March 4, 2007 Wonder - Anyone Else?

[rpclmc]

Welcome Doug.

We are doing the land/sea package also, staying at the Port Orleans before. we have a daughter 7, who will be 8 on the cruise.

I was the one with the questions on the dolphin swim, decided not to do it this time (yes already making plans for a "next time").

We are getting soooo excited. Can't believe it is coming up so soon. Not looking forward to the loooong plane rides to get there, but they will be worth it and our daughter is a great traveler, so will be easy.

It is days like today that I look forward to the warmth so much more. It is 10 degrees here today and feels cold even in a heated house. And on top of all that, we have to go out in it to do girl scout cookie sales. Oh well, part of having a kid and being supportive. And part of that is going a great trips.

Doug have you guys ever been to Disney World before? What are you plans for the parks? We have been to DW and DL several times and have overdone the Magic Kingdom, so I think we are sticking to Epcot, MGM and Animal World.

Linda

 

[doug46]

Thanks for the welcome Linda. We were at Disney World 4 years ago. This will be our first Disney cruise. My wife and I did a couple of Carnival cruises before kids. We are traveling with my wife's sister's family. They live about 100 yards away and our daughters are like sisters. We also did Disney last time with them and both of the Carnival cruises.

As for the parks, we have not made any concrete plans yet as my sister-in-law has been quite ill. My guess is we will do the Magic Kindom one full day, Epcot most of one day and MGM one full day. I didn't mention it earlier, but we are going down a day early so we have four nights land and four nights sea.

I think it is really neat that your daughter turns eight on the cruise. My niece turns eight the first week of Febrauary and my daughter turns eight in May. I have already registered the kids for the Oceaneers Club, maybe they will meet once they are on board. I told them that you daughter would be celebrating her birthday on board. Of course, their first question was wether they could go to the birthday party.

Have a great day.


Doug

 

[rpclmc]

Doug, it sounds like your girl is a lot like mine, we live about 4 miles (which is really close out here in the "country") away from my husband's brother and family and my daughter and niece (5 years old) are like sisters. They have a 2 year old boy and weren't quite ready for a cruise with the kids, but we are talking about one in a couple of years with them.

My brother-in-law and I have not always gotten along and still is strained, my sister-in-law (his wife) and I get along great and the kids are inseperable - that makes the relationship between my brother-in-law and I much better. He is not a bad guy, we just don't see eye to eye on things (he is very chauvanistist and I think men can help with the kids and house as much as the woman - especially if they both work - don't get me wrong - I am not a woman's libber, but I don't live in the 50's either).

Tell the girls the birthday party is the whole trip and if everyone is included. The theme is princess - she is scared of the characters like Mickey and such, but loves the princesses. But she is not a prissy princess, she will be out there digging in the sand and swimming with the best of them.

We haven't signed up for the Oceaner's Lab yet. How does that work, can we register now and just check her in and out as we feel like it? I just don't see a lot of time she will be in it, except the "day at sea". Most the other time, we will be doing things together.

We actually added a night to our trip, because of the long flights that we have to take, but it doesn't leave enough extra time to get in all 4 parks - so we are thinking we will just make 3 parks. Where are you guys coming from?

Hope your sister-in-law is feeling better soon.

Linda

 

[doug46]

Linda, we also live in the country. In fact, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law live just accross the alphalfa field from us. My sister-in-law has a twin sister (my wife is the singlet). Your relationship with you brother-in-law sounds like mine with the husband of the other twin. Decent guy, I guess, but we are like oil and water. I can't stand the way he treats his wife and the fact that he (and his wife, for that matter) have never said no to their daughter. The resultant problem child is a real terror. Fortunately for all, the brother-in-law accross the field has become my best friend over the years (as you might imagine since we vacation together all of the time, even before kids). Our normal vacations are camping together.

