June 26, 2011 5 Nights on the Disney Dream!!!!

[Tammyepolytinkfan]

Good news for us New Englanders: There's a forecast of 75 degrees on Monday! Hopefullyit doesn't end up being an April Fool's forecast again...

We are finally getting some warm weather. It was funny my son was outside tonight with a t-shirt it was about 50 degrees but had snow boots on because we still had a little pile of snow he decided to play in and kick it around. It will be all melted this weekend.

 

[jd99]

Hi All,
I haven't been around for a while so I'm sure you may have talked about this already-- if so, forgive me--

This cruise is the first 1/2 of our back-2-back. On this cruise is me, 11 yr. old son, my friend & her 11 yr. old. We want to do the Atlantis excursion (with the water park). Through Disney it is $169 per person & our boys are adult rate as well-- for a total of $676. I remember reading somewhere once to book a room on your own at Comfort Inn Suites, Paradise Island because you get full use of the Atlantis facilities. I just checked & for the 4 of us (our room w/ acess to Atlantis) is $355 including taxes & fees! Quite a savings!

Here is my question-- the hotels check in time is 3PM & checkout time is 11AM. I just booked it for Tues. June 28, the day we will be arriving in port. , but now I am second guessing myself that I should have booked it for the day before we arrive-- not sure how that works with the wristbands-- are they good for the entire day you check in or just from 3:00PM on?

If anybody knows the answer or could point me to the correct dis-discussion board (I'm SURE there must be one) I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks,
Tricia

PS-- I am SOOO excited that the Magic will be in NYC summer 2012 (I am in CT) I have a list of cruises to book in the morning!!!

We are thinking of doing this as well. Have always read about just booking the Comfort Suites. The savings to do it this way are amazing. 355 including taxes still!

 

[PaceFamily]

Tomorrow we can book (if anything is left) what we want to do! We are so ready for this vacation!!!

 

[bombygriz]

So I told you I'd let everyone know what part I got in Beauty and the Beast...Well, I spent a whole year in voice lessons in order to be Belle, but all I got was this...

I'm not particularly happy about it, but meh. It's a part...:/

 

[MrsScooby]

Playing ketchup here so bear with me

Private Mixology Class​

Finally heard back from DCL about the required numbers for this class and was a bit surprised by their response.



I thought the class would be much smaller as the posts I had seen on this had said that you got to mix your own drinks.
I'm going to ask him to clarify whether this size class is just a lecture (with drinks handed out) or if it is hands on.

I'd prefer a hands on class if possible.

Anyway, at last count we only had 10 people (plus 4 maybes) interested. So we need alot more to hit the minimum number of 25.

Also, if someone is in concierge and is interested in this type of class, the concierge staff would probably be faster and more efficient in organizing this for us...so feel free to step in and let me know if interested
I could take the names and info and pass them on to you to pass on to concierge

Of course the drinking age is 21, so unfortunately our younger DIS members have to sit this one out

I got an out of office email last time I tried and I will try again to get some answers as to what a class size of 25 would include.
At last count we didn't have enough (maybe 12 total), but they schedule these private classes right before we cruise so we still have time if we manage to get enough people.

If this is the hands on class, I think we would be interested. I will let you know!

We are still interested let us know what you find out!!

I'll let you all know when I get some answers to my emails and post a list of names that I have so far.
I'm only gonna want to do it if it is hands on as well though. This has the potential to be alot of fun so I am keeping my fingers crossed

 

[MrsScooby]

Haha! I just saw my signature and I am about 2 years off in ages!! I have to remember how to go back in and change it because it's been so long!!

Kym

they grow up fast

My husband did the same thing! It was pretty funny to see a 6'3" grown man happy because he kissed a dolphin!! We booked directly through the company (which was at Atlantis) and had a good time.

We booked directly with the company as well...or I should say I booked with the company. DH is not much of a planner

We are already booked for our excursion and palo. Other than brunch everything was wide open. I could have booked on the 13th but was away and just did it last week so my take on availability is fairly recent. Good luck! For anyone waffling about remy, book it if you can. It truly was a phenomenal meal and experience!!
Lisa

Booked Remy and can't wait
DH and I have been to Victoria and Alberts and loved it so I'm sure we will love Remy as well.

