June 23rd 2012 - Commandeering the Disney Fantasy - Pirates back in the Caribbean

[Nick Charles]

I've been teaching Teen Decision Making for 15 years....have a movie night with your teen and show her "Riding in Cars with Boys" and discuss how to extrapolate out decisions BEFORE making them so she can play the odds for the future she wants.... I mean, there's more to the curriculum, but that's a good start!

I'm sure that works great, but first I need to get over the fact that she's not my little 8 year old.

 

[m&m's mom]

I am less than 6 months away from having a 15 year old
Thankfully both girls are not that interested in boys at the time- here's hoping my luck holds out.
Miranda only cares about soccer and Megan is pretty involved in band.

 

[m&m's mom]

I love being able to find our Meet Thread on the 1st page. My June 2010 cruise has hardly any people posting at all.

 

[Caropooh]

Speaking as the father of a DD who will be 15 on the cruise, don't even think about getting him near her!



Well, I didn't play last time, and I think my wife (Mrs Scooby) will pitch a fit if I do it this time with my new hip, but I am experienced in sports officiating. If I can't sneak into the game, I could ref, if you want.

As the mother of a DD who will be 13 on the cruise and will be hanging out with your DD, I think we better be worried!

 

[buckifan]

I'm sure that works great, but first I need to get over the fact that she's not my little 8 year old.

Darren....I am struggling with this as well. My baby girl will be 12 on the cruise. It all went too fast.

I am less than 6 months away from having a 15 year old
Thankfully both girls are not that interested in boys at the time- here's hoping my luck holds out.
Miranda only cares about soccer and Megan is pretty involved in band.

Coral....sounds like my kids. Drew is in his HS Marching band, and that is really his "thing". Kylie, also not interested in boys at all, loves sports. She plays club soccer, travel basketball and softball. She is trying to work field hockey in there, but it conflicts with soccer season too much.

 

[darthrugby]

Good morning!

NYC is colder than Minnesota this morning. We're headed for a high of 28 degrees today, which is 48 degrees warmer than what is was on Friday morning! Heatwave!

Wow, thats cold. I think I'l stick with our weather in NYC. We will be warming up a bit tomorrow. Another storm on it's way for Wednesday night.

 

[LuvtheEars]

Like 90% of everyone else we got a verandah cabin - and learned a little about the few inside cabins with "Magical" digital portholes! Yeah.... they have INSIDE cabins with a digital feed outside that also flashes other views - ocassionally with our favorite characters and so forth! See the quote below: I was so intrigued that I sort of wanted one of those - however they were completely sold out!!!! No surprise there!

We were able to book one of the last 2 cat 10 cabins last week. I wanted a window, but will be interested in seeing the digital porthole.

And regretfully, I suspect DCL stripped some of thier experienced staff for the new ship(s) and new GREEN crew must have been aboard the Wonder. Some of our party were left waiting supposedly 90 minutes to be served lunch. They were the 2nd party in the door - a party of 18 spread over a few tables - and it seems the vast majority of the dining room waitied about 90 minutes for thier main entree? I thought the claim UNBELIEVABLE - until I spoke to the dining manager in our dinner venue - Parrot C. She admitted she was dining manager in Tritons that same day for lunch - and that they had very slow delivery of main entrees for all three venues that lunch hour! It was litterially a technical service melt-down?!!! And she added it was not her (or her dining staffs') fault.

We experienced a little of the "Green" crew on our Magic cruise. Our Server seemed to have experience, but our Asst. Server was new. The first few nights we had our food long before we had anything to drink other than water. There were also days when our beds were only made a couple of hours before they were turned down again for the night. It was a little sad the cruise was not as "over the top" as our other 5 were. At the Pirate Party Mickey walked down the stairs and didn't fly through the air. I was on deck 10 and didn't see him and it was only the next day that a friend told me she saw him walking down the stairs to deck 9. I just thought he didn't show up at all. The dancers didn't know the routines for either the Sail Away party or the Pirate Party. We still had a grand time though, but felt it was not as good as before.

Hi Tiffany ! Welcome aboard. How far are you from North Myrtle Beach ? We are having a mini-meet on June 11. 2011 at Dicks last resort. Coming back from vacation is the worst. Don't feel rushed to get everything done at once.

We are just south of Raleigh - It's only a couple of hours drive to North Myrtle Beach, so we might just be there.

