Just back from our first Wonder Double Dip Cruise including USF!

[jlawall]

Day one...............(me, DH 51, DD 21 & 18)

We were met at the airport by a fantastic driver, Jack......if anyone is looking for a great driver, I'd be happy to share his number. He treated us like gold throughout the trip.........we went right to the Portofino Hotel. We took it easy and enjoyed the pool and gym. We went with the Club level so we had free gym access and I think 5 opportunities a day to enjoy the club level food services. We finally headed off to the IOA that night. It was steamy and hot but we went on the major rides with "front of the line" access. We will NEVER go to USF w/o it, we felt like true VIPs throughout the trip! Starbucks was open in Citywalk and we loved shopping at the stores like Fresh Produce and Margaritaville!

On the second day we went to US, and spent the day on all the great rides.....I know, most wouldn't pick ET first, but it's a family tradition! Then we did The Simpsons which is an improvement on the former Back to the Future ride. We also saw Fear Factor for the first time. Truly a one-of-kind show like the TV show. We love MIB and it was fun shooting the aliens. Next, it was Jaws and for some reason, that shark really scared me! The heat was kicking in so we had lunch at the Mama ? restaurant, which was good. Everyone else did the Mummy ride, while I shopped.

Heat stroke set in so we headed back to the resort. The launch services were pretty good, although sometimes the wait was a bit long. Sometimes we took the one in HRH to cut into the walk and save waiting time. We also tried the bikers a few times when we didn't feel like waiting.

At night we shopped in Citywalk and ate at Margaritaville. The hotel stay also provided front of the restaurant waiting for tables which was fabulous. Then we went back to US with our friends....who we met on a previous DCL cruise. They joined us for dinner and then a tour of Universal. We went back for another round of MIB and ET. Old habits die hard! Last, we watched the laser show and fireworks. Even though it rained, it was hot and steamy that night.

The next day we went back to US and saw Shrek which was so great!!! Worth the wait!! (even though we had front of the line access, there was a small wait). Next, we saw Disaster which was fun. Once we were done all our favorites at US, we headed over to IOA where we ate at Confisco Grille. It was steaming by then, so we went straight to Popeye's Bilge Raft ride.....there are no words to describe the front of the line access in that heat when the wait time was 90 minutes and we waited 1 minute!!

On my next installment, I will share our next stop which was our first Wonder cruise. We were alittle anxious, having sailed on the Magic six previous times. We were afraid, we would miss all the sea days...............we couldn't have been more wrong..........what an amazing 4 day cruise!

That night we went back to CW for more shopping, dinner and a night at the movies, where we saw Mama Mia.

 

[jlawall]

Day four.......Jack picked us up early and we headed off to the port. We left at 9:30am and arrived at 10:30am. We received a "3" boarding pass. We waited about an hour or so and boarded around noon. After being announced in the lobby we went over to Parrot Cay for the lunch buffet. It was wonderful. Once finished it was still before 1:30pm so we went to the Quiet Cove. It was a hot afternoon and one disapppointment was the heat of the adult pool water. It was so hot we had to take showers at the pool to cool off. We stayed there most of the afternoon, meeting some people and sharing previous cruises, etc. After the boat drill, we unpacked and played bingo. There's a new higher tech way to buy boards but we just did it the old way. We ran into Pikey there and realized we had met him on the 2005 Mexican trip when he was "DJ Pikey." He was very nice and he chatted with us briefly. It's always nice when we see familiar faces on DCL, we weren't expecting that since we usually travel on the Magic. I took advantage of the spa services and had a fantastic foot massage which was worth every penny.

Next, we had dinner in Parrot Cay and then turned in early following dinner. We had a Deck 7 balcony for the 4 of us and it was very nice. Our cabin steward, Rosello, did a fabulous job throughout the trip. We relaxed, played shuffleboard and worked out before dinner. After dinner, we attended the Match Your Mate program. It was more entertaining than ever, Trent did a wonderful job making it even funnier. Next, they had a new program called One Hit Wonders which was really enjoyable and included some audience participation which was hysterical! Also, having the main stage performers do part of the show was fantastic!