I think you are right about trying to hit all four parks. You can do it on a seven day trip, but I don't think you can do them justice in the 3 and half days we will have. It would feel like you were rushing around all of the time. We will do Magic Kingdom, because that is our favorite. We skipped Epcot last time, so we will do that this time because we want to see the "Honey I Shrunk the Audience" show. We will likely to MGM because they have some really good shows as well. Between now and departure, we will go through all of the attractions and sort of map out what we really want to do and what would be nice to do if we have the time. That way, you don't spend a lot of time in the morning at the park trying to figure out what everyone wans to do. Its a fun activity and really builds the excitment in the kids.

I registered the kids for the Oceaneer's Club online at the Disney Cruise site. That way you are sure to get a beeper if you do leave your kids there. Friends of ours who do a Disney crusie every year (they just returned from the New Year's cruise) said the kids will just love it. It is opened until midnight so even if they want to drop in to meet some other kids... after dinner, it gives you a few minutes to stroll the decks kid free. Their kids absolutely loved it. I don't know how much time my kids will spend there, but I wanted to have them registered ahead of time just in case.

I love reading your notes and responding. I can't wait to go and talking (typing) about it with othres who will be there just makes it that much better.

Have you made any reservations for a character meal? We are doing Chef Mickeys. It was a great buffet last time.

Doug

 

[rpclmc]

Doug, I just got off the site making our camping trip arrangements. That is usually what we do and this year is my in-laws 50th anniversary and they want to do a family camping trip and they know I just love making arrangements, so I am in charge of arranging the trip and others are coordinating the other things. Food, notices, driving, etc.

My husband and daughter and his brother and daughter do a yearly atv'ing/camping trip. My husband, daughter and I get out about 3-4 times in the year for camping/fishing/boating and my husband and daughter do an annual backpacking trip. Then comes hunting season and my husband is gone off and on for a month, my daughter can't wait until she is old enough to go hunting. They are very outdoorsy, I go along for the ride (the family thing) and do a lot of reading and relaxing. It isn't bad, but the cruise sounds like a lot more fun.

I am looking forward to the trip and this chatting with others does build the excitement.

We are not doing any character meals. I thought about it, but decided not to. Just trying to prioritize time and money and I figured we could meet the characters out and about and eat on the run. Not enough time to sit down.

Now, Does Doug46 stand for an age? If so, that is scarey, my brother is Doug and 46, but I know you are not him. First, he has 3 kids, 2nd he has plans on the 4th in Norfolk and 3 he does not live in the country.

So, where is country, generally speaking, not specifically? We are Idaho (a looong way from Florida and cold).

Linda

 

[doug46]

Country for us is Michigan. It has gotten cold here over the last couple of days. No snow, but a lot of ice.

No, sadely, the 46 is not for age (I am 41), but rather my number from when I played football (ah, those glory days).

Had to do one character meal. Last time we were at Disney my son was 7 months old and we did 4 of them. Need to do one for him.

We have a 32 foot 5th wheel camper and camp about 9 times a summer (including one week trip and one 4 day weekend). We are in a small camping club (10 families, lots of kids the same age). Just a bunch of friends that have been doing things together for 20 years (camping for the last 10 or so).

I also hunt, though in Michigan what we consider big game would not stack up to what I am sure your husband, and soon daughter, is chasing. But we love it just the same.

Well gotta run. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk to me some more. I don't know how to use that feature yet, but will figure it out.

 

[rpclmc]

Ooooh sorry to accuse you of being older, I hit the big 40 this year and don't want to age too quickly.

Well, again, there's a similarity, my husband played football way back when in college. I am not much of a football person, so you will have to meet him and exchange football positions and stuff. Talking football (I did watch this), Boise State did great at the Fiesta Bowl. We are proud of that one.

My brother went to Michigan State (a gazillion years ago) for medical school. So we have been to Michigan. I actually was raised in Illinois, my dad was a professor at U of I for 35 years.

Yes, the big game is big out here. He goes for elk every year, this year just got a deer, but the deer are much bigger than the white tails out there.