Booking window opened by 12:02 and all I had to do was refresh the screen. Had no problem booking Remy dinner for Day 5 at 8:10pm plus Atlantis Aquaventure on Day 3, but there were no slots for a Swedish Massage onboard any day except early morning and late day.

Does anyone know if they hold back many of the midday timeslots for spa treatments? Interestingly enough, there were plenty of slots for the massage on CC which I thought was more in-demand.

I haven't booked the spa in quite a while, but I do remember seeing last minute specials advertised on my last few cruises.

Hi all- My family, me, DH, and DD(7) will also be joining you on June 26. Along with us will be cousin, her DH and DS(7), and her sister, DH, DD(9), and DD(11). So a total of 10. We are all excited and can't wait to go. We are emailing each other daily because we all live in different cities, two in Ohio and the other in Texas. Because DH, DD, and I have sailed before we were able to book a Nassau excursion and Palo on 3/28. We still need to decide about CC excursions. The rest of the group can book on April 12.

I did not get to read the whole thread so if someone can point out the important info or any group activities that would be great.

We can't belive we are less than 90 days. We booked this back in 2009 I believe and the time is finally approaching.

Shavonda

Welcome Aboard

Welcome to the boards. The FE is already closed for this group, but there is one group interested in doing a mixology class for the adults. Check a few posts back for the info.

We have not planned any group meets during the cruise yet. Anyone have any ideas???
Group meeting for family games or something?
Anyone have any ideas or would like to get some kind of meet going? On at Sea day maybe.

Maybe if we found a 4 day navigator we can try to find an activity that alot of people would like to do together

I know my DH and DD will be playing Bingo at least once..plus we will be doing that detective game that they have now. Staying on the ship in Nassau to hopefully ride the Aquaduck a few times.
I'm hoping to catch the matinee for the new show on the sea day
Definitely doing the drink tastings (wine/martini) in addition to mixology.

What else is there?
New ship so I am going to be mostly exploring I guess

 

[MrsScooby]

Also want to thank everyone for the well wishes for my mother. It's been three months now since her fall, and she is about 90% recovered. It's been a tough road for everyone, but finally things are looking up.

Glad your Mom is feeling better
Hard to see our loved ones in pain

Checking in from NJ with everyone... So excited to be planning all the details for our Dream Cruise. Sailing with our crew will be Me, DH, DD (22), DS (14). It will be our 3rd Disney Cruise and we're all already "too excited to sleep".

A question for everyone out there - Our DD has PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder) - SO, in a nutshell, although she is chronologically 22 - you'd all probably guess her to be about 16 or so. She knows she can't go to the 'Teen' club anymore but she's not feeling as though she belongs with the "adults" either-at least not Mom & Dad if you get my drift. She's was quite independent during the last 2 cruises and we'd like to help her find someplace to fit in this cruise too. Anyone traveling with someone who either has belonged to a "Best Buddies" group during HS or College that might be willing to just make an introduction and perhaps just clue her in to what the college-crowd can do on the ship?

Thanks for the consideration fellow cruisers!! Happy Planning and See you all very soon!!!

Hey New Jersey

On our last cruise the DD of one of our Dis people had a hard time fitting in with the college crowd as well. She complained they were only interested in getting alcohol and getting drunk. She was 19 but seemed to fit in best with either people older than her or younger than her
She was very sweet. Too bad she is not on this cruise because I'm sure she would be able to help out

I would definitely talk to some CMs when you get on board and see if they have any suggestions

OK Group meets. We could all meet up at the sail away party but where? Deck 12 left side over looks the mail pool area and would be a less crowded place to see sailaway party. How does that sound?

Pirate night would be good too but what Time? 8pm? between the different dining time and shows. Depending on what is going on on deck we could meet there. What do others think?

Family meet D lounge for games anytime just look for the red Lanyards people are wearing. There are always family game shows going on or karoke. Joining games as a group is lots of fun.

Maybe a group mini golf game at sea day say 10 am? What time do others think? or other deck games basketball/volleyball.

Group meet for Bingo (1st time Bingo is offered or last Jackpot Bingo)


These are just some ideas what does everyone think?

