March 13, 2011 - DREAM

[Tx<3sDisney]

Sorry for the late response, the wreck was located at mile marker 158 in Tallahasse I believe. There is info on the Tallahasse tv station wctv I think is what it is called.

Glad to know everyone else made it home safely!

 

[HappyontheLake]

They obviously had some issues at AKL. We had a Savannah room that was finally ready a little after 5PM! Once we got into the room, the pull-out bed wouldn't come all the way out. It took them over an hour to fix that. Then after purchasing a $40 pizza from Giordiano's and putting all but one slice into the fridge for the next day, we discovered the fridge didn't work...the next day! I love AKL too, so I was really disappointed. I am sorry your experience was bad, too. I think yours sounds even worse! I will admit, the hotel did make it up to us.

Our 2 bedroom villa wasn't ready until after 5pm also. I do like the shuttle system between the two parts, and being able to jump on any bus at Kidani to get to Jambo, and the DD bus to get back to Kidani from Jambo when the shuttle isn't running.

But for my 13yo to get food poisoning at AKL -- not happy at all.

We love AKL but found the condo really really dark -- even with the blinds open it was too dark for us. Staying at SSR in July so I will compare it then.

 

[I'mWong]

Our 2 bedroom villa wasn't ready until after 5pm also. I do like the shuttle system between the two parts, and being able to jump on any bus at Kidani to get to Jambo, and the DD bus to get back to Kidani from Jambo when the shuttle isn't running.

But for my 13yo to get food poisoning at AKL -- not happy at all.

We love AKL but found the condo really really dark -- even with the blinds open it was too dark for us. Staying at SSR in July so I will compare it then.

I had read online that Kidani was dark. We love Jambo house. We stay there everytime so far. My son does want to try Kidani, so maybe next time. we will see. Is there a place to get drinks at Kidani or do you have to go over to Mara?

Where did your daughter eat to get food poison?

 

[gmark2000]

Anyone formally complaining to DCL about the embarkation? The almost 5 hour wait was terrible and we were in the terminal building. I can't imagine waiting several hours outside the terminal especially without communication.

 

[txsoccermom]

Anyone formally complaining to DCL about the embarkation? The almost 5 hour wait was terrible and we were in the terminal building. I can't imagine waiting several hours outside the terminal especially without communication.

I am planning on it, but need the e-mail address...do you know what that is? 5 hrs - wow! We "luckily" only had a 3-1/2 hr wait (felt like forever with the kiddos!), which was about 1-1/2 hrs longer than it should have been.

I feel bad saying this, but we actually didn't have any problems once we boarded Room was great, food and service rocked! If you saw the small boy in a green shirt crying/pulling his mom back from leaving the ship on the last morning, that was me and my son

I totally agree with Spiffie about the FE - I had as much fun with it as the kids! They too would run from the elevator, screaming "Look, we have goodies". FE and magnet exchange was very fun

Talk to you soon!

 

[HappyontheLake]

I had read online that Kidani was dark. We love Jambo house. We stay there everytime so far. My son does want to try Kidani, so maybe next time. we will see. Is there a place to get drinks at Kidani or do you have to go over to Mara?

Where did your daughter eat to get food poison?

Our best guess was Mara -- it was the only place she had something different then anybody else. Carrots and Celery sticks with ranch. We all had breakfast at Tusker House in AK, lunch at Le Cellier the day before.

They do have a gift shop but I never saw a drink dispenser. We didn't even get our mugs until the last day when we went to Mara.

 

[kkruser]

Anyone formally complaining to DCL about the embarkation? The almost 5 hour wait was terrible and we were in the terminal building. I can't imagine waiting several hours outside the terminal especially without communication.