We want a 5th wheel toy hauler really badly, but that has to wait. We own our own commercial construction company and it is changing yet again, so holding off on purchases. Currently have a Lance Cab over camper. It is nice, but can get crowded when we take all 3 dogs and have the 3 people (we usually just take the lab and it is not too bad then).

Linda

 

[doug46]

Linda, the PM advice worked. However, you have to have at least 6 posts to be able to pm other members (as apposed to staff). I think this post gives me 6.

After I send it I will try to PM again.

 

[eagercruiser]

Hi everyone ,
It my first time on the board .We'll(me,DH and 2 DDs) be on the same cruise as you all.This is our first cruise ever.I have 2 daughters -7 and half and a 3 and half.We wanted to go with some family or friends so the kids can have company, but couldn't.It looks like there are a lot of 7-8 year old girls on the ship.Good for my older one as she loves company.My younger one is a bit shy.Her sole purpose of going on the cruise is to meet "Sleeping Beauty" and dress like one herself(from the point we board the ship). So on the day of boarding if you see a 3 year old Indian girl dressed in pink like a princess,you'll know it's me.
Looks like I am more excited than my kids because since the day we have booked the cruise I spend half my day surfing through the internet looking for info.Can't wait.

 

[rpclmc]

Welcome, eager cruiser. I am one with a DD who is turning 8 on the cruise. There are a lot of 7-8 year old years.

I am like you, I think I am the one the most excited. I am checking out Disney stuff all day long and I already have a huge pile of stuff to bring.

Are you doing just the cruise or the land/cruise trip?

It is our first time cruising also.

Linda

 

[eagercruiser]

Thanks Linda.We are only doing the cruise this time and not land/cruise as we just want to relax this time. Went to Disneyland,La few years back and just not ready for the long lines and walking.Will wait couple of more years till the younger one gets a little older.
Just getting a little worried about the weather in March as I have read that the water is still chilli . I hope we made the right decision by choosing March

 

[rpclmc]

My daughter is year round school and March is her break, so we didn't have a whole lot of choices. The summer is so busy with girl scout camps, family reunions, etc and it is only 6 weeks long for her - so that wasn't an option and her other break is November and that is hunting season - not an option.

I have been concerned about chiliness is March also. I have been told it is consitently warm in the Bahamas. For our snorkeling trip, I am bringing our wetsuits - just in case.

When watching the discussion board with the experienced cruisers, who do the 7 day cruise every year in March, they are not complaining about it being chilly. They just mention sweaters in the evening on the boat because it does cool down then and also with the movement there is a little breeze. But they also talk about heated loungers, that sounds wonderful, if I find those I just may never move.

I bet the pools are heated.

We are doing the land/cruise, but we have been to the Disneys several times and there is going to be no rushing around on this end. If a line is long, well that ride or show wasn't worth it and we move on. My thoughts have been that since we have never done a cruise, we may try to do too much and the cruise ends up not being relaxing. I am sure however we do it, it will be a wonderful trip, but a learning one for the next time. See the next time? I am already planning more cruises. Hawaii is next. I just wish Disney would do Hawaii.

Linda

 

[doug46]

Welcome eagercrusier. We are also on the March 4 Wonder cruise. I have spoken to a number of people who have done cruises in late February and early March. They tell me that the weather on the cruise will be very pleaasnt and that it will not be a concern. We, like Linda, are doing the land and sea package and I understand that the land stay could be a bit chilly (in particular for swimming -- though with heated pools it is not a problem). Although this is our first Disney cruise, we have done two cruises (before kids) on Carnival and I have a friend who does a Disney cruise every year with her family and I think we are all going to have a ball. They absolutly love the Disney cruise experience (just returned from the New Years cruise and 7 days at the parks).

We have a 7 year old girl who turns 8 in May and a 5 year old son. We are traveling with our seven year old niece who turns 8 just before we sail. I think the kids will have plenty of folks to hang with.