Well, Bingo definitely works for us
Can't do 10 am on the sea day as we have Palo brunch then, but mini golf is something we want to try at some point.
I wonder if they will have wii games in one of the lounges for in the evenings? My DH actually wound up playing wii bowling one night with some people once and had a blast.

We haven't posted in quite a while. But now that the cruise is quickly approaching we are back and ready to go!

Truth is, we were scared we would have to cancel our cruise. I'm a teacher and the district I work for was threatening to strike. I have no control over that and if they did strike the school year would be extended and I would have had to cancel the cruise. I find out Monday if the agreement went through but I paid in full for the cruise anyway in good faith that things will work out and booked some excursions and spa time - woohoo

SOOOOO, will we all get to meet? I saw some mention of meeting on the day at sea. Another idea is to try to meet on Castaway Cay at a certain area of the beach - we could all try to sit in a certain area and then the kids can all play and have fun together. Just a thought...

I'm pretty new to the DIS boards as I did not read or post on the DIS board before my last 2 Disney Cruises so my ideas have no practical experience to back them up. Just thought I'd throw something out there.

Well, it's great to catch up and read about our fellow cruisers. I hope to see many of you on the cruise and I'll be checking in on this board as all of our excitement is growing!

Oh - we also decided to stay in our timeshare for a couple days before the cruise so we will be headed to the Animal Kingdom Villas for a couple of days before the cruise! So excited!

Peace out!

Leah DM Brian DH Kailey DD13 Brian DS11 Thomas DS9

May 2009 Disney Wonder 4 day
May 2008 Disney Wonder 3 day

Disney Vacation Club Members

Bay Lake Towers - August 2010
Wilderness Lodge - May 2009
Boardwalk Villas - May 2008
Beach Club Villas - May 2007
Old Key West - January 2006

Caribbean Beach - March 1996 - We got engaged!

Not sure what Castaway Cay will be like for the Dream, but I'm sure most people will be trying to get near Pelican Plunge
I need a lounge chair and an umbrella and a fruity drink and I am set on CC

Our family DW DD and DS, went to the post office today to get our passports, first time we were all able to go with all school, girl scout and boyscout stuff.
I was looking at my wife's birth certificate last night it did not have a seal or impression. We go to the post office today and we get real ungreatful postal worker, neither of the ladies working want ed to do the passports. They whined to each other. I point out my wifes birth certificate first. The lady said no not acceptable. NO problem I was ready for it. Then the pictures were't perfect centered.OMG my wife is steaming. The the lady said my head was not lined up...I told her I have a big head hard to fit in that oval, she agreed, I made light of it she lossened up. I said just try to send it. My second chin wasn't in the oval layout. Then the lady was doing my daughters and her picture wasn't center, she looked at my wife and knew to keep on. Then the lady asked for my wifes drivers license I knew they needed it for my daughter application. Again my wife was about to rip into this woman. I calmed them down. When the women got to my sons she didn't even check his picture. But I made a mistake on his DOB. I thought OMG I have to re do it...nope she said just scatch through it. SHEW need a cruise after that. I got online to get a new birth certificate for my wife. The only worry now is her middle name is spelled Mellisa on certificate. and licence and everthing else its Melissa. Hope it slides by when we take her back when certified copy comes...Really need a cruise........

Sorry you had such a hard time with the passports.
The lady who did ours at the post office was rather..unique as well
At least once you get the passports taken care of they are good for several years.

Oh, I know that fear,,,both DH and I are federal employees and we don't know what is going to happen after Friday. Much talk and posturing going on by a bunch of millionaires who WILL get their paychecks as will their staff, and nobody is looking at the hardworking everyday people who make up a lot of that "government".
Contrary to the stories you hear, most of us are not overpaid or underworked. Because our ranks include doctors, lawyers and rocket scientists, that statistic is skewed. And they make lots less than they would in private practice!!
So please send pixies that their posturing doesn't stand on our backs.

DH and I are also federal employees as well
Very relieved when they finally came to an agreement.

'Just spent a little time checking out You Tube videos of the "Dream"!!! SO very exciting!! Looks like Rachel Quinn is the Cruise Director (we've never sailed with her before-anyone?) Any Castaway Club members know if any staff from the other ships is now on the Dream... we loved our old activities director, Dave, and many others - always nice to see familiar faces on board in addition to all the new ones!!