Hi Gmark,
We arrived at 12:30 as assigned by our time slot on the on-line check in. We were informed of the problems, directed to drop off luggage, park in the garage and go up to the skybridge by a very nice man who checked our ID's as we drove into the port. I asked if there was a restroom. There was one on the bottom floor of the parking garage. We dropped off all our luggage except for personals and headed for the garage and restroom. When we arrived at the skybridge, we had to pass through a small office manned by several cast members who were in contact by walkie talkie with the ship. They checked our info, told us the circumstances, and allowed us to walk out on the bridge or wait inside. We opted to find a place on the bridge where there was a nice breeze. The bridge also had some shadows making shade for us, and it was uncrowded enough to move around. The kids sat down and played DS. Grandma had fortunately packed snacks for the hungry. Trips were made to the restroom again before the wait was over. The adults struck up conversations with other passengers and even met a family who live in the town where Son and DIL are building a house. We had occasional oral announcements and could ask for info anytime we walked back to the office. Once inside, we found the terminal to be a zoo with lines, but who could find the end? Only after wandering around with lost looks did a cast member direct us to the end of a line. It was so loud that we found it hard to hear each other. I'm really glad we waited outside.

Before we reached the check-in counter, DIL called AA to check on the flight of her Mom and Dad who had missed their 6:20 AM flight but caught their third standby. The flight had landed around 2:30. While sitting on the couches with our number, DIL talked to her Mom who was on the Disney transportatiion headed for the port. We finally had our "lunch" in Cabannas and headed to our room. I re-delivered luggage mistakedly placed outside our door and ran into DIL's Mom and Dad heading to their room! They had no idea about all the embarkation problems, but were told Cabannas was closed. We had early seating, and dinner was in less than two hours at that point.

 

[sueahern]

Hello All -

I've waited a few days to post, giving myself time to reflect. Let me apologize in advance for the length of this review/vent!

This was our 1st Disney Cruise and had high expectations. A good friend has been on 7 Magic Cruises & would not dream of cruising another line.

We arrived at the port around 9:00 with hopes of DH depositing us & returing car. A very nice man directing traffic said we were too early & should come back in about an hour. We picked up coffee from McDonald's, returned the car and were back at terminal about 9:45. Dropped our luggage and got in line. About 20 families in front of us. Looking good. We breezed through the initial check in, security, entered the terminal, and took our place in line. After waiting 30 minutes & not moving there was an announcement that there were computer problems. I went to get my son's wristband, waited in line & was eventually told (30 minutes later) that w/computers down would need to do it onboard. No biggie. Head back to DH in line, son takes a nap on my lap & then line begins to move. Whoo hoo! Reach the desk at 11:15ish, check-in and given "dummy" room keys and boarding #2. Awesome! Told to wait for boarding number to be called. We plopped on the ground to wait. Son had another nap, potty breaks and we finally had our picture taken at 2pm. I know this is much earlier than others but still made for a very loooongg and not very positive first impression. My disney cruise expert friend kept sending me texts of encouragement but we weren't very happy.

Anybody else feel like there should have been someone in the terminal distributing water & perhaps a snack. Or at least welcoming us on board with a beverage? Really, 5 hours without so much as a drink of water. Maybe it was poor planning on our part. We had one bottle of water, vodka and whiskey. Maybe we should have starting passing that around

Overall I think our fellow passengers (especially the little ones) handled the long wait extremely well!

Once onboard we grabbed lunch and headed to Oceaneers club/lab to get wristband. Missed our meet time. Had to leave this line for safety drill.
Went back after safety drill & waited. Missed sail away

Tried to move dining time with no luck. Actually worked out great anyway. We enjoyed the late dining.

From that point on we were in vacation mode and became very happy campers! Impressed with our room! Loved the verandah. Room steward was very nice but not very good. Serving team was excellent. Food was good. Really enjoyed the wine tasting, mixology and martini classes!

Loved Castaway Cay! Followed the advice on disboard and walked to the end of the 2nd family beach & found chairs w/o problem. Road bikes around the island several times, enjoyed the adult beach & DS LOVED all of the kids clubs (on ship & island).