 

[darthrugby]

Well, I didn't play last time, and I think my wife (Mrs Scooby) will pitch a fit if I do it this time with my new hip, but I am experienced in sports officiating. If I can't sneak into the game, I could ref, if you want.

That would be great. Last time we had a lot of fun. It's a short game. Are you familiar with rugby?

 

[buckifan]

I apologize - my bad! Yes, there is a 48 inch restriction. I was just addressing the concerns about height/weight. There is a cast member at the bottom of the stairs and they measure the kids before they go up. They have a measuring stand right there to check them out - so grow kids, grow!!!!!

Ok- tidbits about the spa. It is super! I am so impressed. You check in and then go to the waiting room - Wow! Very, very nice and overlooks the ocean. The beauty salon is right next to it and it looked just as nice with good views. I loved the RainForest - oh my. There are 10 loungers (don't get very warm - not good for our health I was told) that overlooks the ocean there is glass and open panels that you look out. Beyond the doors are 2 - 2 people hot tubs that also face the ocean (the sign says 15 min. limit). Big demand for these hot tubs. Ok - they are so cool - interesting to climb in. They have metal bottoms and are curved like a lounge chair but so nice to relax and look at waves (my favorite). The different showers were super - I believe there were 4 different ones - rain thunder was my favorite (hot and cold at the same time). 3 different kind of saunas with wild names. I enjoyed them all. I could spend all day there. It is well worth the $16 a day charge but it was crowded. Work out facilities are great too as on the other 2 ships.
A lot more treatment rooms. I had a facial and Jade from England did it. She was very good. She is so excited to be on the Drem. She has worked on other cruise lines and was selected to be on the Dream. She made it sound like she won an "award" but heck we all feel that way about Disney. She did not pressure me to buy products but of course I told her I was pleased with the products I use at home.

Cast Members - Everyone just like Jade is super happy to be on Dream. We were told that 30% are from the Wonder/Magic. 15% hired from India, 15% from Indonesia, 30% from Europe, and I imagine the other 10% are US. The majority we met were from UK and have never been on a cruise ship. They are all so excited and are working so hard. We kept hearing from the crew that had been on other cruise lines that they were so excited to be on the Disney Dream - they said that Disney treats their crew members better than any other cruise line. Every single crew member we met did a super job. We had Katrinia from Czech in Palos. She is one of 9 that came from the other 2 ships - she was excellent. All the servers in Remy's she said are French or speak French. I was really impressed with Karl H., President of Disney Cruise Line. He was so friendly to everyone. I heard him on his phone say, "I just went to that guest's cabin and I got the problem solved." How many cruise line Presidents are out solving guests' problems? Cast members said he's good to work for - I believe we are in good hands!

Palos/Remys/Meridian Bar - OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH - nice, nice, nice! DH misses the open kitchen at Palos but having said that they definitely have bumped Palos up a couple notches. It is super elegant - absolutely gorgeous! Same size - just a different feel. Lots of gold, booths, a new serving cart that brings your antipasta appetizers to each table. Menus basically the same - had to have beef tenderloin and chocolate desert. Yum!!! DH said the lamb was the best he has ever tasted. Remy's is a 3 hour to 5 hour (if you have all the wine pairings Katrinia said) dinner - $75 or add $99 for wine pairings. That will cost you probably $200 per person if you do it all. Hopefully in the future? Our bill was $73 for 2 - $20 tip and 2 glasses of wine. Our ressie was for 6 p.m. There were 3 other couples in there with us and then Carl H./Al Weiss and parties were in the back section of Palos. I have never seen it so empty. I had tried to book in online but couldn't so sent husband immediately to Deck 4 to D Lounge to change to early dining and try to get Palos - scored on both. Katrinia said they are still in "learning mode" with a new galley, staff, etc. Definitely will do Palos any time I can! Hopefully will find someone willing to go to Remy's with me that has deep pockets - DH said it won't be him.

Sports Deck - It is well laid out. They have the enclosed basketball courts, 2 interactive rooms (don't know how to explain these - you go in hit your golf club/hockey putt into a screen and they rate you - sorry for not explaining it better. Ok - the best is the Goofy/Max Mini Golf. 9 holes of fun for families. It is laid out for the adult to shoot from the Goofy shoes and the child to shoot from the Max shoes - the balls go different directions. Of course the adult pattern is harder. Grandson and I really enjoyed this. There were 3 families playing while we were there - everyone else was in line for the AquaDuck.
Nemo play area - I remember some concern about the flooring - I walked on it and it is rubber or synethic. I felt it is safe for little ones. My 8 year old didn't want to use it - thankfully. The age limit is to 8 - probably should be to 5 in my opinion. Disney might revisit that age limit - nice for little ones.