 

[jlawall]

On Day 5 of our trip, we ate at the Parrot Cay buffet and then headed off to CC. We decided to stay at the family beach the first day and rented snorkel equipment and floats which we shared. Right away, I had my first Konk Kooler in 4 years! THERE IS NOTHING LIKE FLOATING ON A FLAT RAFT READING A BOOK FOR HOURS IN CC!! It was quite hot, but the beach was so refreshing! We took turns snorkeling and then ate lunch at Cookies BBQ. It was really great, better than we remembered it. A cloud covered the sun, so my DH and I rented the bikes and toured the other end of the island. They've added a new route with an observation tower, which made the ride even more fun! We stayed most of the day and headed back to the boat around 4pm.

We relaxed, played shuffleboard and worked out before dinner. We were alittle spent from all the sun and heat so we took it easy but loved the Jeff Civilicco (sp?) show. He was very funny and entertaining. After dinner in Triton's on Pirate Night, we enjoyed dancing and watching the characters and fireworks. The only downside was the extreme heat that night. DCL needs to add fans with mist on the top decks on days like the ones we had on that trip. I've never sailed in such hot weather, the breeze just didn't cut into the heat like it usually does.

 

[jlawall]

The next morning we used room service and headed off to an excursion to Blackbeard Cay. They some things you could rent, a stingray snorkel which was included and a minimal lunch. There was also a bar and and a beach with lounges. It wasn't too much fun quite frankly and we were not happy with the fact that we waited on the boat on our return trip for 45 minutes waiting for 2 passengers to get their hair braided. The highlight of Nassau was visiting Starbucks at the port right before we went back to the ship.

This was the evening that my DD21 and I booked the martini tasting in Diversions bar. It was informative and fun to try and learn about the different martinis. We saw the new Toy Story show which was creative and authentic. The characters that they created were amazing. After dinner, we went to the Wavebands bar for the Rock and Country show. It was fantastic and included a lot of line dancing. The adults and cast members made it so much fun and we danced for quite a while. Special thx to Pikey, Trent and a few others for making it so fun! This was one of the highpoints of the trip for all of us!

 

[jlawall]

On our last full day, we went back to CC for some relaxation time at Serenity Bay. First, we all had cabana massages. Then we enjoyed the adult beach which was so quiet and relatively empty. We ate there and then headed back towards the ship. We reserved the single rider jet skiis. Although we had to wait about 15 minutes past the reservation time, we finally, boarded the jet skiis and headed out to sea. It was an ecotour and well controlled by our guides. It was alittle scary but loads of fun.

After spending more time at the family beach and some shopping, we went back to the ship. We went back to shuffleboard, working out and relaxing before dinner. Dinner was at Palo this evening and we loved it. Agnes was our server AND SHE WAS BY FAR THE BEST SERVER WE'VE HAD EVER ON ALL THE DCL CRUISE we've sailed on! After dinner we went to the Diversions Bar and played checkers until the crew staff did their final evening performances. That program was better than ever. We still had to pack so headed in to prepare to go home.

 

[jlawall]

After disembarking early from the ship (by 7:30am), Jack was there again and he took us again to meet our good DISfriends at the BWV. We ate up at Beach Blanket the buffet to avoid the rush.

Our friends agreed to let us stay for the day and enjoy their room and pool while waiting for our flight. Due to the rain, we had to make other plans. We chatted in their room and when the rain stopped some of us, mini-golfed at Fantasia Gardens while others sat on the porch and caught up in the most relaxing rockers in WDW! We had pizza from take-out Spoodles for lunch and stopped by the sandwich shop on the boardwalk for dinner. Jack, the driver, was there again to pick us up in time for our flight. I actually enjoyed this day more than I expected b/c when can you relax and enjoy a WDW resort w/o feeling like you have to run around and do everything? Shout out to our DISfriends.....lwilliam........for hosting us and allowing us to invade their vacation!

