Just returned from 4 nights on Wonder 03/02/08-03/06/08

[crystalnva4]

Just wanted to say hello to anyone who may have been on the ship with us and I will post our trip report here in a day or so. What a great "magical" trip it was!!

 

[JAZ2525]

I can't wait to read it! I am going on the Wonder for 4 nights in April and have been looking for a recent trip report!

 

[crystalnva4]

We are first time cruisers with two children ages 13 and 8. We had dreamed of a Disney Cruise for many years and in December of 2007 I decided to make that dream a reality. I booked us for a March 2-6 cruise to the Bahamas. We decided to try a 4 day first since none of us had cruised before..We surprised the kids 1 week before christmas and that was a joy in its self just seeing the reaction!! Anyway this is my story....Hope you like it!!!

We left our house in Virginia about 5:00 am and hoped for easy traffic. We live about 12 hours away (or so we thought ) and thought the earlier we leave the better. After many stops for drinks, food, using the restroom (ok maybe just for me..ha) and a major accident on I-95, we arrived 13 hours and 30 minutes later! We decided to stay in Cocoa Beach as to be as close as possible (we were searching for the boats all night and the next morning) to the port. We stayed at the Best Western ($156) and had a very nice room, other than the rocking sound from upstairs...lol....Our room was ocean front and also on the side of the building so we had a wonderful view of the ocean and the city! We woke up at 8:00 the next morning and went to IHOP for breakfast, (funny thing about that was we saw a family sitting beside us in IHOP who ended up sitting near us the whole cruise..lol)Next we had to go to CVS because DH had no sunglasses and DS had a toothache . $86 later we were on our way to the port!!! Yipee

 

[BobWerner]

Great so far. Can't wait to read more as this is the Cruise I'm thinking of taking.

 

[crystalnva4]

We searched for the port, missed the exit (always remember it is exit A not B..lol) did a little 4 wheelin then finally arrived at Disney Port!! We could see the funnels from the ship and the kids went crazy!! ok so did I It is now about 10:30 am. We pulled around and they helped us unload our luggage and pointed us in the direction to park. After paying the gentlemen ($60 for 4 days) we parked and grabbed our day luggage. I of course started taking pics right away..lol...We waited in line to go through the metal detectors and met some really nice people who were going on their 10th cruise! We were only waiting for about 5 minutes and up the escalator we went. Once upstairs we were met and told where to go to check in and register the kids for programs. This all took about 10 minutes and we received our boarding pass #5, yipee!! So we went out side to look around and watch the guys cleaning the life boats, also to take lots of pics. The kids got tired of looking at that so we went inside to sit. It is now 11:40 am. At 11:45 they started calling people to board the ship!! Yes I know I had heard not till 12 or 1 too but they started us early!! It went quickly and soon they called #5 and off we went to begin our magical vacation. We passed through the big Mickey ears (showing our drivers license and key to the world cards) took a family pic and crossed the gangway to board. Once we reached the entrance a woman asked our name and we were introduced by loud speaker and everyone was clapping....we were in awe!! Big and Beautiful don't begin to describe it! Next we began day 1 on board the Disney Wonder.

 

[RLccweems]

We searched for the port, missed the exit (always remember it is exit A not B..lol) did a little 4 wheelin then finally arrived at Disney Port!! We could see the funnels from the ship and the kids went crazy!! ok so did I It is now about 10:30 am. We pulled around and they helped us unload our luggage and pointed us in the direction to park. After paying the gentlemen ($60 for 4 days) we parked and grabbed our day luggage. I of course started taking pics right away..lol...We waited in line to go through the metal detectors and met some really nice people who were going on their 10th cruise! We were only waiting for about 5 minutes and up the escalator we went. Once upstairs we were met and told where to go to check in and register the kids for programs. This all took about 10 minutes and we received our boarding pass #5, yipee!! So we went out side to look around and watch the guys cleaning the life boats, also to take lots of pics. The kids got tired of looking at that so we went inside to sit. It is now 11:40 am. At 11:45 they started calling people to board the ship!! Yes I know I had heard not till 12 or 1 too but they started us early!! It went quickly and soon they called #5 and off we went to begin our magical vacation. We passed through the big Mickey ears (showing our drivers license and key to the world cards) took a family pic and crossed the gangway to board. Once we reached the entrance a woman asked our name and we were introduced by loud speaker and everyone was clapping....we were in awe!! Big and Beautiful don't begin to describe it! Next we began day 1 on board the Disney Wonder.

So, far so, good...I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[BobWerner]

Ok, now I want to really read more. Keep it coming! This sounds so fun I think you're actually twisting my arm and making me want to do the cruise.