@CSwan1-Thanks for the welcome! Looking forward to finding everyone on board.

The last time we sailed, our 'meets-group' all choose a color swatch for our group from the Disney Paint selections at the local Home Depot - we tied it to our back-packs/luggage/pocketbooks, etc. - it was a great way to be able to approach someone from our thread. My apologies if you all have already worked something else out - I haven't caught up reading this entire thread yet.

Excited about sailing on a new ship too

Our first cruise was with Rachel as cruise director! She's very sweet and nice.

I'm thinking we are using the DIS green ones...am I right or am I mixing it up with another cruise? I'm old ya know....

Too funny about the getting old comment.
I just apologized to someone yesterday as I had to lean in close to a sign to read it...the eyes are going (sigh)

Not a bad idea to get some kind of signal going for those folks not getting lanyards

 

[MrsScooby]

I was joking with my husband that I was going to stay up till midnight to get first shot at some better times and activities - he said I was crazy - can't wait to tell him that not only wasn't I the only one with this idea but some of you actually did it!!

Oh yes...my DH used to think I was crazy too. Took him a few years and a few great vacations and now he admits that he is grateful for my obsessive planning

hey everyone my Dfi is having a hard time getting a passport so any extra pixi dust is welcomed

Saying a prayer that it works out

Did you all see!!! 2012 Cruises out of NYC!!! WHHHOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!

I was excited to see that too. I'm originally from NY and would love to cruise DCL out of there at some point.

The one I want is the 15-day out to Hawaii and back. Four sea days out, four stops in the islands including opportunities to see the new Aulani resort, the a chance to experience the USS Arizona Memorial and board the USS Missouri (as a history buff and ship nut that’s no little thing either), five sea days back, a stop in Ensenada, and Id be at sea on a DCL ship on my 50th birthday. That would be most excellent, but alas… I can’t have that many days off, I’m not allowed to take vacation during the first two weeks of any month, and my DS will be finishing up his Junior year of HS at the time and there’s no way he could miss fifteen days. Just as well, as I suspect the price tag would cause heart failure anyway. Win some… Loose some.

I still remember my first trip to PearL Harbor when I was 8 years old. Gave me goosebumps.
My son's high school band is suppose to visit Hawaii this December to represent Virginia. All of a sudden my DH is interested in chaperoning

Hi Tricia. You have done this correctly. The folks at the hotel are quite use to this. When you arrive, simply check in and out at the same time, pay anything you need to, get your wristbands and head over to Atlantis! We did this in 2009 and had a blast.

Lisa

I thought I read of folks keeping the room for a little while and using it to change out of swim suits afterwards?

Tomorrow we can book (if anything is left) what we want to do! We are so ready for this vacation!!!

Umm, don't panic if what you want is not available. You will have a chance again when you board the ship.

So I told you I'd let everyone know what part I got in Beauty and the Beast...Well, I spent a whole year in voice lessons in order to be Belle, but all I got was this...

I'm not particularly happy about it, but meh. It's a part...:/

Congrats
I love that play

 

[Goofy559]

Mrs scooby, you are right. Some do keep their comfort in room for changing. We didn't feel that we wanted to take the time to go back, shower, and check out. We just did a quick rinse at Atlantis, put on dry bottoms in the Atlantis bathroom and were on our way. More time to play that way!

 

[Faith&Hope]

So....I am finally trying to make reservations (but can't cuz there's nothing available)!

I need someone to put the details together for me. I'm very detailed but since I have 1000 other things going, I haven't been able to pull anything together. Sad

Can someone put the itinerary together with what shows are playing with when the pirate party and formal (or is it informal or nothing on this cruise?) night is? I am a leader but I am feeling like such a follower You'll say that I'm a first timer on the ship but really it will be our 5th one!

I've started the FE gifts, registered online tonight but for some reason the castaway club website will not log me in. Frustrating.

Did you guys take all the check-in times at 10:30-11:00? There aren't any available (obviously, we are within the 75 day time). Had to take the 11:00-11:30 time. So not like us....we were always the early crew before. Oh well....we'll just have to walk into the chaos. What happens if you get there before your check-in time?