 

[skiingwife]

Thanks for the report. I liked it. Can you compare the lunch at Cookies Barbeque to the lunch at Serenity Bay? What were the differences? Also, can you tell me about the show the crew put on the last night in Diversions? Is it the same thing they do on the Magic? Thanks

 

[jlawall]

Thanks for the report. I liked it. Can you compare the lunch at Cookies Barbeque to the lunch at Serenity Bay? What were the differences? Also, can you tell me about the show the crew put on the last night in Diversions? Is it the same thing they do on the Magic? Thanks

The show in Diversions was actually better than what I remember on the Magic. We were really glad we went to it and we laughed more than usual. It was longer and more entertaining. They held it in Wavebands (Rockin Bar D) and that was a better place for it. They had a piano player come in and play while the crew staff sang which was really nice too.

I was a little disappointed about the adult beach BBQ. I had heard that it was better but actually I liked the choices we had the first day better at Cookies. They did say that the two days had different menus but it wouldn't have been worth going all the way down there for a better menu. That being said, it was nice and quiet there, the service was excellent and overall, it was a less hectic experience.

I can't emphasize enough, how pleasantly surprised we were that the 4day Wonder didn't seem too short, we had such a great vacation on that ship!

 

[lwilliam]

Hope your next trip is as exciting!

 

[jfis1020]

Hope your next trip is as exciting!

Loved your trip and report and I second Lucy's comments! I hope your next trip is exciting!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Belle de la Bois]

I was a little disappointed about the adult beach BBQ. I had heard that it was better but actually I liked the choices we had the first day better at Cookies. They did say that the two days had different menus but it wouldn't have been worth going all the way down there for a better menu. That being said, it was nice and quiet there, the service was excellent and overall, it was a less hectic experience.

I can't emphasize enough, how pleasantly surprised we were that the 4day Wonder didn't seem too short, we had such a great vacation on that ship!

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. We leave in just a few days for the same trip.

A few questions, if you don't mind:
1. How smoky are the bars and lounges? I've read on previous boards that it's pretty bad. As a non-smoker (and very allergic to smoke) I was hoping I'd be able to enjoy some of these activities you described.

2. How far do you think it is from the ship to Serenity Bay by foot? By bicycle?

3. Do you think it's worth renting the bikes? How far can you actually ride around the island?

4. What is in a Konch Kooler?

Thank you again!

 

[Ski-and-Sea]

Excellent TR. I, too, find the Wonder cruises "feel" longer than they actually are. I think the CMs on the Wonder are fantastic and really make the cruises so special even though they are shorter.

What was the departure time in Nassau?

 

[jlawall]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. We leave in just a few days for the same trip.
A few questions, if you don't mind:
1. How smoky are the bars and lounges? I've read on previous boards that it's pretty bad. As a non-smoker (and very allergic to smoke) I was hoping I'd be able to enjoy some of these activities you described.
2. How far do you think it is from the ship to Serenity Bay by foot? By bicycle?
3. Do you think it's worth renting the bikes? How far can you actually ride around the island?
4. What is in a Konch Kooler?Thank you again!