 

[crystalnva4]

After getting on the boat we were directed to Beach Blanket Buffet for lunch (I asked about Parrot Cay but they were not open yet) I then went to Guest Services to put cash on my account (I didn't want to use credit) and drop off the tshirts (if you want to have tshirts, pillowcases or autograph books signed you just put them in a zip lock bag with your name and room # on it and they return it on the last night signed. Just remember if you don't do just princesses they don't sign at all ) then we went up to lunch. As soon as you get upstairs to go in BBB they give you sanitizer wipes (thank god..lol) and you go in. Lunch was very good, lots to choose from, too many desserts..lol...We sat outside but found it to be quite chilly and very windy and we were not even moving yet. We then decided to explore since our room wouldn't be ready until 1:30. We walked all over that boat, peeking in rooms and taking pics. Lots of people head straight for the pools but we figured there would be plenty of time for that later and we wanted to know our way around the ship. At 1:30 on the dot they removed the blue barriers and our room was ready. We were amazed when we entered the room by how big it was. We had room 7052 which was a cat 5 deck 7 verandah. Beautiful. There was was more storage than we would ever need. 2 bathrooms one with a tub and sink and the other with a toilet and sink. Lots of shelves in the bathrooms also. I had everything unpacked and put away and our "sign" hung on the door in no time at all. We walked out on the balcony and took more pics and just lounged around for a while. Then the kids wanted to swim so we went to the Mickey pool for a while and then the Goofy pool. We had been upgraded to 6:00 dinner so we knew we needed to be ready for dinner before the lifeboat drill and the party. At about 3:30 we went back to the room to get ready for the drill and at 4:00 they sounded the alarm so we would go to our meeting point. All went smooth and the drill was over in 15 minutes or so. After that we literally ran to our room so that we could put our jackets away and get to the deck for the Adventures Away party. We were one of the first families to get on deck so we were right at the front for the party! This party was amazing! They were filming you the whole time so you would catch glimpses of your family on the Dumbotron all the time. Very Cool. Even caught a few kids picking their nose... The party was very high energy and especially when the characters came down the stairs to join us! At 5:00 we counted down to the horn playing and us casting off! Let me tell you what you really do get goosebumps when the horn starts playing "When you wish upon a star"!!! Then the party starts to disperse and we went to the front of the boat to watch us leave. It was very windy but we didn't care we were going to paradise! At this point we decide we need to get to dinner. Our rotation was PTTA or Parrot Cay, Tritons, Tritons, Animators Palate. We headed to Parrot Cay and really started to feel the boat a rockin. We were first in line (which meant every night we had to be first..ha) and so when we entered the room everyone was clapping. We were escorted to our table #22 which yipee was just the 4 of us!! By the time we sat down the boat was really getting it and we were moving so much I started getting a little quesy and so did my DD We made it through a very lovely dinner (nice choices and even nicer servers) and my DS decided he wanted to go to the Oceaneer Lab for a while. After dropping him off we decided to go to the shops and look around. Wow it was really rocking down there and luckily my DS paged us to come get him. We picked him up from the lab (very easy!!) and went back to the room.The first night our towel animal was a dog! The kids were so happy because the bunk beds were down and ready and the room ready for sleep. Me, hubby, and DD took some Dramamine and were in bed by 10:00! What an amazing first day already!!

 

[pjstevens]

Wow, I can't wait to read more. I am so excited for our first Disney cruise in September, I am living through all those that are going before us.

Great start to your trip.

 

[matt&jakesmom]

Enjoying reading your review. My family and I are planning our 1st cruise for next August. My DH and I will be married for 15 years. We go to WDW every year with DS's ages 11 & 9 and thought we would do the cruise-land/sea.

Question, what did you mean about putting the "sign" out in front of the door?

 

[pjstevens]

I then went to Guest Services to put cash on my account (I didn't want to use credit) and drop off the tshirts (if you want to have tshirts, pillowcases or autograph books signed you just put them in a zip lock bag with your name and room # on it and they return it on the last night signed. Just remember if you don't do just princesses they don't sign at all )

So, the princesses won't sign if it isn't requested 'just princesses'? That doesnt' seem nice of them but having not ever done this, it might just be normal.

 

[Susanbee]

Great trip report! I look forward to reading more. I'm going on my first cruise March 22....I live in Madison Heights, VA...just up the road!

Susan

 

[crystalnva4]

WE CREATED A DOOR SIGN WITH OUR NAMES AND MICKEY ON IT. i HAVE TRIED TO POST A PICTURE OF IT BUT i CAN'T GET IT TO POST.

 

[crystalnva4]

PJ the main characters sign or just the princesses not both. I know, it sucks...lol

 

[pjstevens]

WE CREATED A DOOR SIGN WITH OUR NAMES AND MICKEY ON IT. i HAVE TRIED TO POST A PICTURE OF IT BUT i CAN'T GET IT TO POST.

It could be cause you have so few posts yet, but I think once you are over 10 you can post pictures. You'll also need to put your photos online somewhere so they will show up. If you need helps, just yell, there are many here that can talk you through it.

Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

 

[crystalnva4]

thanks pj! i have been out with the flu!! I am going to try to put my next post up today though.

 

[pjstevens]

thanks pj! i have been out with the flu!! I am going to try to put my next post up today though.

So sorry to hear you have the flu, it really seems to be goign around. Hope you are feeling better real soon so you can tell us more about your trip!!!!