Pools - Ok. I think they are good size especially the adult pool - maybe the family pool will feel crowded when the ship is sold out. I just didn't think it looked any more crowded than the Magic/Wonder pools. 2 hot tubs next to the Donald Family pool - anyone under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. They hold 20 people - those will be crowded - they look out over the ocean.
I looked but didn't see any more hot tubs except the teens have one, Concierge has them, the adult pool has them, and the spa. The lounge chairs are spread out everywhere - which makes it not seem crowded.

Kids areas - Disney hit a home run here. They are super! Ok - back up I can't report on the nursery. My grandson spent probably 6 hours in Oceaneer Lab and Club. He loved it - they have the best counselors. I was very impressed. He loved the blue/green game floor. He was exhausted after playing on it. That is where they stomp on the floor - somehow lost his room key while doing it??? He also enjoyed all the computer stuff and the Pirates of the Caribbean activity. He said they served pizza at 5:30 the night we went to Palos. The lab and club are huge areas compared to the Magic/Wonder (at least I thought so). Really felt good about taking him there and he couldn't wait. A couple times on the other ships he didn't want to go. So I think they have worked hard to improve the quality of their programs on all 3 ships.

Disney really hit it out of the ball park with the tween, teen, and older group. My gosh - I was slightly jealous of all the new stuff they are doing for them and the areas are super "with it" I was told. Their own deck??? Disney is definitely going after this market. The "Chill Spa" - my gosh one young lady went in looking like a regular, nice looking 14 year old and came out WOW! You could tell by the look on her face she was on "cloud 9". Why didn't they have this neat stuff when I was that age?

Adults certainly can't feel left out - the pool/swim up bar is extra coooooool.
The Cove cafe seemed to get a lot more traffic then on the other ships. The desserts are right out there in the open. I noticed a lot of people were taking nice plates of little delights back to their loungers/rooms. I think that whole area is well laid out. Now for entertainment - Disney is thought to be only for families - NOT! There is now definitely a huge area for the adults called the District. There are so many lounges bars, and entertainment areas the adults certainly can't say that Disney forgot them. Now if I can just get DH to stay up past 10 p.m. The District was rocking way past midnight on Friday night.

Restaurants - did not go into Animator's Palate. A friend said it was her favorite - we went to Palos. I had lunch in Enchanted Garden when we boarded. It is beautiful. 2 lines for buffet - the usual offerings. They serve you dessert out of the case and also the ice cream. I asked about chocolate chip cookies but they didn't have them. She thought they had them at Cabanas. You could order them from room service. My only concern is that the tables are so close together. I think it is hard to move between tables.
Royal Palace is very elegant. The servers look gorgeous in their uniforms - it is all gold - very good and our waiters were from Crotia and England. They both dropped a tray and I felt sorry for them. I think everyone going soon needs to be patient. They are all trying so hard and it is so new for so many of them. The tables are really close together here too - a small worry.
DH thought all the fast food at Mater's, Luigi's, etc. was a step up especially in the hamburgers and hot dogs. He didn't see tacos but thought he could have missed it. The drink station are in a straight line - easy to use - small cups - just the right size for kids. Grandson loves going to get his own drinks!
Wish I was getting married - for all those brides to be out there if your wedding is held in the Outlook I think you will be happy. They had so many media things going on during our Preview cruise that I couldn't get up there but at 7 this morning the media guy was taking all his equipment out so I peekds - really nice! Cast member said it is for special events so I doubt that it would be open to the general public - darn! Nice place.
Terminal/Parking Garage - very, very nice. Yes, you do have to walk out in the open. I believe it is 6 stories high. There are 4 elevators or you can take the stairs - you drop off your luggage, then park in the garage, and then walk across the road to go through security. We got there at 10:30 and they started boarding us at 11:30 - we were in group 8 and were on before noon. Hubby got in line for dining changes and grandson and I went to Enchanted Gardens for lunch. They opened our rooms at 1:30 - luggage was there shortly afterwards. We were unpacked, door decorated, and FE hung by 2:30.
Off to play!

More later on Shutters, shops, gifts, and interactive mystery (fav activity)

Interesting review of the Dream (borrowed from another thread)....These new ships sound amazing to me

 

[captaincrash]

As the mother of a DD who will be 13 on the cruise and will be hanging out with your DD, I think we better be worried!