Have fun accumulating all the information these boards have to offer. By the way, have you gone on-line to book your excursions? You may want to do that as a couple are already full.

 

[eagercruiser]

Hello everyone.This disscussion board is making me even more excited .Thanks Linda and Doug family for easing my fears on the cold weather. Anyhow it is sooooooooooooo cold in east coast these days that even temp. in 60s is a welcome break.
Doug family, my daughter also turns 8 in may.May 6th to be precise.They grow up so fast.

We booked the cruise in beginning of Jan.,2007 and by that time all early seatings for the dinner were full.Also could get "Palo" reservations only for the first day for dinner.Hope I can change it there as the first day would be hectic with an early morning flight to Orlando and new environment for the kids.

Haven't booked any excursions yet.Any suggestions for activities /excursions in Nassau?

 

[FrazzledDad]

Welcome Eager. Those early dinner seating go fast. We booked in the beginning of Dec. 06 and they were gone then.

 

[rpclmc]

Eager,

We are just doing stuff on our own in Nassau; the fort, Queen's Staircase - Atlantis if there is time. Doug and 1 child and another family are doing the dolphin encounter and swim - which sounds great - I am just forgoing it for now.

I have heard Palo is great, but that is one of those things I am going to do on a longer cruise. I really don't want to take much time away from doing things with the whole family on a short cruise. But, I am one of those who is blessed and can go out to dinner with just my husband whenever I want - we have lots of family/babysitters around us.

It is really cold here and I can't wait for warmth. I have cabin fever pretty badly.

Linda

 

[doug46]

Eagercruiser, if your first night reservations for Palo are relatively early and you have kids that you hope to leave at the Oceaneer's Club while you dine, you might want to try to change them if you can. I understand that they are focused for the most part on registering kids that first night and they may not let you leave them there until 8:00 or 8:30 (I understand it varies depending on how many wait to register the kids until they board). However, go up to the club and talk to them in the afternoon and tell them that you have reservations (the only ones you could get). They will try very hard to accomodate you (that is the Disney way).

On the dining issue, we made our crusie reservations in late October and early dining was already full at that time. Don't lose hope. Our Travel Agent tells us that there are now really three seatings; the early seating, sort of a middle seating, and the late seating. She has us signed up for the earlier of the late seatings and thought we would probably eat between 7:00 and 7:30. Once on board, you can go to the meeting at which you can change seatings and try to move. Personally, I am okay with the late seating for four days because we typically eat at 7:30 anyway. Also, the late seating folks get to go to the early show. I am affraid if we ate first and went to the 8:30 show, my kids would fall asleep.

On Nassau, we are doing the dolphin encounter. I also booked that early (December 06) and it is now sold out. The family we are traveling with went on-line two days after I booked it and it was too late.

I don't think we will see 60 degree whether. Probably more like 70-75. But it does get chilly at night when the ship speeds up and the sun goes down.

 

[eagercruiser]

Two quick questions:
Is anyone taking their own water bottles?If yes than how?
Has any of you got an upgrade for the stateroom.We are in guaranted category 12 and have heard if you are 4 people than you are assured to be upgraded to cat.11.

 

[doug46]

Haven't really thought about bringing water bottles. If we do anything, we will probably just buy a couple of bottles of water and just keep refilling those.

We actually have our room numbers assigned already. I check the reservation every couple of days, just to see if we have been upgraded. In any event, there is another thread on this board that talks about upgrades. Its title is something like "thanks for the pixy dust". On it, the folks talk about getting upgrades and I think one of them indicated that they heard the same thing about category 12 staterooms. We have never booked one, so I don't know. I wish there was an easy way to tell how full the ship was. I think that has a lot to do with whether upgrades (other than those for Cat. 12 with 4 people) are given.

 

[doug46]

Eagercrusier, here is a link to the thread "yeahwhooo thanks dcl for the pixydust" that talks about upgrades. If the link is not active, you may have to go to the search feature and type the title.

www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1333163