March 31-April 7, 2007 Eastern...3rd try :-)

[mndisfam]

As for time to get to the port - I have heard they will let you board anytime btwn 11 - 12:30. Translation - I have heard they let people board all those different times.

I really was excited to take the cruise bus to the port, but we won't do it this time. We didn't get to the ship until almost 1:30. Felt really rushed - lunch was almost done being served, and all these families were happlily ensconsed at all the pools looking like they had already been fed and watered (parents looked really well watered...) . We really ran around, and then before we knew it, it was time for the boat drill.

This time we are renting a car at the World and getting there around 11. Kids will eat as soon as they let us, and then we will wear our suits underneath and hop in the pool!

The sail away party was so fun - but we felt like we just made it to that.

FYI - I think they don't guarantee your room until almost 1:30??

ANd no - you aren't chopped liver...YUK! I am on the dis meet for the 2008 repo and we already have some 300 plus families registered and 16000 pages!!!

My kids - dd 7 & dd11 would love to hook up with some kids pre cruise. Kathleen

 

[dixieslanding]

We are on board. DH DW DS DD. Oceanview but eager to upgrade to veranda.

4th for us. 3 day, 4 day, 7 day western last June.. and now I need a vacation.

suggestions on excursions?

 

[dpuck1998]

As for time to get to the port - I have heard they will let you board anytime btwn 11 - 12:30. Translation - I have heard they let people board all those different times.

I really was excited to take the cruise bus to the port, but we won't do it this time. We didn't get to the ship until almost 1:30. Felt really rushed - lunch was almost done being served, and all these families were happlily ensconsed at all the pools looking like they had already been fed and watered (parents looked really well watered...) . We really ran around, and then before we knew it, it was time for the boat drill.

This time we are renting a car at the World and getting there around 11. Kids will eat as soon as they let us, and then we will wear our suits underneath and hop in the pool!

The sail away party was so fun - but we felt like we just made it to that.

FYI - I think they don't guarantee your room until almost 1:30??

ANd no - you aren't chopped liver...YUK! I am on the dis meet for the 2008 repo and we already have some 300 plus families registered and 16000 pages!!!

My kids - dd 7 & dd11 would love to hook up with some kids pre cruise. Kathleen

I have a DS7 that I'm sure would like to converse with your DD. We could do it via PMs here or I can get him a gaggle email account.

 

[minniesota]

Welcome aboard, dixieslanding!

How old are your DD and DS? Are you on main seating or late?

As far as excursions, it really depends on the ages of your kids. On our first Eastern cruise, my kids were 10 and 12 and we did the dolphin excursion in St. Maarten and the 5 Star Snorkle trip in St. Thomas. At CC, my DD went parasailing and my DH and DS rented the aquabikes. We loved the dolphin excursion but it was pricey. We did not think the 5 Star lived up to its billing. One thing we did decide was that we wouldn't do excursions on both port days. We felt too rushed and tired by the time it was all over - but that's our family. We enjoy a more relaxing vacation as opposed to a high-energy, action-packed vacation.

We are planning to do the Doubloon Sail and Snorkle in ST and will find a beach on our own in SM.

Are you dining at Palo? Any other activities planned?

 

[ScrapinDisney]

Welcome mndisfam and dixieslanding...lets get this party started , it's almost cruise time people!!!!! whoohooo!!!!!
Wonder what the weather is like in FL???? How about where you are??? In CA it rained last night but a beautiful blue sky and big white clouds now...I think the temp is about 60 going to about 45 tonight.

 

[dpuck1998]

Its 15 here

 

[minniesota]

OK, I think I have you all beat! I'm in northern Minnesota tonight and it's a balmy 7 degrees. And I do mean balmy. Last Sunday morning, it was -30!

My kids are getting very excited about cruisetime. My DD15 wants to shop, of course. I guess a trip to Mall of America might be in order. Maybe when I return to the cities. But hey, what about shopping for me???

 

[dixieslanding]

DD is 12, and DS is 10.

We are experienced Disney Cruisers.... Ashamed of myself for signing up again so quickly (last was 7 day Western in June 2006) but it's been a long year with many nights at office till 11-1am.

