the FE on any of our other cruises, but I hope to do it this time

I also looked for the FB page and wasn't able to find it. Could you post a link to it here?

 

[CampWDW]

I would love to post the FB link, but I have not met the 10 post minimum required to post a link yet So here is post #9

 

[CampWDW]

And here is post #10!

 

[CampWDW]

Now I should be allowed to post a link!


The FB page should be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/109132235923764/

Hope you can find it! So excited for this cruise!