Soooo happy we did the FE. All the gifts were fantastic & DS loved checking it often. The squeals of delight each time were priceless. Thank you to everyone!

Never found the ship to be too crowded. Sea day did bring lots of people to the pools but that was to be expected & we didn't have a problem with it. Our room was midship on deck 9 and we used stairs exclusively. Never had a problem going up or down (except after safety drill).

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. DS starting asking if we could come back on day 2. I just booked us on the Fantasy sailing 5/26 - 7 night.....whoo hooo! Don't know how I will be able to stand waiting over a year to go again. 4 nights isn't long enough. The only other 7 night is on the magic & I'm afraid that I would be disappointed because it isn't "new".

We all got through the madness of boarding & it sounds like most had a good time. I am sorry for those that had issues & hope you were still able to enjoy your trip. Sorry we weren't able to meet up with everyone but feel like I already know some of you from your posts! It's been great!!

 

[jenerra11]

My family and I had the most fabulous vacation. We arrived at the port at 10:30.(CI&S shuttle) We were fortunate to get boarding number 7. As soon as we boarded the ship, I quickly went to D-lounge to reserve Palo brunch. I was so excited when the nice lady gave me a card with our Palo brunch reservation time. Palo brunch was so amazing!!

My family loved the FE gifts. The hardest part was sorting them out as to who gets what.

I didn't feel as though the ship was too crowded. However, I did wake up one morning at 6:00 am to use the hot tub. It was wonderful because it was only my husband and I.

Besides Palo, I would have to say that the Pirates party buffet was our family's favorite meal. The chili was amazing and we loved the flavorful turkey legs. Didn't care for Cabanas breakfast. And what's up with the wheat buns? Next year, I will bring my own buns. Maybe not, considering I gained 10 pounds while on the cruise.

All in all, we had a wonderful time. We re-booked for 3/13/12.

 

[I'mWong]

The only downside to the cruise for me, other than having to get off, was that I didn't get a chance to meet more of you in person. I was really looking forward to that and so were my kids. I did get a chance to know you through your FE gifts and posts on board, though.

 

[Disney's Fan]

I am so glad you posted! After reading of the wreck on I10 that killed the teenage boy from Cypress, I was hoping you would post so I would know your family was okay. I am so saddened by that tragedy, but most grateful that your family was not involved.

We loved the FE too. I am so glad we participated. You are right, there are some awfully creative people out there. My kids loved it too and they are a teen and a tween. I must admit...I liked it too! Obviously there is no age limit to FUN!

I'mWong...that is so sweet of you. I am saddened by that news as well. What a terrible tragedy. My prayers go out to that family. There was another Cypress family who was on our cruise, but I believe their children are younger.

 

[sueahern]

ImWong -

My husband asked me today if I had posted how much we enjoyed the CD's. Obviously I didn't mention that in my very long previous post but we LOVED them. We were also in high school in the 80's and love the music from then. In fact, my DH surprised me with a Rick Springfield concert last year for our anniversary. Rick still sounds great and looks good (thin but aging well). Can you believe he is 65??? Crazy, I know!

We will enjoy those CD's for months to come & fondly remember our cruise! Hope you don't mind but I think we will be stealing your idea for our FE next May on the Fantasy cruise I just booked. 14 long months before that....don't know how I'll stand it!

 

[I'mWong]

ImWong -

My husband asked me today if I had posted how much we enjoyed the CD's. Obviously I didn't mention that in my very long previous post but we LOVED them. We were also in high school in the 80's and love the music from then. In fact, my DH surprised me with a Rick Springfield concert last year for our anniversary. Rick still sounds great and looks good (thin but aging well). Can you believe he is 65??? Crazy, I know!

We will enjoy those CD's for months to come & fondly remember our cruise! Hope you don't mind but I think we will be stealing your idea for our FE next May on the Fantasy cruise I just booked. 14 long months before that....don't know how I'll stand it!