We do not have Palo as we just signed up and there are no more reservations on line. I'm hoping there will be some on board as the experience is FANTASTIC!!! I highly recommend the dinner and the brunch. (even preferred the brunch).

For those newbies.... Get ready for the time of your lives. Silly us, last time we planned a couple days AFTER the cruise at the parks --- bad idea. Not only were we too tired (in a good sort of way), the service at the park hotels (normally known for being top rate) is so far below the ship that I almost walked out of the resort.

Am thinking we will take kids on a fishing excursion this time. I booked off Disney for the Caymans (shhh... don't tell Mickey) and it was excellent, so i'm more willing to do that this time --- plus i'm not overwhelmed with the excursion options on this trip. Last time (western) we did stingrays in Cayman (WONDERFUL!) and Tulum in Mexico (FANTASTIC!!!). Also did snorkel at Key West but that was so so....

So, exploring deep sea fishing or bottom fishing at St Maarten and looking into options about going to St John when docked at St Thomas. We aren't big beach people (i know.. why are we cruising then...) so ready to find some 'activities'.

Biggest concern right now is we are GTY room for Ocean view. Would more than happily pay up for veranda but they aren't available. Even considering waiting list for Cat 3 but that's a bit much.

We are in Baltimore... been very chilly of late and snow (hurray) coming.

 

[dpuck1998]

So, in order to get on the Palo Brunch when/where do I head when I board? Can I do it as soon as I get on board or do they wait until everyone is on the ship to let you book things???

 

[ps17]

We will be in Orlando Thursday and Friday (staying at the Bach Cub). Just a note for those staying at WDW. Last year, we had 2 delays getting out: 35 minute delay bell services (this time, we will leave most luggage in the car and carry our own) and further delay checking out because the receptionist did not give us express checkout.


Also, do NOT use National. Their office is very small and a "far" 7 miles away - traffic was bad on A1A. I waited 45 minutes for a cab while my family sat at the terminal.

To those that have used Avis or Budget, anyone know what is better from an "efficiency" standpoint? I'll pay more to drop off my car and get back to the ship in the shortest time possible.

To my fellow Minnesotans - see you on board. EP rules, well at least in football, girls hockey, baseball, and a couple of other things. Sounds like just need someone from Apple Valley to have the southern suburbs covered. I'm sure we won't be the only ones - it is probably a national thing now, but most families I know now take vacations on spring break as a norm.

 

[dpuck1998]

I used just about every car rental agency in Orlando. Enterprise is by far the best. Budget is HORRIBLE!! I will never rent with Budget again. I even had the fastbreak or whatever they call it and it was just as slow as having nothing. Book online, get free Emerald club from mousesavers and you can walk right to your car.

 

[mndisfam]

We will book with Enterprise then.

If I remember, we booked a Palo brunch at Rockin' Bar D and there was pleanty of times available - even tho we got to the ship late.

One great thing about this cruise - I still have stuff for DH and me from last year - kids need a few things, but nothing that a trip to Target can't fix.

DD will wear her pretty Xmas gown for formal night, son needs new khakis, but thats ok...

We are way down on deck 2 also, but any room will be great...I just wanted a quiet room. One day, Disney suite (i can dream can't I?)

DId someone say they have a ds 10? My son will be turning 11 on this trip...Need to find some princesses in the 7-10 range...

 

[cruisecrzy]

I have lurked your area for awhile as I was waiting until I was able to book a reservation.

I know have my confirmation in hand. Right now it is me, dd2, and 2 friends in 2 Verandah staterooms. We have our fingers crossed that DH can join us, but right now work is going to cause him to sit this one out.

Can't wait to me everyone. I will read what I have missed later when DD is napping.

Can't wait to sail the Magic again.

 

[minniesota]

Welcome, cruisecrzy!

So glad you can join us and hope your DH can get the time worked out! If not, sounds like you have some friends who can help you have fun!

dpuck-
Isn't the Emerald Club part of National? We are EMerald Club members but it is with National. I agree with ps17 about using National for the cruise - too far away and too inconvenient. And my DH is a diehard National guy.

We used Budget for our last cruise and really had no problems and we were not Fast Break customers. We are now and I was under the impression it worked just like Emerald Club. Not right? What we liked the best is that Budget is just a mile or 2 from the terminal so it was quick and easy getting there.