Thanks for your help guys!

 

[Faith&Hope]

oh yeah, has anyone read reviews of the electronic bracelet that the kids have to wear? Before it was just a very thick plastic bracelet. Just curious how they were working out.

Also, I liked the pagers before because they were small. Now we have to carry a wave phone with us at all times?!?!?

 

[Faith&Hope]

Is anyone going to Atlantis on Nassau? On your own or through Disney? Going to look into it on our own. Swam with the dolphins last time we were there. Thinking it might be too crowded onboard with people staying on.

How many days are we out?!?!?!

 

[Pete W.]

Is anyone going to Atlantis on Nassau? On your own or through Disney? Going to look into it on our own. Swam with the dolphins last time we were there. Thinking it might be too crowded onboard with people staying on.

Our family of 4 (me, DW, DS16 & DD12) are doing Atlantis Aquaventure. Right now we're booked thru Comfort Suites ($322 with all taxes/fees) AND Disney ($676). Will do a final check of the long-range weather forecast 5 days out and cancel the Disney excursion unless there's a tropical weather event brewing which could impact the ship docking at Nassau on June 28th.

We plan to be first off the ship, quick taxi to CS to check-in/check-out, head to Aquaventure for our wrist bands, rent a locker and be in the Mayan pool before the Disney group finishes their orientation tour of Atlantis.

 

[theostwalts]

Is anyone going to Atlantis on Nassau? On your own or through Disney? Going to look into it on our own. Swam with the dolphins last time we were there. Thinking it might be too crowded onboard with people staying on.

How many days are we out?!?!?!

We are doing the Discover Atlantis excursion. We were going to do the Dolphin swim at the Atlantis, but really wanted to do the Blue Lagoon. It is full so we will probably do a dolphin swim another time. Maybe at Sea World sometime. We are going to do the Stingray excursion on Castaway Cay on the second day there.

 

[1princess1prince]

I am tentatively so happy but fear I have done something wrong. Check in is crazy. I got on last night at midnight (as a side note I have to get up at 5 am for work)...so 12:01 last night nothing - cant check in, no excursions, so I start wondering if I have the wrong day. Finally around 12:05 it lets me on excursions and I booked the 9:30 Dolphin Encounter on Blue Lagoon - I think...How do I know if it is actually booked?

And then I tried for another 10 minutes or so to check in and I couldn't - so I checked the DIS boards and saw that some other people had trouble for hours after registering for excursions. So I went to bed. Tried again at 630 this morning when I got to work but didnt have all the pertinent info with me. So I just got done and got an 11:00 time for check in, guess it isnt too bad.

Well I sure hope I did whatever I was supposed to. It is getting so close!!

 

[MrsScooby]

Mrs scooby, you are right. Some do keep their comfort in room for changing. We didn't feel that we wanted to take the time to go back, shower, and check out. We just did a quick rinse at Atlantis, put on dry bottoms in the Atlantis bathroom and were on our way. More time to play that way!

I've never booked this but hoped to some day. It sounds like fun

So....I am finally trying to make reservations (but can't cuz there's nothing available)!

I need someone to put the details together for me. I'm very detailed but since I have 1000 other things going, I haven't been able to pull anything together. Sad

Can someone put the itinerary together with what shows are playing with when the pirate party and formal (or is it informal or nothing on this cruise?) night is? I am a leader but I am feeling like such a follower You'll say that I'm a first timer on the ship but really it will be our 5th one!

I've started the FE gifts, registered online tonight but for some reason the castaway club website will not log me in. Frustrating.

Did you guys take all the check-in times at 10:30-11:00? There aren't any available (obviously, we are within the 75 day time). Had to take the 11:00-11:30 time. So not like us....we were always the early crew before. Oh well....we'll just have to walk into the chaos. What happens if you get there before your check-in time?

Thanks for your help guys!