I've been teaching Teen Decision Making for 15 years....have a movie night with your teen and show her "Riding in Cars with Boys" and discuss how to extrapolate out decisions BEFORE making them so she can play the odds for the future she wants.... I mean, there's more to the curriculum, but that's a good start!

Darren....I am struggling with this as well. My baby girl will be 12 on the cruise. It all went too fast.

- (ed) -.

I know too well how time is flying - our kids growing up - and I am beginning to hear about the "antics" of some other girls regarding "boys" and... "girls bullying other girls". Thankfully, those oberservations and comments do NOT include or pertain to my girls - being only 6 and 9... however I see both of them sharing remarks on THIER observations of such with me. I remind them of what I presaently feel is a wise course of action to deal with or defeat such issues as they may be.

I find in recent months/weeks that I am feeling a bit in the dark. I know boys like girls and vice versa - and it appears earlier in girls then boys apparantly. However - having been the type when I was younger, who felt girls were strange but otherwise JUST like boys who didn't play some of the same sports we did - and thus were otherwise just simply PEOPLE in a different "cliq" with mostly longer hair... that kind of attitude left me dating fairly late I suspect. And I had girls showing "interest" in ME where I was quite litterially "clueless". It led to some embarassing moments for either myself or the young lady stalking me. So - my personal history and .... my obvious INNOCENCE leaves me at a bit of a loss.

SO - I watch and listen - and I am beginning to actively ASK questions on this subject as I want to be (kind of) prepared long before it becomes the donimant issue between us parents and our daughters.

THANK YOU again to all with remarks and advice. Boys Riding in Cars with Girls... I wil have to rent it and check for what constructive messages prevail there-in.

And for anyone else seeking guidance in these matters - I offer affordable consulting sessions featuring the discussions modeled after the "Blind leading the Blind" concept!

 

[captaincrash]

Interesting review of the Dream (borrowed from another thread)....These new ships sound amazing to me

Thanks for sharing this Deanna... It seems obvious DCL has done their homework here and launched an enticing product for our vacation pleasure!

And now - I am off for a late lunch! I gotta GO for a while....​

 

[villagesbarbara]

Thought I would introduce myself. I am the DD of VillagesBarbara who was not able to sail on the EBPC cruise. I told my parents and sister they were not allowed to sail without me again so here I am. Had to twist my DH's arm a little to book another cruise when we have the Double Dip on the Dream in August. But I pulled out the making memories with the family card, so he agreed. Looking forward to meeting everyone my sister and parents have talked about for the past few years. I haven't sailed since 5/07, so I really need to get on the ship again.

Hi! How's the weather up there? Should I warn everyone about you and your sister. No, I like to just sit back and watch.

 

[Nick Charles]

That would be great. Last time we had a lot of fun. It's a short game. Are you familiar with rugby?

In a general way, but I'm not up on all the rules. I'm pretty good at learning these things and as a general rule I watch the officials in sporting events as much, if not more than, the actual athletes (wife says I'm odd that way). So, I should be good by next year. Still, hopefully I can play this time. That'd be my first choice.

 

[dahuffy]

Popping in.

 

[Diznyfan68]

You all are just way too chatty...no way that I can even try and keep up this time around...will do my best to check in once in while.

 

[Diznyfan68]

Wow, thats cold. I think I'l stick with our weather in NYC. We will be warming up a bit tomorrow. Another storm on it's way for Wednesday night.

Hi Pete! Up to a Yankee game mini-meet this summer?

 

[Sarangel]

That would be great. Last time we had a lot of fun. It's a short game. Are you familiar with rugby?

Oooohhh. I missed this last time. Can I play? I have no clue how to, but I'm willing. I did play soccer in HS, does that help?

 

[cruisin'Mike]

Hi! How's the weather up there? Should I warn everyone about you and your sister. No, I like to just sit back and watch.

It's cold Barbara! Really cold!

 

[sk8ingmom]

There will have to be a rematch. I think the beach we played on was used to build the new cabanas anyway, so we will need to find a new location. We will be there this August so I'll survey the area for a new pitch.

I can't believe I picked that orange color.

We're in...and I have a giant Mens XL blue shirt that I've been sleeping in for the last 2+ years!

 

[alexandmaddie]

There is a show about the Panama Canal on PBS right now, if anyone is interested.