Any other experiences?

 

[dpuck1998]

Welcome, cruisecrzy!

So glad you can join us and hope your DH can get the time worked out! If not, sounds like you have some friends who can help you have fun!

dpuck-
Isn't the Emerald Club part of National? We are EMerald Club members but it is with National. I agree with ps17 about using National for the cruise - too far away and too inconvenient. And my DH is a diehard National guy.

We used Budget for our last cruise and really had no problems and we were not Fast Break customers. We are now and I was under the impression it worked just like Emerald Club. Not right? What we liked the best is that Budget is just a mile or 2 from the terminal so it was quick and easy getting there.

Any other experiences?

Yes, your right. I should have said National. I got confused with the green colors ;-)

The Budget fastbreak was nothing like the emerald club. It was for the most part worthless. You get a different check-in line, but still have to goto the counter and do paperwork. I was very annoyed with the setup. It took me just as long as it would have otherwise. The only thing is saved was me answering the insurance questions...although I think they asked me anyway.

Enterprise at MCO is also very good...one of them is actually in the airport parking garage...which one is that???

Ok, edit number 3 ;-) National is in the airport and is excellent....Enterprise is off-site, but is also good. Sorry for the confusion....there is no diet coke at my office and I'm not thinking very well.

 

[minniesota]

I posted on the main cruise board and asked about Budget's Fast Break club. Apparently now you go right to the garage and get your vehicle - no waiting in lines at the airport. In PC, however, you do have to go to the counter.

I don't think that will impact us, however, because after DH drops us and the luggage off at the terminal, he will return the car to the lot attendant and then catch the free shuttle back. We will check him in at the terminal.

For our return to MCO, we are using a car service. The last thing DH wants to do after the cruise is go get a rental car so we will just step into our waiting town car/limo and get a ride back to MCO. Sort of continue the vacation ---well, sort of!

 

[cruisecrzy]

dpuck-I don't think anyone else answered this for you. It will take about 1hr to 1hr 15 min for you to get from Wilderness Lodge to the port. We live 15min from MCO and 30 min from WDW.

I have read through many of the pages in here. Glad to have a chatty group. We had a great group last March. Thanksgiving there were only like four of us that were active talkers and only three who even attended the DISmeets.

Does not look like anyone started this yet and I would be glad to. I was keeper of the list on our last two adventures. Sorry if I missed

It just gives everyone a list of cruisers and a way to keep things straight. I know I was getting confused as I read all the post.

It would look like this

Cruise Crazy
Michelle-32
Jessica DD-2
Traveling with 2 adult friends
Verandah
Late Seating-8:15
Kissimmee. FL

We can add or take out whatever people are comfortable with. If others want to have a list like this just let me know and give me the info. I will gladly compile the list.

Thanks for welcoming me to your group.

 

[cruisecrzy]

dpuck-I don't think anyone else answered this for you. It will take about 1hr to 1hr 15 min for you to get from Wilderness Lodge to the port. We live 15min from MCO and 30 min from WDW.

I have read through many of the pages in here. Glad to have a chatty group. We had a great group last March. Thanksgiving there were only like four of us that were active talkers and only three who even attended the DISmeets.

Does not look like anyone started this yet and I would be glad to. I was keeper of the list on our last two adventures. Sorry if I missed

It just gives everyone a list of cruisers and a way to keep things straight. I know I was getting confused as I read all the post.

It would look like this

Cruise Crazy
Michelle-32
Jessica DD-2
Traveling with 2 adult friends
Verandah
Late Seating-8:15
Kissimmee. FL

We can add or take out whatever people are comfortable with. If others want to have a list like this just let me know and give me the info. I will gladly compile the list.

Thanks for welcoming me to your group.

 

[mndisfam]

Add us to the list!

ME: Kathleen. 45 !! SAHM
DH: Mark
DS: Will - turning 11 on cruise
DD: Claire. 7
STateroom - 2004.
Late seating.

 

[dpuck1998]

Add us to the list!

ME: Don 33
DW: Tamra 33
DS: Trace 8
DS: Brady 6
My Mom: Brenda 50 something
Stateroom - 1050/1052
Late seating.