I don't think there are any formal or semi-formal nights on this cruise. I have heard of a "dress-up" night, but I have never noticed it being a big deal in the past.
I know someone posted a few months ago what the dinner rotation would be like in terms of which restaurants would be repeated and I used that for booking Palo/Remy. I think the nights repeated were 1/5 and 2/3, but I am not sure

Not really planning alot on this cruise as I expect to spend alot of time exploring the ship.
I have the 10:30-11:00 slot and plan to get to the port early (around 9:30-10:00). I have heard from the main DCL Dis board that eventually DCL intends to hold cruisers to their port arrival time, but that for right now they are giving them out first come first served Be prepared for crowds and chaos

oh yeah, has anyone read reviews of the electronic bracelet that the kids have to wear? Before it was just a very thick plastic bracelet. Just curious how they were working out.

Also, I liked the pagers before because they were small. Now we have to carry a wave phone with us at all times?!?!?

My kids will both be in the teen clib this time so no bracelets for us
Have heard the wave phones are bulky and not working well

We usually leave some kind of message center in our cabin so we can keep in touch (either a white board or sticky notes).
Maybe ask on the main board to see about how the bracelets are working out. There are always glitches when new things are introduced so they might have things worked out by the time we get there.

 

[MrsScooby]

I am tentatively so happy but fear I have done something wrong. Check in is crazy. I got on last night at midnight (as a side note I have to get up at 5 am for work)...so 12:01 last night nothing - cant check in, no excursions, so I start wondering if I have the wrong day. Finally around 12:05 it lets me on excursions and I booked the 9:30 Dolphin Encounter on Blue Lagoon - I think...How do I know if it is actually booked?

And then I tried for another 10 minutes or so to check in and I couldn't - so I checked the DIS boards and saw that some other people had trouble for hours after registering for excursions. So I went to bed. Tried again at 630 this morning when I got to work but didnt have all the pertinent info with me. So I just got done and got an 11:00 time for check in, guess it isnt too bad.

Well I sure hope I did whatever I was supposed to. It is getting so close!!

I have heard that a common mistake when booking excursions and whatnot is not clicking on the link at the bottom to save your selections.
The DCL website should have what you booked under "Your Cruise Plans".

An 11 am port arrival time is not bad. I have heard of people getting much later..like 1:00 or 2:00 or even 3:00 pm.

I so need this vacation
Can't get here fast enouigh

 

[1princess1prince]

I have heard that a common mistake when booking excursions and whatnot is not clicking on the link at the bottom to save your selections.
The DCL website should have what you booked under "Your Cruise Plans".

An 11 am port arrival time is not bad. I have heard of people getting much later..like 1:00 or 2:00 or even 3:00 pm.

I so need this vacation
Can't get here fast enouigh

Great - thanks - I went back and checked and it is under "cruise plans" so I think we are good - I think most people wanted the swim not the encounter -so that is probably why we got in. Kids are excited though - until they see other kids swimming with the dolphins and then they will want to know why theu couldn't do it

 

[Tammyepolytinkfan]

OK Group meets. We could all meet up at the sail away party but where? Deck 12 left side over looks the mail pool area and would be a less crowded place to see sailaway party. How does that sound?

Pirate night would be good too but what Time? 8pm? between the different dining time and shows. Depending on what is going on on deck we could meet there. What do others think?

Family meet D lounge for games anytime just look for the red Lanyards people are wearing. There are always family game shows going on or karoke. Joining games as a group is lots of fun.

Maybe a group mini golf game at sea day say 10 am? What time do others think? or other deck games basketball/volleyball.

Group meet for Bingo (1st time Bingo is offered or last Jackpot Bingo)


These are just some ideas what does everyone think?

everyone to meet on embarktion day at 3pm at the Vista Cafe on deck 4. I printed up our Lanyard logo on a big 8x10 sheet and also a green disboard Mickey Head so you can spot our group. At that time My family and I and some members of the lanyard team will pass out the lanyards to everyone.*** If you can't make it at that time I will make sure to go to your staterooms and put them in your FE's sometime that evening. OK.

 

[theostwalts]

everyone to meet on embarktion day at 3pm at the Vista Cafe on deck 4. I printed up our Lanyard logo on a big 8x10 sheet and also a green disboard Mickey Head so you can spot our group. At that time My family and I and some members of the lanyard team will pass out the lanyards to everyone.*** If you can't make it at that time I will make sure to go to your staterooms and put them in your FE's sometime that evening. OK.

That sounds like a good idea to me.