You are welcome to copy my idea of a CD...I must admit I copied it from someone else. I LOVE 80s music too. My sister and I love the big hair bands of the 80s. They are still my favorites. I saw Rick Springfield in concert while I was at Texas Tech in Lubbock Texas at the arena there. It must have been about 1987 or so. I was so "in love" with him. I am glad to hear he still has it together.

A funny story about an 80s song. My sister works for Memorial Hermann Hosptial System here in Houston. Back in the late 80s, early 90s she worked at a hospital that had the exchange 867. Back then, you didn't have to dial an area code yet (guess the city didn't have enough phones then to warrant it). She said they would get so many calls to the number 867-5309 that they had to have that number removed from their phone system. I always thought that was funny. Definitely shows the power of music.

I had a really fun time making the CDs. I haven't heard some of the songs I put on there in years. Lots of memories. I hope you do enjoy it for a long time and it brings great memories of the cruise for you.

 

[txsoccermom]

That the April 6th announcement might have the Magic out of Galveston fall/winter 2012!!!! Who's going with us?!?!? The sad thing is, I don't like taking my kids out of school for things like this, so we will probably only be able to look at the wk of Thanksgiving, which I 'm sure everyone else will be too Oh well, I have the Fantasy booked for 6/2/2012

 

[txsoccermom]

Didn't care for Cabanas breakfast.

Couldn't agree with you more!!! The only times I really noticed the ship being crowded was during the deck parties and our "at sea" day. That last day by the pool was ridiculous. I have a cute pics of our DS' I need to send you - please PM me your home address!


Did everyone read about the CM from the Wonder? How sad...... and prayers to her family and all the other CMs.

 

[kkruser]

That the April 6th announcement might have the Magic out of Galveston fall/winter 2012!!!! Who's going with us?!?!? The sad thing is, I don't like taking my kids out of school for things like this, so we will probably only be able to look at the wk of Thanksgiving, which I 'm sure everyone else will be too Oh well, I have the Fantasy booked for 6/2/2012

I've read Galveston or New York, but you might enjoy a Christmas cruise as well! I have friends who went to WDW last year before Christmas and flew home Christmas day. I'm not sure how they did it, but they arranged for Santa to deliver gifts under the tree while they were gone...probably put them there before they left or gave a neighbor a key.

 

[ksoehrlein]

Sorry for the terrible delay, but I just wanted to check in and say hello and thanks for all the FE gifts! We were the ones who didn't think through actually making a FE and simply had our "low budget" FE (the Castaway Club bag) hanging from our fish. Whoops. Your gifts were all wonderful and gave us something to look forward to each time we went through our door. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I just moved our dummy on-board booking to Thanksgiving 2012. Will any of you be sailing then? I just can't wait to get back on board the Dream!

 

[travelgal2]

Just a note to say THANK YOU to all the folks on the FE exchange. We loved everything-I'm just sad we didn't get to meet more of you. We needed one suitcase just for the gifts, btw!

We had our movers pack out our house, so when we left for the cruise our house was empty...we came back and packed up the cars...and moved from IL to VA. We are now almost completely settled in our new home...and I am now finally back on Disboards...I wanted to say thank you from all of us.

While getting on the ship was an adventure that day, it all worked out and we had a great time. The ship was beautiful-and could we have had better weather? We had done a b2b on this one-this sailing we were in a verandah room (LOVED IT) and for the three day after we moved to two inside rooms with the virtual portholes...LOVED THEM too!

Looking forward to "meeting" you again...and thank you again for all the great gifts you left at our door!

Tracey

 

[txsoccermom]

Just thought I'd checkin and see if anyone was keeping up with each other! Miss all of you. We are now officially planning a 7 nter with travelgal 2 on the Fantasy the wk of Jun 2. Maybe we'll actually meet each other on this one - .

Hope your summers are going well - too stinkin' hot here in TX.