1. I didn't think any of the bars were smokey at all. They seemed clean and clear to me. I think the only place I smelled smokey air was near the Cove Cafe.
2. I don't think you can stay very long at Serenity Bay with a bike. Usually, you rent them for an hour. They're not strick about the time, and there is a bike rack there, but I think you can just check it out. There is a sign that says it's about a 20 minute walk from the family beach area to the adult beach. There is a tram which runs rather well, which goes back and forth all day and only takes 10 minutes between waiting and travel time. The original bike trail is the former runway for small planes which leads to a parallel path to the Serenity Bay beach. That's about a mile each way. Then, sort of at the start of the bike path, there's another mile long path inside the island. It has some cute Disney decorations and in it's middle there's a huge observation tower where you can see the entire island and back to ship (great pic opportunity). To do all the paths take about an hour if you only stop briefly (there's another lookout at the end of the first bike path and there are water stations throughout the area.)
3. I really enjoyed renting the bikes, it was a nice break from swimming when the sun went behind the clouds for a little while.
4. A Konk Kooler is a drink served exclusively on Castaway Cay (I think you can get it on the trip, but that's no fun!) I forget all the ingredients but it is a must-do when you get there! There are roaming waiters on all the beaches who will serve you and also a large bar near Cookies BBQ. Of course, they have all the regular stuff too!

Have a wonderful, I hope I've helped make it clearer!!!

 

[jlawall]

Excellent TR. I, too, find the Wonder cruises "feel" longer than they actually are. I think the CMs on the Wonder are fantastic and really make the cruises so special even though they are shorter.

What was the departure time in Nassau?

Thanks! I think the cruise staff was more upbeat and relaxed, which may contribute to the fun atmosphere! I believe we left Nassau at 7pm.

 

[jlawall]

Hope your next trip is as exciting!

Loved your trip and report and I second Lucy's comments! I hope your next trip is exciting!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, we've never sailed to Castaway Cay before together...........can you see the "Golden Girls, Junior" floating on those rafts.................... or perhaps, getting, massages in the cabanas,..............or riding bikes.............. or renting jet skiis and swimming with stingrays..........or snorkeling to find MM in the snorkel pool............does this mean...............I may..............finally see..........LuLu in a bathing suit???

 

[jfis1020]

Well, we've never sailed to Castaway Cay before together...........can you see the "Golden Girls, Junior" floating on those rafts.................... or perhaps, getting, massages in the cabanas,..............or riding bikes.............. or renting jet skiis and swimming with stingrays..........or snorkeling to find MM in the snorkel pool............does this mean...............I may..............finally see..........LuLu in a bathing suit???

UUUUUMMMMM I think maybe we'd be safer with Lucy up on the beach, in the shade, guarding all our stuff!!! Then she would look like Sophia with her purse!!

 

[DMMarla07860]

sounds like you had a great cruise

I kind of wish I went on the Wonder instead of the Magic this summer, but then again if I didn't go on the Magic I wouldn't have met David, Luke, or DJ Mike. The best dudes I have ever met, well besides Pikey

 

[jlawall]

sounds like you had a great cruise

I kind of wish I went on the Wonder instead of the Magic this summer, but then again if I didn't go on the Magic I wouldn't have met David, Luke, or DJ Mike. The best dudes I have ever met, well besides Pikey

Had you done the West Coast trip before? It's nice to do each cruise itinerary at least once! I've learned that DCL keeps finding great crew staff to make each cruise special! In addition to Pikey, we had a wonderful dinner in Palo with Agnes and also liked seeing Trent again in the clubs! When's your next trip?

 

[jlawall]

UUUUUMMMMM I think maybe we'd be safer with Lucy up on the beach, in the shade, guarding all our stuff!!! Then she would look like Sophia with her purse!!

Fine, she can watch our bags while we do all that other stuff! But this time, she has to wear her bathing suit! She doesn't need to worry, she'll never see most of those people again after the cruise...........

 

[DMMarla07860]

Had you done the West Coast trip before? It's nice to do each cruise itinerary at least once! I've learned that DCL keeps finding great crew staff to make each cruise special! In addition to Pikey, we had a wonderful dinner in Palo with Agnes and also liked seeing Trent again in the clubs! When's your next trip?

no, I had not done the west coast trip before, actually it was my first trip out west that I can remember, I went when I was like not even 1 years old so don't remember going out west . Yeah I realized DCL does find cruise staff to make the cruise special. My next trip in Febuary 21st, 2009 and the Febuary 28th, so back-to-back cruise, since after that I'm going back to college to finish up