 

[crystalnva4]

Day 2 started bright and early with my hubby having called room service the night before he was scheduled to have coffee at 7 am! They arrived right on time and we were all up! We walked out on the balcony and realized we were getting close to Nassau. We all got ready and went up to breakfast at the BBB. Breakfast was really good. Lots to chose from. No soft drinks though (which is my coffee in the mornings..lol) After breakfast we went up to the top deck to watch us pull in to port. I got some really good pics of the lighthouse and the town. We also got to hear the horn again!! One really good thing they do everyday is they come over the intercom to tell you all about the weather and what is coming up and so forth. You get used to hearing the little dings that tell you they are making an announcement (not really in the rooms though cause they don't want to wake up the little ones). We rushed back to our room to get ready for the day and pack our day bag. We had not sceduled any excursions here because I had been told they were a waste of time and money so we decided to just walk around and take it minute by minute. After packing my bag (which was wayyyy to big and heavy and I did not need any of the things I packed ) we were off to the gangway. It took 5 minutes to get off the ship (only needing our DL and KTTWC) and we were in the Bahamas!!!!!!!!! As soon as you get through the first building you know what to expect. Be really prepared to say no..alot! Taxi..no...hair braiding...no....horsey ride...no...boat ride...no....buy this or that...no...ha...We walked around the stores for a while and decided that we really didn't need any of those things, although we did buy some fingernail polish that changes color in the sun (go in DELSOL..great place) and DD bought a necklace after I negotiated from $10 to $6) and DS bought a little turtle thingy. Harley Davidson is REALLY expensive!! After that we were trying to find a drink when we were asked again about braiding hair and I knew DD wanted 2 strands done so I said okay. Well let me tell you they tried talking me into every kind of braid and wrap possible until finally DD said NO.. So we both got 2 braids ($20 including tip..sucker) and found a pepsi to drown in. The sun was really heating up now (87 degrees) and we were getting a little tired already. We decided to do a horse and buggy ride around the city and our guy who had been following us around was there ready and waiting. Now that is something you should do..we had so much fun and the kids loved it! It was short and sweet ($35) and he gave us a great tour of the city! After that we headed back to the boat, saying no the whole way...lol....Nassau is ok but I could have done without..just my opinion. Once we got back on the ship we realized we could eat lunch and have the pools almost to ourselves so that is what we did. Lunch was always good in BBB (except the last day..but that comes later..ha) and we headed for the pool. The kids had a blast with so much room to run around in the play! We also hit the arcade ($20 card was plenty for the 4 of us to play) and we ate some more food at Plutos (always fantastic! try the cajun
chicken....yummy!) we also at fruit from Goofys and had ice cream from scoops...we are already getting bigger..lol...After burning up and wanting to rest we headed back to our room. Now I know alot of people say you don't spend alot of time in your room so it doesn't matter but we found that to be the opposite. It was home after a long day or a respite from the crowd. We loved lounging in the room watching tv (you can watch what is happening at the front of the boat from a live camera on your tv) and see what is happening with weather and how far you have traveled etc...Disney knows how to keep you occupied! We like to hang out on the balcony (we were portside) and watch people coming back to the ship. We were told we could stay in Nassau until 2 oclock in the morning and trust me people did..ha...we could see them stagering back... We had Tritons for dinner and it was very good. I ordered from the kids menu alot because I am a normal meat and potatos kind a person but sometimes I would be daring and try something new. This night was dress up night (we just wore sundresses and the boys wore kahkis..some people had on jeans) and we also had made a bet. DD bet DH that if he would eat Escargo she would so they did and then DS bet me and we did.. Not to bad if you like slimy mushroom tasting stuff..lol..but I got great "face" shots of everyone trying it! We loved our servers they were very attentive and kept everyone happy. After dinner we went to see The Golden Mickeys!! This show is fantastic! Dh is not much for Broadway type shows but he really liked this one! We did buy popcorn and sodas for the show. Don't forget to go up to deck 9 and get your soda beforehand it will save you money! After the show we went back to the room to change clothes and the kids wanted to go to the lab so we took them (they did Kim Possible:cruise control in the 8-9 and DD went to BBB and made Pizza..yumm) Which at the point let me and DH to spend a "quiet" hour together in the room...in the bahamas...alone....yipee.... After that we got the kids and came back to the room to watch movies and the people stagger by...BTW I bought a backpack bag in Nassau for $15 and it was all the day bag I needed for the rest of the trip..actually I am using it for a pocketbook right now..ha...I am going to try to think of tips as I go and post them separate.. Oh Yeah I forgot to tell you that on the morning of the 1st full day we had Kelly from Guest Services come to our room and tell us that out of 2591 people we had been picked as the "Magical Family"!!!! We received concierge services (chocolate covered strawberries in the room..etc)and lots of little surprises everyday!! Our towel friend was a doggy (i think..lol) that night. On to Day 3!!

 

[crystalnva4]

 

[crystalnva4]

THIS IS DD AND DS ON THE DAY WE ARRIVED!